Hi, my name is Rebecca, and I am reaching out with a heart heavier than I ever imagined possible. My family and I suffered an unimaginable tragedy when Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) struck our hometown of Malaiba, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on November 4, 2025. In a single morning, we lost three of our loved ones: my sister, Pulin; my niece, Redgil; and her partner, Celso.

That day will forever be etched in my memory. I received the call no one ever wants to hear—news that the raging stream near our home had overflowed and swept them away. For days, we lived in anguish, clinging to hope as we searched tirelessly. My younger brother, Nilo, bravely fought against the violent waters to save my niece’s young children, ages 6 and 3. He was able to bring them to safety, but he was helpless against the force of the flood that took their mother, grandmother, and Celso.

My father, Rudy, stood at the scene, watching the waters rise as he heard their cries for help. Knowing he could not reach them in time is a pain he will carry for the rest of his life.

Celso’s body was found hours after the storm, while it took days of searching to recover my niece and my sister. Redgil was found on November 6, and my sister, Pulin, on November 8—buried beneath the debris carried by the flood. The grief that followed is indescribable. We buried them with love and dignity, but the emptiness they leave behind is something we are still learning to navigate.

On top of our loss, our home and community were heavily damaged by the typhoon. The financial strain of funeral costs, daily living expenses, and caring for my niece’s children—now orphans—is overwhelming. These two young children are now facing a future without their parents, too young to comprehend the enormity of what has happened.

I am humbly asking for your help. Any support you can give—no matter the amount—will go directly toward funeral expenses, the children’s needs, and helping our family rebuild from the ground up. I will ensure full transparency by providing receipts and clear documentation for all funds used.

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, generosity, and prayers. Your help does more than ease our financial burdens—it gives us strength and hope as we find our way through this darkest chapter of our lives.