IMAGINE, GIVE. Yoko Ono has a history of helping Filipinos. Photo from the Yoko Ono Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines - “Imagine all the people.”

John Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, took his advice when she heard about the victims of Typhoon “Pablo” (international name: Bopha) in Mindanao. On January 28, Ono donated US$10,000 (Php 406,250) for the victims of the typhoon.

The Beatles wife, a successful businesswoman and artist in her own right, remitted the donation to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

She learned about the calamitous effects of the typhoon in Mindanao after making a personal visit to the official residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Japan last December 5, 2012.

The Spanish-style mansion holds a special significance for Ono: she spent her childhood years there.

Built in 1934, the house used to belong to her uncle Iwajiro Yasuda. Years later, it was sold to President Jose P. Laurel and was acquired by the Philippine Government after World War II.

During her December visit, she thanked Ambassador Manuel Lopez for the efforts the Philippine government has taken to preserve the historic mansion.

This is not the first time Mrs. John Lennon has helped our countrymen. In early 2012, she donated Php 2.5-M to “Ondoy” victims. Her charities also include assistance to public school students in the Philippines. - With reports by Pia Ranada/Rappler.com

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