By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2009 Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO, Illinois (JGLi) – More than $4,000 had been so far donated by Filipino press clubs from Chicago, Illinois, Sydney, Australia, and Toronto, Canada, to survivors of the journalists who were massacred in Maguindanao province in the Philippines last Nov. 23, it was learned today.

Jaime K. Pimentel of the Filipino Press Group of Sydney said his press group has donated (Australian) $3,480 to the survivors of the victims of massacred journalists through the National Press Club of the Philippines.

Ting Joven, treasurer of the National Press Club of the Philippines in the United States (NPC Phil.-U.S.A.) based in Chicago, had wired $773.00 to the widow of Bong Reblando, a reporter of the Manila Bulletin, who was one of the 31 journalists massacred in Maguindanao.

Mrs. Myrna Reblando’s daughter, Maria Priscilla P. Reblando, acknowledged in an email that her mom had received the donation from the NPC Phil.–U.S.A. in her bank account.

Tenny Soriano, president of the Philippine Press Club of Ontario (PPCO) based in Toronto, said his press group had sent (Canadian) $750.00 to the survivors of the journalist victims through Rommel Rebollido of the Philippine News Agency and Inday Varona, officer of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

Renato Perdon of the Filipino Press Group Sydney initially personally turned over A$1,330 to Louie Logarta, NPC Secretary, and Fely Santos, NPC secretarial staff, in the NPC office in Manila.

The Australian Filipino press group wired A$1,350 that was raised by Filipino community leader Mrs. Cen Amores and friends. It also sent another A$800 that was received by Ms. Santos. Ms. Santos said NPC President Benny Antiporda turned over the donations to Mrs. Reblando and other families.

A mong the donors to the Sydney press groups were Mrs. Arelene Howe (Filipina married to an Australian), who donated A$500, and A$300 from The Hot Mamaz club: Neria Soliman, Shiela Collantes, Angel Laney, Baby Kasilag, Bing Williams, Luzette Saez, Vilma Enriquea, Violy Bryant, Lourdes Catap and Sue Chang.

Mr. Soriano said the money the PPCO sent “will be channeled to the NUJP fund for journalists' children. We are continuing the fund campaign but this time, we will be collecting children's clothes, books and other materials needed by these kids.”

Ms. Joven said among the donors for the NPC Phil.-U.S.A fund drive were  Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis ($300); NPC Phil.-U.SA. ($150), Tonie Sison of Las Vegas, Nevada-based Asian American Times ($100); and club members Yoly and Bart Tubalinal, Joseph G. Lariosa, Joe Balmadrid, Manny Zambrano, Ting Joven, June Delfin, Nelia Bernabe, and Jean Paredes-Tablizo.

In an email, Maria Priscilla P. Reblando said, “In behalf of my family, we would like to express our gratitude to the following organizations and persons for the extended help they give to us for the NPC-Phil.-U.SA., Yoly and Bart Tubalinal, Joseph G. Lariosa, Joe Balmadrid, Manny Zambrano, Ting Joven, Loida N. Lewis, Jun Delfin, Nelia Bernabe, Jean Paredez-Tablizo, Tonie Sison of Las Vegas. We sincerely appreciate your time and effort you spent to help us in our needs even if you are busy with your family and profession.

“We especially appreciate your effort in connecting with us and never hesitate to extend your help. I personally thank you for showing us your sympathy and condolences and letting us feel the presence of your love and care you gave for our loved one Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, Sr.” (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

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