LOS ANGELES – On the same day that the Golden Globe Nominations were announced, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) made a significant donation towards relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines.
Filipino-American Hollywood actress and former Disney teen sensation Vanessa Hudgens accepted the donation on behalf of UNICEF Philippines.
In a simple turnover ceremony in HFPA’s office in West Hollywood, a $100,000 check was presented to Hudgens by HFPA President Theo Kingma, former chairperson Ruben Nepales and his wife, Janet Nepales.
During the ceremony Kingma, explained that because of the Golden Globes, HFPA is able to extend assistance to international and domestic relief efforts.
According to Ruben Nepales, the donation was sourced out from the HFPA’s income on the broadcast rights to the Golden Globe Awards.
“The members, in a recent meeting, voted to generously give $100,000 to help in the Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts,” Ruben told Asian Journal in an email correspondence after the turnover ceremony.
“I was very moved by their generosity,” he added.
According to Ruben, the HFPA chose to help Filipinos through UNICEF Philippines because the Association supports the efforts in assisting the children and families affected by the typhoon – particularly in terms of their urgent needs, like hygiene supplies, safe water, food, shelter, and tent classrooms. Of the 14 million people affected by the typhoon, 6 million of those are children, Ruben said.
Janet Nepales also expressed her gratitude to Kingma and to the HFPA members for the kind gesture.
In 2011, the HFPA also sent help to the Philippines when the country was struck by the severe tropical storm Washi (Sendong).
Hudgens for UNICEF PH
Hudgens said that UNICEF’s work is ‘incredible’ in terms of taking care of the millions of children caught in the path of the storm.
“The aftermath is so tough. It’s bigger that we can imagine,” Hudgens pointed out. “Children are completely vulnerable and susceptible to diseases. Schools have been swept away.”
She said that it’s so devastating how many people were affected by the tragedy, and how much work needs to be done in order to rebuild the typhoon-ravaged areas.
Reports say that the Spring Breakers star had only recently started working with UNICEF because of the influence on her by another former Disney starlet, Selena Gomez.
In November, Hudgens appeared in a public service announcement to raise awareness about the Haiyan relief efforts. She told Asian Journal that she’s honored to represent UNICEF Philippines in this campaign.
“It’s such an honor, it really is. I love being there for my people!” Hudgens gushed, “I’m just so happy that I can be a part of it.”
She also pointed out that it’s an amazing thing for celebrities like her to “put their name out there and help out the world.”
“Having a spotlight is very very useful in this situation,” she said.
Emotionally struck by the news
Aside from being affiliated with UNICEF, Hudgens also feels strongly for the relief campaign because of her Filipino lineage.
According to Hudgens, she and her Filipina mother were completely shocked about the extent of devastation brought by Typhoon Haiyan.
Vanessa was in New York when a girlfriend sent her a text message, saying that she hopes that everyone in Vanessa’s family is okay. Upon going online, Vanessa was taken aback by the photos of the massive devastation in the affected areas.
Hudgens also found out that her mother has a couple of family members that they still haven’t heard from.
“When I found out that it happened, I was just very emotionally struck and it just really hit a high chord for me. I try to be involved as much as I can,” Hudgens said.
Recently, a number of Hollywood celebrities have personally reached out to the Philippines to help.
Pop star Justin Bieber flew to Tacloban to perform for the typhoon victims in a public school. R&B diva Alicia Keys visited refugees in Villamor Air Base, and distributed crayons and coloring books.
Hudgens said that “it would be amazing” to take a trip to the Philippines with her mom, Gina and help in the relief efforts. She indicated that her mother hasn’t been back to the Philippines since she immigrated to the United States some 25 years ago.
“If I could, that would be an incredible Christmas present – for me and [for] her to go and visit [the Philippines] and help out,” Hudgens said.
The actress urged Filipinos recovering from the disaster to “keep strong and be survivors.”
“You’re amazing. And I love you so much. And hopefully, with the love from Hollywood Foreign Press, we’ll help you get back on your feet again,” she added.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend December 14-17, 2013 Sec A pg.1)
