Manila Bulletin – Sun, Dec 1, 2013
U.S. actor Paul Walker message to the Philippines in a
Youtube video by his organization Reach Out Worldwide "We love the
Philippines."
Filipinos were saddened by the sudden death of American actor Paul
Walker on Sunday (Philippine time) whose last hours were spent gathering
help for Filipinos suffering from the devastation brought about by
super typhoon "Yolanda".
Walker, who starred in the movie “Fast and Furious”, figured in a
hellish car accident the day of a charity event in Los Angeles,
California for Reach Out Worldwide, a non-profit organization that he
supported.
"It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker
passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity
event for Reach Out Worldwide,” the organization announced on Facebook.
“He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives.”
While there was no official statement about the background of the
charity event, global news agency CNN reported that the event was
intended to raise funds for the Philippines. However, based on Reach
Out's website, they were holding a "Winter Drive" to collect toys for
children "impacted by economic circumstances."
t was also reported that Walker had been giving test drives in a
Porsche to raise funds for typhoon victims as part of the event.
In his official Facebook fan page, Walker posted an appeal for
worldwide donations to help the victims of super typhoon Haiyan
(Yolanda) that devastated the Philippines on Nov. 8.
“Reach Out Worldwide needs your help to bring direct aid to typhoon
victims in the Philippines. All of us at Fast & Furious 7 thank you
for any support you can offer to our efforts,” Walker posted on Nov. 25.
“Together anything is possible, so please consider joining the effort with a donation,” Walker said in another post.
Walker also had a YouTube video with his co-stars in Fast and Furious
where he reiterated his call for donations for the Philippines.
“We are reaching out at the fans. We love Manila. We were there last
year. We love the Philippines. It is better to be armed and ready, let
us start sending,” Walker said. Reach Out Worldwide has already sent
medical teams in Tabontabon in Leyte this week, and continues to bring
medical services to Yolanda victims, the organization said.
Last May, some of the cast of Fast and Furious, including Vin Diesel,
arrived in the country for the red carpet premiere of "Fast and Furious
6.”
Social media sites were flooded with expression of condolences from
grateful Filipinos who were saddened by news of Walker's demise.
“Just wanting to help our kababayan... may you rest in peace. Thank
you so much for all the assistance in helping the Yolanda victims in the
Philippines. We will forever be grateful to all your deeds. Peace Paul.
[We] will pray for your eternal soul,” Evelyn Fortes wrote.
Nante Mae Morena also expressed gratitude to the actor: “Rest in
peace, Paul Walker and thank you for helping the victims of Yolanda
typhoon.”
“He did something worth rewarding. May you rest in peace. Thank you
so much for helping the victims of Yolanda here in the Philippines,”
Nean Nhicer said.
Maria Elena seconded: “Rest In Peace Mr. Paul Walker! You will be
missed! We the Filipino people (The Philippines), will never forget you.
God bless your soul.”