MANILA, Philippines — Days before taking the stage at the Philippine Arena, legendary Taiwanese group F4 members Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu and Vic Chou, along with Mayday frontman Ashin, donated a combined P5 million to support relief efforts for families affected by the devastating earthquake that struck southern Mindanao earlier this month, with the funds divided between the ABS-CBN Foundation and GMA Kapuso Foundation.
The artists, who will perform as part of the “F♦Forever” concert, gave P2.5 million each to the ABS-CBN Foundation's Sagip Kapamilya program and the GMA Kapuso Foundation's Operation Bayanihan initiative.
The donations come in the wake of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani on June 8, leaving deaths, widespread damage and prompting tsunami warnings across parts of Mindanao.
Announcing the donation Tuesday, the ABS-CBN Foundation said the contribution would help sustain its relief operations for affected communities.
"In the wake of the recent Mindanao earthquake, thousands of families face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amid shattered homes and lost livelihoods. Stepping up to help, the members of Asian phenomenon, ‘F♦Forever’ have donated PHP 2.5 million to ABS-CBN Foundation's Sagip Kapamilya,” the statement read.
"Their heartfelt contribution arrives just ahead of their much-anticipated 1st World Tour stop in the Philippines on June 27 at the Philippine Arena, presented by Live Nation. This generous donation will strengthen ABS-CBN Foundation's Sagip Kapamilya relief work for families affected by the earthquake,” it added.
The foundation said it has been working with local partners and communities since the disaster, providing hot meals, food packs, essential supplies and other assistance to children and families in affected areas.
It also thanked the artists and Live Nation Philippines for supporting its humanitarian efforts.
"ABS-CBN Foundation sincerely thanks Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu, Vic Chou, Ashin, and Live Nation Philippines for their generosity and support for the people of Mindanao during this difficult time. By coming together, we can spark hope and extend a helping hand to fellow Filipinos in their time of need,” the foundation added.
Separately, GMA Kapuso Foundation announced on Facebook that the Taiwanese stars had also donated P2.5 million to its Operation Bayanihan initiative.
"This humanitarian contribution is dedicated to supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts for families devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao," the foundation wrote.
"This meaningful contribution reflects the group's enduring bond with the Philippines, further strengthening the connection they have built with Filipino fans through the years," it added.
The charitable initiative precedes “F♦Forever's” first world tour stop, scheduled for June 27 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, where fans are expected to witness the long-awaited reunion of “Meteor Garden’s” Jerry Yan, Van Ness Wu and Vic Chou alongside special guest Ashin.
