Angels in action: the Angel Brigade turns one

MANILA, Philippines - A year ago, when Typhoon Ondoy devastated the country, we had little to be thankful for. Fast forward to a year later, one organization in particular feels that its cup has been filled to the fullest. Celebrating its first year of existence, the volunteer organization Angel Brigade officially began its Gratitude Drive for Malabon with a week-long photo and installation exhibit at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. Along with World Vision, Escuela Taller Intramuros and the Isdanco Foundation, the group aims to raise funds for the livelihood scholars and programs of Baranggay Concepcion in Malabon. A silent auction was also held to encourage onlookers to bid for the cause. Auction donors include designer Tippi Ocampo, fashion photographer Pat Dy, Fabio Salsa Salon, Accessory Lab, Takbo.ph, The Skin and Laser Clinic and Fully Booked with offers ranging from a coaching session worth P10,000 to design work worth P35,000.

The exhibit features photographs taken of its volunteers displayed along the wooden beams of the installations and pedestals constructed by their partner, Escuela Taller Intramuros. The exhibit opening guests were treated to Assembly Line cocktails by Cibo di M and Sostanza Inc.

A brainchild of the organization’s marketing maven, Marga Baula, the cocktails featured relief good staples: corned beef, sardines, instant noodles, crackers and juices. The drinks, in mango, grape and pineapple varieties, were made from Zesto juices while the hor d’oeuvres included treats like Barquillos Cylinders and Crisp Pancit Canton Trio.

As seen in the exhibit photographs, in its short time of existence, the Angel Brigade has managed to lend their wings to various relief operations: for Typhoon Ondoy, for Typhoon Pepeng and for the recent Navotas fire. It seems that today, there is nothing that the Angel Brigade can’t do. But like all success stories, the Angel Brigade started with a humble beginning.

Tippi-top service: Designer Tippi Ocampo, with Angel Brigade core group member and YStyle columnist Katrina Holigores, donates her services as part of the silent auction.

The Angel Brigade was born when founders Tisha Cruz-Bautista and Judith Velasco-Oda decided to give aid to Ondoy-devasted areas that were mostly ignored by the media eye. With initially less than 20 volunteers, they relied on connections to raise funds and gather donations. Chicco Fornier, an Angel Brigade core member, recalls that he and co-core member Ira Cruz, stumbled upon the organization by accident, “We wanted to find the perfect place to volunteer. When we found the Angel Brigade headquarters, we just kept coming back. Here was a place where people volunteered for the sake of volunteering. That’s what we were looking for.”

Remembering wonderful experiences where volunteers just literally stopped to help, Chicco recounts how the Angel Brigade quickly grew in strength, “We were even able to tap an ex-general who lent us military power. We were packing goods alongside the military. It was amazing.”

It was through the initial 20 volunteers’ hard work that word about the Angel Brigade spread throughout Metro Manila. With this, an outpouring of support quickly deluged the organization, allowing them to give aid to far-flung places like the mountainous Benguet.

The organization accepts all forms of volunteerism and doesn’t confine their members to physical work at the Angel Brigade Center. Several volunteers help by re-posting and re-tweeting calls for assistance. Some also become volunteers by offering their help in coordinating work, by lending vehicles for deployment of relief goods, and by donating goods and services when needed.

In a year, the Angel Brigade membership has grown exponentially from 20 to 1,200. While this in itself is impressive, the group knows that it still has a lot to do. “We will continue to help,” Tisha Cruz-Bautista states, “We know that we still have a lot of people to reach.” It is in this light that the Angel Brigade calls on all Filipinos to join them in spreading the fire of volunteerism for more years to come. For a taste of what Angel Brigade volunteerism looks like, head on over to the Angel Brigade Photo and Installation Exhibit at The Powe Plant Mall South Court from until Sept. 26.

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The Angel Brigade office is located at 4th Ave. corner Rizal Drive (in front of Pacific Plaza Towers Condominiums), Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Contact them at 0918-8281000 or AngelBrigadeCenter@gmail.com.