More on The Eraserheads / Tony, Betsy, Jennifer and the charity agencies

Joseph R. Atilano, who, experts agree, has an authoritative grasp of popular music, was dismayed at the erratum which appeared in his essay on The Eraserheads last Saturday (through no fault of the proofreader). Herewith is the paragraph wherein the omission occurred.

“Whether or not The Eraser-heads was the greatest band should be left to the music-minded and the musicians to decide, for each era had its own premiere bands, from the 70s with Juan dela Cruz and Maria Cafra, to the 80s with The Dawn and The Wuds. These bands mentioned were great, each in its own fashion, and revolutionary in its time.”

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Many years back, Tony Meloto founded Gawad Kalinga which then built houses for thousands of homeless people throughout the country. Tony’s current project is to build houses in Jolo, Sulu, with the aim of having the project serve as a bond between Muslims and Christians. Tony is probably the most selfless humanitarian in our midst.

The celebrated Spanish artist Betsy Westendorp, who is a Filipino at heart, has donated many of her exquisite paintings proceeds of which have gone to Gawad Kalinga. Betsy has also augmented funds of the Kaibigan Ermita Outreach Foundation which has been helping street youth and the urban poor children for the last 20 years. Lately, it has focused on community-based activities including parents. Kaibigan aims to empower communities, changing families into productive and responsible members of society.

Donations may be sent to 2551 Rubi St., San Andres Bukid, Manila, Tel. 589-6665, Fax 561-8508.

Jennifer G. R. Wallum, MBE, president-founder of the Entrepreneur Volunteer Assistance Charity Foundation, has been helping the indigenous Aetas help themselves through education and livelihood products.

Donations may be sent to 17 Ecology Village, 1230 Makati City, MM.

At the SOS Children’s Villages Philippines, an abandoned or street child finds a new family and a loving home. The late founder Hermann Gmeimer said: “In this Village, I want to regain the natural world of the family for every orphaned and abandoned child — a real Children’s Village, with boys and girls, small and big — the way they grow up in every family. Nine children are to live together, in a family house, three together in three bedrooms.

“In such a house, a woman is to be a mother to those children. She cooks for them in her kitchen; she looks after the household just like any housewife and mother in any normal family. The children are to call her mother. They are to feel protected by her. It must be a real home for them — a family in which even the psychologically ill child can develop freely.”

National director Bienvenido C. Delgado will welcome donations sent to SOS Children’s Villages Philippines, Mindanao Drive, Ayala Alabang Village, PO Box 196 Ayala Alabang Post Office, 1799 Muntinlupa City. This address is valid only for the Philippines.

On the envelope of UNICEF for Children is written “For the average child, sleeping outdoors is called camping. For a street child, it is called surviving.” UNICEF’s letter tells the story of Alvin who, after his mother married for a second time, physically abused him beyond belief. She would punch him or lock him in the bathroom for hours. At times, she would even stuff him into a sack and tie him upside down.

Although Alvin loved to study, his grades slipped. Rather than endure his mother’s cruelty, Alvin left home. He then lived on the cold pavement, scavenging for food and sniffing rugby with a gang of ruffians.

Luckily, a UNICEF van passed by one day and picked him up. Thereon, Alvin’s life changed completely. After finishing grade five, Alvin received the award “Most Improved Child of the Year” from the UNICEF shelter.

Vanessa Tobin is UNICEF’s local representative. Donations may be sent to 31/F Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 5819 Ayala Ave., cor. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati, MM.

Donations to Museo Pambata will bring more needy children to experience the fun of learning at the Museo which promotes the love for books and reading. Its trustees are Mayor Alfredo Lim, chairman; Nina Lim-Yuson, president and CEO; Gisela Gonzalez Montinola, V-P; Laura Jimenez Westfall, treasurer; Wilfredo Reyes, corporate secretary and Legal Counsel.

The Museo, which has new exhibit rooms and new publications, invites children to hold their parties there.