Hi, my name is Salve Marie Dalanon. I am originally from Masbate, Philippines, and I now live in Toronto, Canada.
On September 26, 2025, Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” or internationally known as “Bualoi” struck Masbate in the early hours of the morning. Masbate City, my beloved hometown, suffered the hardest blow.
Masbate was my home for the first 15 years of my life, before I moved to Cebu City for university. It is where I grew up, where my childhood memories were built, and where the values of resilience, faith, and community that I carry today were nurtured. Though I now live far away, my heart will always remain closely tied to Masbate and its people.
The storm changed lives overnight. Homes were flattened, power and communication lines were cut, and families were left standing amidst ruins where their lives once stood. What you see now are broken walls, fallen roofs, and communities struggling to hold on to hope. It is deeply painful to witness from afar, but it is even harder to imagine the suffering of those who are living through it.
And so, with great humility, I am reaching out to ask for your help. Any support whether big or small, financial or otherwise will mean so much to me and my fellow “Masbateños”. It will not only help provide relief to those who lost everything, but also remind them that they are not alone, that people near and far care about their recovery.
Every act of kindness, no matter the size, brings light to their darkest days. Together, we can help them rebuild their homes, their dignity and give hope. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your compassion and generosity.
I promise to make sure that every dollar raised will go directly to those who need it most in Masbate.
“BULIG PARA SA MASBATEÑO! DIOS MABALOS! (Translation: Help for the people of Masbate and may God bless you in return!)
Organizer
SALVE MARIE DALANON
Organizer
North York, ON