Justin Bieber is apparently planning a visit to the Philippines to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan, according to some reports.
The rumor follows the Canadian’s ongoing relief effort campaign for the devastated island nation, which he launched earlier this week.
The singer’s #GiveBackPhilippines campaign has already raised $546,744 (and counting) of its $1,000,000 goal, in a Prizeo.com hosted prize draw offer to fans for a studio hang out with Bieber in early 2014.
Claims about a Philippines visit by the 19-year-old sparked after an unverified but official Twitter account that posts about the country’s television network ABS-CBN Corporation, tweeted,
“Reports said Justin Bieber to arrive next week. No confirmation yet (sic),” read a December 7 message.
The ABS-CBN Kapamilya Twitter account continues to post on the subject but has stopped short of an actual confirmation .
Notably, the official account for the ABS-CBN Corporation has not mentioned an impending visit to the Philippines by the teen star.
Despite this, the claim is gaining traction after Twitter messages were posted by Harold Geronimo, who states that he is a “Lifestyle Columnist” of three years standing at national newspaper, Manila Standard Today .
Beginning on December 5, Geronimo tweeted a series of Bieber-related posts.
Sources: Justin Bieber planning to visit Tacloban this month for relief efforts.
— Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 5, 2013
CONFIRMED: Justin Bieber to arrive in Manila early next week, then head to Tacloban for Yolanda relief efforts. — Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 7, 2013
About Justin Bieber – it’s coming from a very reliable source. Let’s just wait for the official announcement.
— Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 7, 2013
Since it’s a relief effort, JB’s party want to make it low key. Thus, no official announcement yet. — Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 7, 2013
@epicswag24_7 The source confirmed. Bookings have been made. Not unless they change their mind. But at this moment, it’s a go.
— Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 7, 2013
@hollajonah No concert. He’s going straight to Tacloban.
— Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 7, 2013
Dear Beliebers, scheduled arrival in Manila is on Tuesday then fly straight to Tacloban. Happy Sunday!
— Harold Geronimo (@harold_geronimo) December 8, 2013
In addition to his new Typhoon Haiyan relief effort campaign, Justin has joined artists such as Bob Dyland, U2, Beyonce, the Beatles, Eminem, Kelly Clarkson and others, in donating a track to Songs for the Philippines . Proceeds benefit the Philppines Red Cross.
Bieber contributed his Believe Acoustic album track “ I Would. ”
Last month, the singer spray-painted graffiti art titled “Pray 4 Philippines” along a section of a Los Angeles wall to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan victims. The work is reportedly to be auctioned off with the spray paints used and a signed picture of the design.
Over 5,700 people were killed and millions were and still are affected by Typhoon Haiyan , after it first struck on November 8. In financial terms, damage costs are estimated to be over $288 million, according to the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council disaster agency.
While a trip by Bieber to the Philippines to help with rebuilding may or may not be in the works — and it’s heartening news if it is — the singer’s relief effort campaign is making a difference.
Click here for the full listing of prize rewards on offer and perhaps make a contribution.