MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 30, 2013) – Philanthropist and peace activist Yoko Ono has donated $10,000 to aid victims of super typhoon Bopha in the southern Philippines, Filipino officials said.
The established musical artist and fashion designer handed the donation to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo after learning of the disastrous effects of the typhoon in Mindanao following a personal visit she made to the official residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Japan in December last year.
Yoko Ono spent her childhood years at the same residence, an Iberian-style mansion built in 1934 which used to be owned by her uncle Iwajiro Yasuda. It was sold to President Jose Laurel, and was subsequently acquired by the Philippine Government after World War II.
Every time she comes to Japan, Yoko Ono finds time to visit the residence to reminisce about her childhood. And during her visit in December, she conveyed to Ambassador Manuel Lopez and Maria Teresa Lopez her appreciation for the care the Philippine Government has taken to preserve the historic mansion.
Yoko Ono’s charitable activities include assisting schoolchildren in the Philippines. She also made a contribution for disaster relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of another deadly typhoon in 2009.
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