WW2 Japanese Soldier's Son Gives Relief Money as Reparations

Kenji Hirakawa of Fukuoka last week sent 200,000 yen (around $2,000) in 'Yolanda' relief donation to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, on behalf of his father, who was killed in the Philippines as a member of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, reports Inquirer.net. “My father lies sleeping on a mountain somewhere in Luzon,” Hirakawa wrote in his letter to the embassy. “I am enclosing here 200,000 Japanese yen for all the troubles my father may have caused the Filipino people,” Hirakawa wrote.

Typhoon Grants for Filipino Non-Immigrant Students

The Institute of International Education (IIE) announced the availability of the Philippines Emergency Student Fund for students from the Philippines enrolled at US institutions who have an immediate need for funds due to of the financial situation in their home country caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The fund will provide grants of $3,000 each to selected Filipino students. Priority will be given to undergraduates and to those with the most urgent financial need and those closest to graduation. Students must be citizens of the Philippines and have non-immigrant status in the USA (e.g. F-1 or J-1 status). How to apply: Contact the International Center at istudents@ucsd.edu; 858-534-3730 Deadline: Wednesday, December 4.

Imelda's Ex-Secretary Convicted in Art Scheme

Imelda Marcos' former secretary was convicted on Monday of conspiring to sell art that the former Philippine first lady acquired during her husband's presidency, including a famous Claude Monet water-lily painting, reports ABS-CBN News. After deliberating 2-1/2 hours, a jury in New York state court found Vilma Bautista, 75, guilty of conspiracy and other charges. She faces 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.

Filipino Millennials Happiest in the World, Says Survey

Filipino millennials are the happiest and least stressed in the world, according to a study that surveyed the millennial generation across 32 countries, reports Inquirer.net. Filipinos have a happiness level of 83%. India is next with 81%, China (80%), said the Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) study.

Fil-Am Woman Leads US Gov't Relief Efforts in PH

Gloria Steele, the five-foot-tall Filipino American director of USAID mission in Manila, is leading the US government's relief efforts in the Philippines pic.twitter.com/bmU07sr8Dm. US Yolanda relief aid is now $30 million.

Mayor's Prep Saves Island's Residents from 'Yolanda'

The promise of “zero casualty” is an irony in many areas after typhoon “Yolanda,” but it rings true for a small island in Cebu which was also hit by the monster storm, reports Yahoo News. Because the mayor an ordered evacuation, all residents of Tulang Diyot Island in a Cebu town survived even if some 500 houses were destroyed by winds and waves from typhoon Yolanda, a UN report said.

Filipina's Discovery Boosts Electrical Conductivity 400-Fold

Quite by accident, Washington State University postdoctoral researcher Dr. Marianne Tarun achieved a 400-fold increase in the electrical conductivity of a crystal simply by exposing it to light, reports Gizmodo.com. The effect, which lasted for days after the light was turned off, could dramatically improve the performance of devices like computer chips.

Britons Raise £23 Million in 48 Hours for 'Yolanda' Aid

Generous Britons have raised an incredible £23 million in just 48 hours to help hundreds of thousands of people affected by killer Typhoon Haiyan, reports Express. Figures from the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal reveal the overwhelming support from the British public, which comes in addition to £20m pledged by the UK Government.