"I feel really sad about what happened (in the Philippines last month)," Gutierrez said yesterday. "I went through it as a child and it was really traumatic."

Gutierrez spoke of her experiences at an O'ahu rally for victims of this year's deadly typhoons in the Philippines. Starting last month, four successive typhoons and tropical storms in the country killed 1,062 people, and at least 550 are still listed as missing, according to Philippine officials.

Yesterday's rally, at the Filipino Community Center, was held to raise money and collect supplies for typhoon victims. Led by the Hawai'i Filipino American Relief Committee, the rally converted the community center into a collection point for people dropping off clothes, canned goods and money.

"It's time for everyone to come together and support our compatriots in the Philippines," said Callo, at the community center. "No matter our differences we can come together and support a cause like this."

More than 200 people showed up at the center throughout the day to drop off donations, said Callo. A local Filipino radio station, KNDI, broadcast live from the center. Volunteers carried boxes of supplies from waiting cars while others sat in the shade and ate adobo and guisantes.

Other volunteers monitored a call bank where people could make free international calls to the Philippines to check on family members.

"Filipinos have always been known for helping Filipinos in need, especially in these times and all these disasters," said Danny Licudine, 47, a chemist working for the state. He compared the Philippines' plight to that faced by Florida coastal communities earlier this year. "It is during these times they need help the most," he said.

Willsie Scott, operations manager for Crown Relocations, said his company is paying to ship one 40-foot sea container to the Philippines, a service the company general manager offered after he heard a presentation about flood damage at the Filipino Consulate.

He said the company is working to secure more money for more shipping containers and hopes that other businesses will pitch in with donations. Crown Relocations is also offering to pick up donations for typhoon victims if people call or e-mail Scott. (See box)

"A lot of us have personal ties. My wife is Ilocano and her uncle was affected," said Scott.

Flora Pasion, a retired Honolulu resident, said it is essential to help out during the holidays.

"It's Christmas, we should open our heart," she said.

Yesterday's efforts will continue the flow of aid from the United States to the Philippines after the storms.

At least 900 American troops backed by 13 helicopters and C-130 cargo planes were deployed to the devastated northeast region of the country in a relief operation that the U.S. Embassy in Manila said cost $7 million. The military also donated $1 million in tents, generators, medical supplies and water containers, according to the embassy statement.

The U.S. government also contributed $500,000 through the Philippine Red Cross and non-government organizations.

Philippine government officials blamed excessive logging for the floods and landslides triggered by the storms.