MANILA — Thousands of people in the Philippines fled their homes as a volcano erupted on Monday, sending a spectacular column of ash high into the sky, residents said. The eruption of Bulusan, a 1,559-metre (5,115-foot) volcano, turned mid-morning into night for about 20 minutes across largely farming areas around its slopes, regional army spokesman [...]

The jeepney is the backbone of the public transportation system throughout the Philippines.  Millions of Filipinos depend on the cheap transportation made available by jeepneys.  The minimum rate was previously 7 pesos (about 16 US cents) and will now rise to 8 pesos (about 18 US cents).  This small increase can add up especially for [...]

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines —The United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) on Tuesday sent 55,000 kilos of high energy biscuits worth P5 million to families in Albay who were affected by heavy rains for more than three weeks now. Stephen Anderson, WFP country director, said this would augment ongoing relief operations in Bicol. Read the [...]

It’s been quiet on our blog for too long so I wanted to post a few updates. My wife and I traveled to the Philippines (on our own dollar!) in September immediately following the second annual Society Jam benefit concert. The concert went well and raised over $1,000 for PAS. In the Philippines, we managed [...]

Thanks in advance to this year’s generous sponsors of Society Jam.  Our lead sponsor is Brookdale Dental Care.   Other sponsors include Sun Drop, TGI Fridays, Aaron’s Rent-to-own, Sports and More, and Cricket Wireless.  We can’t thank these sponsors enough for their generosity! See you all on this Saturday from 1-8pm at Les Myers Park.