PHILIPPINE TYPHOON DISASTER

‘Philippine Landslide Bigger than Katrina’ By David Manuel david@eveningpost.ae

Dubai-based artist Glenn Perry to hold charity show for the victims of the Philippine landslide on Friday

Dubai UAE-based artist Glenn Perry will lend his voice and talent to sing for the Philippines’ typhoon victims in a charity concert to be held in Dubai this Friday.Perry, a singer, songwriter, and producer, lived with the typhoon victims in Albay province of the Philippines after Typhoon Durian triggered mudslides, which left thousands dead and many more homeless in December last year. He worked with relief organisation in the province.Previously, Perry has participated in various relief missions including Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, tsunami in Indonesia, earthquake in Kashmir.“I have seen the devastation caused by many calamities and have been to many relief camps. I think the destruction the mudslides have caused in the Philippines is bigger than what Hurricane Katrina caused,” Perry says.He adds that the typhoon victims are mostly orphaned children in need of blankets, food items and shelter.

Deeply touched by their plight, Perry wants to use the concert as a means of creating awareness about the extent of the disaster among Dubaites.“I have lived with the typhoon victims for tw0 weeks in Albay, at the foothill of Mount Mayon, the typhoon victims really need help. They asked me to return for them, and I promised to come back for them.” Perry single-handedly carried out a relief operation distributing food and clothes to the victims in all the affected areas of the disaster in Albay, but the singer-songwriter says it is not enough.“The children of Bicol in the Philippines have been left orphaned by the tragedy. They do not even have basic necessities like blankets.” Perry said. “The situation is really bad and the victims are in urgent need of help.”

“I urge the community in Dubai to come forward and assist me in helping these victims who are suffering. Even just a small donation of any kind will make a big difference to their lives say's Perry, who has lived in the UAE for almost thirty years. He is known for his charitable involvements with concerts organised for different causes in Dubai. Perry also opened the Dubai Music School and has been involved in community works both in Dubai and across the world.

You can help
* Glenn Perry is also collecting clothes, books, pencils, school bags, biscuits and medicines, packed or canned food and milk for the victims. For further details contact 04-396 4834 or email glenn.perry@yahoo.com* The concert will begin at 7.30 p.m. at the Mazaya Centre on February 9. Entry to the concert is free.