Sam Milby will course his donations to 'Ondoy' victims through church. (Photo by JUDE BAUTISTA)

“ASAP 09” mainstays Erik Santos, Sam Milby, and Richard Poon will do their share in helping those who were affected by typhoon “Ondoy.”

“Gusto kong mag-pledge,” said Erik during the “September to Remember” concert held at the Tent City of Manila Hotel on Sept. 28. “Since I have no time to volunteer, that is the least I can do.”

The Prince of Pop was at home while the storm raged in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon last Sept. 26. He admitted to have been shocked watching the news that showed lengths of footage of Filipinos swept away by the floods. 

“Hindi ko makalimutan yung mga nakasakay sa water lily na umagos doon sa tulay,” he recalled. “Wala talagang piniling tao ‘yung bagyo -- mayaman, mahirap, sikat o hindi sikat, lahat naapektuhan.”

Erik, who used to live in flood-prone Malabon, recalled how it had become routine to his family to move their things to the second floor of their house as early as summer.

“Kasi alam namin na anytime puwedeng pumasok ang baha.”

The singer advised everyone to stay in a safe place as two more typhoons are said to hit the country in the coming days.

“Importante ‘yung gamit, pero mas importante ‘yung buhay. I-save mo muna ‘yung buhay mo at ‘yung buhay ng pamilya mo bago mo isipin ‘yung pag-save sa mga gamit mo,” said he.

Typhoon or no typhoon, the show must go on for Erik. Aside from his regular stint on “ASAP ’09,” he is busy promoting his new album, “The Jim Brickman Songbook,” which is set for release in Singapore on Nov. 14. The promotional single is “My Love Is Here.”

Erik also looks forward to holding a 45-city Asian tour. He will be at Aliw Theatre with Bossa Nova diva Sitti on Nov. 21 for their concert titled, “Extraordinary Song.”

Rockoustic Heartthrob Sam Milby, on the other hand, bought canned goods, bottled water, and milk powder for babies all of which he will donate to the typhoon victims through the Victory Christian Church he attends.

“We already held a meeting there (the church) to pray for the victims,” Sam shared.

He was on his way home when the rain fell hard Saturday. Upon assessing the situation, he immediately checked on his friends including his ex-girlfriend, Anne Curtis.

“Yes, she was one of the first persons I called,” he said.

Fortunately for Sam, his house was not devastated despite its being in one of the most affected cities, Pasig.

“I feel lucky, very blessed na hindi nangyari ‘yun sa bahay. I have a friend who lives in Provident (Village, Marikina City, one of the hardest hit by the typhoon). Sabi niya ‘yung mga iba niyang kapitbahay, namatay,” he said.

Despite the bleak scenario, Sam says he is proud to be Filipino in light of the bayanihan spirit blazing across the country nowadays. “Everyone is trying to help. It just shows yet again where the heart of the Pinoys lies---that the Filipinos care for one another.”

After his critically acclaimed movie, “And I Love You So,” with Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay, Sam will soon hit the big screen anew with “Ang Tanging Pamilya,” with Toni Gonzaga, Ai Ai de las Alas, Joseph Estrada, and Dionisia Pacquiao.

Sam is also set to star opposite ex-girlfriend Anne Curtis for a new film as well as reunite with Bea Alonzo on “Your Song Presents: Somebody to Love.”

As with Sam, crooner Richard Poon will course his donations through the church he attends, Victory Greenhills.

“I will donate depending on the need, either in cash or in kind. I will still discuss details with our pastor,” he said.

Richard was in Bacolod for a show when “Ondoy” struck. Apart from calls and text messages from friends, he knew the situation was grave “kasi absent ang mga hosts ng ‘Startalk’ at ‘Entertainment Live’ that day (because of the situation.)”   

Luckily for him, his house in Manila was not devastated. His car, however, was not spared.

“I had my car repaired at an auto shop in Marikina before I went to Bacolod. They called me after the calamity and said they’re doing their best to fix it. I hope it’s still salvageable.”

The crooner is keeping to a tight schedule. Richard, together with fellow ASAP Sessionistas MYMP, Sitti, Nina, Aiza Seguerra, and Duncan Ramos will hold a show at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City on Oct. 23.

He then flies to the US for a series of shows in Anaheim, LA, San Jose, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. He is one of Lea Salonga’s special guests in her “Lea Salonga…  Your Songs” concert at the PICC on Dec. 11 and 12.

Erik, Sam, and Richard were the featured artists in the recent “September to Remember” concert-cum-dinner show, along with Rico J. Puno, Danita Paner, Dr. Manny Calayan, and The Foxy Ladies.

“September to Remember” was presented by actress Daisy Romuladez under her DR Production in cooperation with PAGCOR, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Department of Tourism, the Manila Hotel, the Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN, Manny Pacquiao, Chavit Singson, and Joel Cruz of Aficionado.

The show was sponsored by Willie Revillame, Annabelle Rama, Boy Abunda, Dr. Vina Javellana, Donna Villa, Princess Revilla, Ricky Reyes, Le Charman’t, Mayor Ambagan, General Insurance, Barbara’s, and Mano Po Restaurant.

Proceeds from “September to Remember” will go to the construction of San Roque Church in Agmanic Santa Fe, Romblon.