Coca-Cola helps #REBUILDPH

MANILA, Philippines - Small acts of kindness, when combined, can make a great difference.

This is why it was no surprise to see hundreds gathered at the Araneta open grounds in Cubao, Quezon City on Jan. 30 to join hands for Coca-Cola #RebuildPH. This is a campaign for volunteer round-up and donation drive to continue to help our fellow Filipinos affected by typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

It has been three months since the super typhoon wreaked havoc in the region, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, with neither food nor change of clothes.

Help for the victims easily poured in from around the world. It is undeniable that a great amount of support has already been given, but a lot can still be done.

True to its mantra of “Opening Happiness,” Coca-Cola, in partnership with two organizations – Habitat for Humanity Philippines and The Philippine Red Cross, hosted the event #RebuildPH to step up rebuilding efforts, and in the process, share some happiness to victims and volunteers alike.

It was an afternoon of inspiration as Coca-Cola Happiness Ambassadors and representatives from Habitat for Humanity and Philippine Red Cross shared their stories and experiences to help with relief and rebuild efforts in Eastern Visayas.

Coca-Cola Happiness ambassadors Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes were perfect role models as they volunteered at the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity booths. They also related their own small acts of kindness to inspire more Filipinos to help, in whatever way they can.

The Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon recounted how, through the help of volunteers, his organization was able to provide immediate assistance in the Visayas region.

Habitat for Humanity CEO and managing director Charlie Ayco was also present in the event to share how the organization’s members lifted the spirits of Filipinos in the wake of the super typhoon.

From the Coca-Cola team, public affairs and communications director and lawyer Adel Tamano and Coca-Cola Foundation president Cecile Alcantara shared the company’s efforts in rebuilding not just homes, but lives as well, in Eastern Visayas.

Coca-Cola Philippines general manager Guillermo Aponte was also full-support for the event. He was joined by Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel and former Miss Universe and peace advocate Margie Moran. This year’s 40 Bb. Pilipinas candidates also brightened the night with their beautiful smiles.

As a whole, Coca-Cola #RebuildPH encouraged more people not only to enlist as volunteers and donate, but also to do their own small acts of kindness. After all, the success of rebuilding efforts rests in the hands of every Filipino, not just the mere few.

The event ended with a moving number from the Big Band Syndicate, composed of members of bands Calla Lily, 6 Cycle Mind, Banda ni Kleggy and Gracenote. They performed “Tulong Pilipino,” an inspiring song originally written for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Clearly, the super typhoon may have broken our hearts, but not our spirits.

The overwhelming support for Coca-Cola #RebuildPH is a good omen for future rebuilding activities. This only shows how much Filipinos are willing to give and share a part of themselves to help our fellow countrymen.

For information,  visit www.cokeurl.com/rebuildph and enlist as volunteers for The Philippine Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity Philippines. Post with #RebuildPH and encourage your followers to do the same.