On February 22, 2026, a devastating fire swept through Barangay Tejeros in Makati City, Philippines, destroying nine homes on D. Gomez Street — including the ancestral home of Lenie and Bien.

The blaze broke out around 2:30 AM. Lenie, turning 70, and Bien, turning 71, were inside when it started. By God’s grace, they made it out with only minor scratches — along with their two dogs, who were pulled from the burning structure by responders. But everything else was lost.

The entire second floor of their two-story ancestral home was completely destroyed, and the first floor sustained significant damage. The house was uninsured. They escaped with a few pieces of clothing, some documents, and their phones. Nothing else.

They are now staying with their daughter, Len, who has been a valued leader on my team for the past three years — running our virtual assistant operations in the Philippines with incredible dedication. She is also managing her brother’s recent hospitalization from just three weeks earlier. It has been an overwhelming time for their family.

In Len’s words:

“It is not easy for me to ask for help. Seeing my parents go through this at their age is really hard — so much emotion. My head has been spinning trying to process everything while also figuring out how we move forward and start rebuilding so the house can be livable again.”

What the funds will cover:

News coverage of the fire:

GMA News: 9 Houses Razed in Tejeros, Makati

Manila Tribune Makati Fire Report

I’ve known Len and her family for three years. She is one of the most hardworking, selfless people I’ve ever worked with — and the last person who would ever ask for help. That’s exactly why I’m asking on her behalf.

Every contribution — no matter the size — brings Lenie and Bien one step closer to having their home back. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this page means the world.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.