On November 7, 2009, the Rutgers Association of Philippine Students (RAPS) will present SUKOB, a talent showcase to benefit those in the Philippines affected by Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). The Filipino League at Seton Hall (FLASH) and artist collective Sensitive Guys with Guitars (SGWG) are providing additional assistance and talent for the night. The showcase starts at 7:00PM and is being held at the Allison Road Classroom Building (Room 103) on Rutgers University’s Busch Campus, located on 618 Allison Road, in Piscataway, NJ. The show is open to the public and is $10 or $5 with a donation of medical supplies.
Ondoy brought the worst rainfalls to hit the Metro Manila area in recorded history. Totaling 455mm, the rainfall of Ondoy overshadows even that of Hurricane Katrina, which equaled 250mm. As a result, over 450 people have died, and thousands have been injured. In addition, nearly 31,000 families were left displaced from their homes as a result of the subsequent flooding. The storm literally hit home, as many Filipino-Americans were unable to contact their family members back in the Philippines.
In response to the storm that brought the country to a government proclaimed “State of Calamity”, RAPS with help from FLASH and SGWG quickly began plans for the benefit. The event was named SUKOB, a Tagalog word meaning to “shelter together”, to reflect not only the longing to help, but also the shared struggle with those back in the Philippines to rebuild what the Typhoon had swept away.
Confirmed performers at SUKOB include RAPS Dance Troupe, RAPS Cultural Dance Troupe, FLASH Dance Troupe, FLASH Cultural Dance Troupe, Jay Legaspi, John-Flor Sisante, Danny Katz, John Violago, Matt Sia, and Ashley Clack. Doors open at 7:00 PM with the show starting at 8:00PM. All monetary donations will go to the Ayala Foundation USA. Those interested in giving donations in kind are asked to give new medicine/medical supplies such as over the counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil), cold/flu medicine, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, bandages, etc. Clothing will not be accepted.
For additional information, please contact Amanda Yu at amandayu.email@gmail.com, or Jay Legaspi at jay.legaspi@gmail.com. More information can also be found online at http://www.rufilipino.com.
