[PARTNER] Fil-Ams Take the Plunge

This summer, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took social media by storm. As of this posting, the challenge raised $88.5 million in donations toward the research for a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, named after the famous New York Yankee first baseman who suffered a degenerative condition which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The ALS Association (ALSA) normally makes $1 to $2 million in donations a year.

One of the inspirations for this year's challenge came from Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates, who has ALS himself.

It involves asking donors to douse themselves in ice water on social media to promote awareness for ALS. Once the challenge is accomplished, the donor nominates three friends to take on the challenge within 24 hours or donate $100 for ALS research. The social media chain letter reached greater heights when celebrities such as NBC’s Matt Lauer and singer Justin Timberlake joined in and passed on the challenge to their famous friends.

Filipino American celebrities have taken the challenge as well to help promote awareness and raise funds for ALS.

Fil-Am Celebrities' Videos

Hip-hop singer Apl.de.ap

Actor Dante Basco

WWE Wrestling Champion and "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Dave Bautista 

Olympic medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin

Boxing Champion Nonito Donaire. Jr. and US National Collegiate Taekwondo Champion Rachel Marcial Donaire

Youtube star Christine Gambito aka Happyslip

Boxing Champion and MMA fighter Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton

Olympic medal gymnast Kyla Ross

Singer Nicole Scherzinger

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

Fil-Am and Filipino Celebrity Video Links

Olympic medal short track speedskater JR Celski: http://jrcelski.com/post/94934501263/als-ice-bucket-challenge

Broadway and West End actress Lea Salonga took up the challenge and passed it on to her friends in the Philippines, where celebrities have also taken up the cause to raise awareness and funds for ALS research:

If you wish to make a donation for ALS without having to bring out your “tabo,” please visit http://www.alsa.org/.