RIYADH, 24 July 2004 — The Philippine Embassy raised SR1,000 during a bowling tournament last Wednesday at the Al Khozama bowling lanes for ailing Filipino community leader Magdalena Y. Perez, with Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla scoring 212 pinfalls.
This brought to SR10, 272 the total amount raised by the Filipino community. The amount includes a Euro 1,000 (SR4,412) from Princess Sarah bint Khaled bin Musaad, who also gave the airline ticket.
Princess Sarah extended her help to Perez through Cora Villanueva, one of her household staff.
She also promised another euro1,000 and took Perez’s bank account number in the Philippines.
The Filipino envoy gave Perez, an OFW Congress member and president of Pinoy Friendly, a referral letter to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. It was also the embassy which helped Perez on her travel documents.
“I thank the 31 embassy staff as well as fellow Filipinos and expatriates who participated in the fund drive for a humanitarian cause,” the envoy told Arab News.
He added that the amount also served as gift because the fund drive coincided with Perez’ birth. She left the Kingdom Thursday night.
Attending the event, Perez expressed her thanks to the envoy as well as the others who had helped “in my hour of extreme need.” She’s suffering from cervical cancer.
“Many fellow Filipinos whom I had not yet met called after reading about my ailment and came to my house to share whatever they could,” she said.
Those who want to extend assistance can call her at 006324317349 or remit to her account number (0168291221) at the PCI Bank.
Perez said that she would repay by continuing to serve fellow Filipinos either in the Philippines or in the Kingdom if she gets well and could come back.
Alex Veloso-Bello, OFW Congress president, also expressed his thanks to compatriots who attended the meeting during which he disclosed and discussed Perez’s ailment and asked for help.