ONIC Philippines held a “Stream for a Cause” last Wednesday, successfully raising ₱21,188 for Typhoon Tino victims in Cebu, with all proceeds donated to the Angat Buhay Foundation.
For the Super Family, the stream wasn’t just a one-time act of kindness—it was part of their mission to build a community that gives back, proving that heart and compassion for others makes a true champion.
No one gets left behind
With Cebu reeling from Typhoon Tino’s devastation, thousands lost their homes, families were displaced, and some mourned the loss of loved ones—ONIC PH knew they had to do something.
This wasn’t their first charity effort—the team also held a stream last year to aid Typhoon Kristine victims.
“Before Season 14 started, ni-rebuild talaga namin ang ONIC PH from top to bottom, with our main focus on the community,” ONIC PH Team Manager Joms Clemeña told SPIN.ph in an exclusive interview.
“Firne (Marketing Head) initiated na maging community-driven ang ONIC PH and we believe we were able to make that happen. Sinimulan namin noong fundraising for Typhoon Kristine, and plano talaga namin every time nagkakaroon ng calamities is magkakaroon kami ng donation drive, kaso madalas hindi talaga sumasakto sa schedule.”
“Ang tunay na nag-inspire sa amin ay ang community mismo. Dahil sa laki ng effort at suporta na ibinibigay nila sa amin, gusto rin naming maibalik ‘yon sa paraang may impact. We wanted to give back and show that their support fuels us not only to compete, but also to take action when people need help the most,” he added.
Why Angat Buhay Foundation?
When asked why ONIC PH chose to donate to the Angat Buhay Foundation, Clemeña said trust and transparency were their top priorities.
With shared values at heart, ONIC PH turned over all ₱21,188 raised from the charity stream to the Angat Buhay Foundation and posted a transparency report online to show that every peso was properly handed over.
“We all know that Angat Buhay Foundation is led by a woman that’s honest. Leni Robredo, during her term, consistently had the highest COA rating, meaning trusted ang foundation niya. We are not being political, pero we’re just realistic to donate the funds to one of the trusted foundations,” Clemeña explained.
“Gusto rin naming masigurado na ‘yung tulong ay makarating talaga sa mga nangangailangan. Kaya pinili namin ‘yung may proven track record pagdating sa transparency at mabilis na pag-deliver ng assistance. At the end of the day, ang priority namin is to help, and we believe Angat Buhay was the best channel to make that happen,” he added.
Pain that hits close to heart
The devastation brought by Typhoon Tino struck the ONIC PH team manager on a personal level, as his hometown was among the hardest hit.
“Sobrang sakit sa puso. Ang daming nawalan ng bahay, ng kabuhayan, at ‘yung iba, nawalan pa ng pag-asa. Nakikita mo ‘yung mga kalsada punong-puno ng putik at ‘yung baha umaabot na sa second floors ng bahay at ‘yung iba naaanod na mismo ‘yung bahay, ‘yung mga tao pilit pa ring ngumingiti kahit halata nang pagod na pagod,” he recalled.
After enduring a 6.9-magnitude earthquake just a few weeks prior and still in the process of recovery, Cebu faced massive flooding brought by Typhoon Tino. Despite the destruction, Clemeña said he was moved by the resilience of his fellow Cebuanos.
“Bilang taga-Cebu, ang bigat talaga sa pakiramdam. Cebu is my home — and seeing my fellow Bisaya go through all that pain really breaks my heart. Pero at the same time, proud gyud ko nga Bisaya ko. (I'm still proud of my fellow Cebuanos).
Kasi kahit gaano kabigat ang sitwasyon, dili gyud dali mu-surrender. (We won't surrender) We always find a way to stand up, smile, and help each other. Kaya kahit sa gitna ng kalamidad, ramdam mo pa rin ‘yung kusog ug kasingkasing (strength and heart) sa mga taga-Cebu.” he expressed.
A simple act of kindness
Beyond the charity stream, Clemeña also took personal initiative—sending mobile loads to affected residents in Cebu and Leyte so they could contact their loved ones.
“Na-motivate talaga ako kasi naisip ko ‘yung takot ng mga tao na hindi nila alam kung kumusta na ‘yung mga mahal nila sa buhay. My brother is living alone in Camotes Island, and he was also struggling to update me and my mom who are far from him. Every minute na walang balita, sobrang nakaka-worry, hindi rin ako makatulog that night,” he said.
Clemeña recalled one story that deeply moved him—a message he received from someone who benefited from his simple act of providing mobile load.
“May isang tao na nag-message, sabi niya, ‘Salamat kaayo, sir. (Thank you sir) Nakontak na nako akong mama,’” he shared.
That person had spent an entire day not knowing if his mother was safe, and when he finally heard her voice again, he couldn’t stop crying.
For Clemeña, that moment reminded him how even the smallest acts of kindness can make an enormous difference for someone desperate to reconnect with family in times of crisis.
“Doon ko na-realize na minsan, ‘yung simpleng bagay na akala mo maliit lang—tulad ng pagbigay ng load—pwedeng maging tulay para sa isang pamilya na magkausap ulit. Nakakataba ng puso, and it really reminds you na kahit gaano kaliit, basta galing sa puso, malaking tulong ‘yun sa iba,” he added.
Gaming with a purpose
ONIC’s initiative reminded all of us that gaming can also be a platform to inspire compassion, raise awareness, and help Filipinos in need.
“Sobrang saya kasi gusto talaga namin ma-break ‘yung idea na kapag gaming, laro lang. Beyond entertainment, we really wanted to show that the gaming community has heart—that we can mobilize people, raise awareness, and extend help in times of need,” Clemeña said.
Seeing supporters participate and donate during the stream gave ONIC PH even more motivation to continue community-driven projects.
“Sobrang thank you sa inyo. Hindi magiging posible lahat ‘to kung wala kayong suporta,” he said. “It reminded us na hindi lang about winning ang journey natin, pero tungkol din sa pagiging maayos na komunidad na handang tumulong. SONICS, may puso, may malasakit, at solid sa laban—on and off the stage.”
ONIC PH’s “Stream for a Cause” stands as another example of how esports can bring people together for something greater than competition—a reminder that gaming, at its best, builds not just champions, but a community with compassion.
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