A dinner in Cebu City honoring Chinese Consul General He Shijing turned into a pledging session of help for victims of typhoon Sendong.
Filipino-Chinese businessmen attending the affair at the White Gold House donated cash to help relief efforts in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.
At least P1.2 million was raised that evening, said Joseph Gaisano, owner of White Gold Club.
Gaisano, head of the Cebu Filipino-Chinese United Community which is the umbrella organization of various Fil-Chinese groups in Cebu, said he was touched by the generosity of his colleagues, many of them small business owners.
Not everyone is a well-to-do retailer, he said, but they all voluntarily answered the call for help, which was made on the spot during the reception for the Chinese consul who is ending his tour of duty in Cebu.
The money will be channeled to a businessman contact in Cagayan de Oro to ensure that useful materials are purchased and distributed to the families in need, he said.
Aside from Gaisano, the donors were Ramon Chiu, Benito Gaisano, Alexander Gaisano, Cebu Lioc Kui Fraternal Foundation, Cebu Kang Ha Family Association, Cebu Lin Pok Sy Family Association, Sin Hua Traders Association, Enrico Ang, Mario Osmeña Sr., Cebu Textile Association, Salvador Ang, William Sy Hian Yu, Amado Pena, Sonny Li Chung Ping, Jimmy Te, Ang Chu Hian, George Uy, Lucio Yap, Joseph Ling, Yu Kian Hua, Rafael Go, Uy Hong Sing, Cheng Hung Yee, Robert Pa-ayas, Gou Yaping, Jerry Lao, Shi Qing Po, Tony Tan, Po Chin Chong, Cesar Ang, Vicente Lu, Mariano So, Henry Li Ka Hing, Cua Chua Family Association, Johnson Adala, Tertullano Tolentino Sr., Samson Uy, Co Kai Su, Guo Jia pao, Tai Sui Zhen, James Sy, Alex Young, Uy Bon Phi and Sonia Go.