Fire Destroyed Blue Jade Cafe
Donation protected
In November 2005, Blue Jade Café opened its doors in stall 34, D’talipapa, Boracay. Although established and operated by Carol Buenafe, Blue Jade was financed by Bong Buenafe (Manuel Jr) our Dad. In essence, it was Bong’s restaurant and the devoted staff considered it so. Bong returned time and again, spending languid days hanging out at his favourite spot with his staff for the next 11 years. He was proud of it and he sincerely loved the place and its people.
As most of you may know the story, after a week visit to Boracay, Bong suddenly passed on in March 2016. Everyone who was connected with Bong felt the incredible loss – including his staff who were bereft of their boss-friend. They became even more determined to see the success of Blue Jade.
In a tragic twist of fate, at dawn of September 18, a fire razed D’talipapa and over 100 shops burned in a 4-hour raging fire, including Blue Jade Café – and along with it the legacy of Bong Buenafe. All but one staff also lost their rented homes and belongings.
When the local government allowed tenants to enter the premises 4 days later, the only item that didn’t burn was Bong’s Blue Jade ID card – curious yet fitting for the man who loved his place.
We are raising funds today, primarily for the staff of Blue Jade, five people who are dedicated to the memory of their beloved boss and friend. The fund is to help them cope with their financial, physical and emotional loss – as well as to rebuild the restaurant. The staff of Blue Jade – Bang, Ramir, Bunso, Chat and Bong “Mactan” – along with Bong’s children Melissa, Carmina and Patricia and partner Kris will be grateful for any donation you can give in loving memory of Bong Buenafe.
All donations will go directly to the staff of Blue Jade with the aim to rebuild Dad’s special place, Blue Jade.
Thank you.
As most of you may know the story, after a week visit to Boracay, Bong suddenly passed on in March 2016. Everyone who was connected with Bong felt the incredible loss – including his staff who were bereft of their boss-friend. They became even more determined to see the success of Blue Jade.
In a tragic twist of fate, at dawn of September 18, a fire razed D’talipapa and over 100 shops burned in a 4-hour raging fire, including Blue Jade Café – and along with it the legacy of Bong Buenafe. All but one staff also lost their rented homes and belongings.
When the local government allowed tenants to enter the premises 4 days later, the only item that didn’t burn was Bong’s Blue Jade ID card – curious yet fitting for the man who loved his place.
We are raising funds today, primarily for the staff of Blue Jade, five people who are dedicated to the memory of their beloved boss and friend. The fund is to help them cope with their financial, physical and emotional loss – as well as to rebuild the restaurant. The staff of Blue Jade – Bang, Ramir, Bunso, Chat and Bong “Mactan” – along with Bong’s children Melissa, Carmina and Patricia and partner Kris will be grateful for any donation you can give in loving memory of Bong Buenafe.
All donations will go directly to the staff of Blue Jade with the aim to rebuild Dad’s special place, Blue Jade.
Thank you.
Organiser
Melissa Buenafe
Organiser
Toronto, ON
