Vloggers and gamers use their platforms to help Mindanao quake victims

Many people regard mobile and computer games and vlogging as distractions and a waste of time.

But little do they know that this platform has become a platform for vloggers to lend a helping hand to other people, especially the victims of the recent series of earthquakes that struck the province of Cotabato in early November.

Witness exhibit A: Filipino online streamer Edgar Umali, also known as "Choox," has recently launched a fundraising program called "Stars for a Cause" with the objective of helping the Mindanao quake victims.

In an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Choox shared how he went about his fundraising activity. T

he gamer had asked his 2.1 million followers on Facebook to give him a star, which he used to buy relief goods for the quake victims.

Apparently, each star a gamer receives every time they conduct a livestream online is equivalent to cash.

Choox then conducted a livestream as he played "Mobile Legends" and for every 10,000 stars, he received, he got $100.

"Nakakapagod ding mag-live kasi three hours kaming nakakababad pero noong sinabi sa akin ng asawa ko na kailangang tumulong, parang nawala 'yong pagod ko kasi gusto ko rin talagang tumulong," he said.

In a span of seven days, Choox was able to garner 680,970 stars, equivalent to P295,055 — money he used to buy rice, canned goods, water and other relief goods for the victims.

Meanwhile, vlogger Basel Manadil, also known as "The Hungry Syrian Wanderer" on YouTube, said the idea of being homeless breaks his heart.

Basel came from Homs, Syria, which is a war-torn country. When he learned about the quake, he immediately bought 20 sacks of rice from a farmer in Pampanga so he can donate it to the victims.

Basel also bought blankets and tents to send to survivors who were left homeless.

"Wala ka bahay, wala ka kahit ano so malungkot ako. May budget ako tapos 'yong budget, galing sa business ko so marami akong commitments, but I always make sure to keep something for the good deeds," he said.

Basel, who now has almost 1.4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, said he first came to the Philippines when he was 18 to study. But due to the series of wars in Syria, his parents decided it's better for him to stay for his safety.

Meanwhile, Carson Moody, also known as "Bisayang Hilaw" on YouTube, has a unique way of helping Filipinos with his "bato bato pick" game.

Carson usually gives P1000 to farmers who wins in the game.

It was in 2012 when Carson went here in the country to become a missionary in Negros and Cebu, where he eventually learned the Hiligaynon and Bisaya languages.

To help the Mindanao quake victims, he conducted his usual bato bato pick game between two women named Teodora Dicdican (51) and Ruvy Mae Jauod (26).

In the end, Teodora ended up winning the P10,000, while Ruvy was given a P5000 consolation prize.

This just proves that small gestures really can really make a difference. Good job, guys! — Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News