In November of 2013 one of the “strongest storms to form on Earth in modern times” made landfall in South East Asia and wreaked unimaginable havoc, especially in the Philippines. Since then our volunteering programs in the Philippines were suspending while our partners worked tirelessly to rebuild and recover from what turned out to be the deadliest Philippine typhoon recorded in modern history.
Our hearts went out to our colleagues and partners, and Performing Arts Abroad was honored to be able to assist in fundraising efforts to help the rebuilding. So we were filled with special pride and excitement this morning when we received the following company-wide email from our Director Reynolds Whalen:
Hey, everyone! I am thrilled and a little emotional to announce that we have officially relaunched our programs in the Philippines after more than a year of rebuilding in Tacloban, which was completely devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. At that time, PAA was able to join other education abroad companies in raising thousands of dollars for rebuilding efforts, and we were able to raise enough funds on our own to rebuild the entire home of our dearest partner and friend in Tacloban, Kristel.
We will have both a dance and music volunteering option. Check out our new Dance Volunteering in the Philippines listing when you get the chance, and reacquaint yourselves with the returning but new and improved Music Volunteering in the Philippines listing.
Here’s to the Philippines; here’s to our amazing partners, and here’s to the future!
