Using their passion and hobby as a way of helping their compatriots back home, dozens of Filipino organisations in Qatar launched a number of initiatives at different locations yesterday morning.
Led by the United Pinoy Motor and Motorcycle Group (UPMMG), various groups and individuals met at the Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) at 7am for the “Drive for a Cause”, aimed at helping flood victims in the Philippines. UPMMG is the umbrella organisation of six groups.
Driving their cars and motorbikes, hundreds of expatriates proceeded to Lusail International Circuit where a short programme was held. Culture attache Richard Billedo and some Filipino community leaders joined the event.
The “Drive for a Cause” raised QR8,750 and collected some used clothes. The amount was handed over to representatives of Sagip Kapamilya Foundation. Other items will be shipped to the Philippines and distributed to calamity victims.
Fidel Escurel, adviser of the Philippine Independence Day Organising Committee, lauded the Filipino communities in Qatar for supporting “a noble endeavour”.
Beats and Bytes dancers entertained the crowd with their performance during the short programme.
Melvin Yadao, founder of the Qatar Pinoy Riders, said he was happy to see overseas Filipino workers in unison responding to those who are in dire need.
“Our group is always here to lend a helping hand together with other organisations and individuals,” said Yadao who is one of the advisers of UPMMG.
Meanwhile, hundreds of photographers have shared their time in a “Shoot for a Cause” held in the Philippine School of Doha (PSD) gymnasium.
June Delgado, a management organising committee member of Web Alliance of Radical Photographers (WARP), told Gulf Times they wanted to share their hobby through helping.
“As the old saying goes, no one lives by his own and no man is an island. This is one way of defining our existence in this world,” he said referring to the activity.
Delgado admitted that photography is a “luxurious hobby” and as an artist it should be used for a good purpose.
“We want to share our passion to others especially to our kababayans,” he stressed. WARP is considered as the biggest Filipino photography group in Qatar with 337 members.
As of 9.47am, the organisers disclosed they had already collected QR10,650 from the fees paid by each participant.
Ten models of different nationalities and dozens of volunteers took part in one of the biggest photography events in Qatar.
Foreign photographers also responded to the call, saying “it is a good thing to do on a Friday morning”.
“I know one of the models and she invited me to shoot today here in PSD. It’s nice to be here especially its for a cause,” said Colin, a photographer from the UK.
For Paul, also from the UK, attending photoshoots is one way to learn more.
Another group, the PLQ, headed by Joel Cordero and its former president, Rjay Bustamante, gave some advice to aspiring photographers.
They urged enthusiasts to join organisations, continue shooting and attending workshops constantly to upgrade their skills.
In Mesaieed, five cyclist groups held a “Unity Ride for Charity” sponsored by a Qatari, Farhan al-Sayed. He has been supporting different sports events in Doha.
Al-Sayed, also the founder of the Qatar Chain Reaction, wants to unite all Filipino cyclists under one umbrella organisation: the United Philippine Cyclists Organisation.
Last Thursday night, another group of cyclists held a similar activity with several non-Filipino expatriate workers who also donated cash.
http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/364302/filipino-groups-in-qatar-launch-fund-drives
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