After the 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu on the night of September 30, several Cebuano showbiz figures and other celebrities expressed solidarity with their kababayans, extending sympathy and prayers to those affected by the natural disaster.
Former Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemates and Kapuso actresses Shuvee Etrata and AZ Martinez, who both grew up in Cebu, were among the first to voice their concern on social media.
On her Instagram broadcast channel, Etrata reassured her fellow Cebuanos, writing, “Sa mga taga Cebu diha, padung na among tabang para sa inyo. Naa pa daw aftershocks hangtud run. Pag amping mo kanunay.”
She also shared Cebu Province’s call for medical volunteers to augment manpower especially in several parts of Northern Cebu.
Martinez, known as “Ang Miss Sunuring Daughter ng Cebu” during her PBB stint, expressed sympathy on her broadcast channel, writing: “My heart goes out to everyone in cebu and nearby areas who were affected by the earthquake just a few moments ago. keeping you all in my prayers for safety and strength.”
She also re-shared her fan club’s prayer post on her Instagram Story.
Another ex-PBB housemate and celebrity entrepreneur Slater Young took to Instagram Stories to thank those who reached out with messages of concern for him and his family.
“Hi everyone. Thank you for all the messages and well wishes. The family is all okay from the quake last night. Praying for our fellow Cebuanos and everyone else affected by the quake,” he wrote.
Young also assured his followers that his ongoing projects remain secure, explaining, “For those asking about our projects, thank you for your concern. Initial assessment shows no major issues, but our engineers and safety team are conducting further checks to be certain.”
Drawing from his background as an engineer, Young further shared safety tips on what to inspect at home after an earthquake and provided information on where to donate for those affected.
BINI member Aiah, also from Cebu, extended her hopes for the safety of her loved ones and fellow residents in an Instagram Story accompanied by emergency hotline numbers.
“To my family, friends, and everyone in Cebu, I hope you are all safe! I may not be in Cebu right now but my heart goes out for the people who are affected,” she wrote.
Renowned singer-actress Vina Morales prayed for her hometown of Bogo, where the epicenter was recorded, “Lord, we lift up Cebu especially my hometown Bogo, in this difficult time. Protect and comfort everyone affected by the earthquake. May healing, strength, and safety cover all.”
Another Cebuana and ex-PBB housemate, Rian Bacalla, took to Facebook to comment on the disaster, linking it to alleged corruption in infrastructure projects.
“This earthquake will reveal the substandard infrastructures of corrupt government officials. First the rain, now the earthquake. Mother Nature’s literally exposing these anomalies,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, the “Divine Diva” Zsa Zsa Padilla personally visited the Cebu Capitol Command Center on Wednesday to donate ready-to-eat food packs and monetary aid for the victims.
Cebuana actress-host Kim Chiu was seen personally buying construction materials to help rebuild homes for her fellow kababayans affected by the disaster, in several social media posts on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Other celebrities also expressed their concern through social media.
On Instagram, comedienne Melai Cantiveros offered a prayer: “Lord please help your people, especially those affected by the earthquake. Please keep us away from the aftershocks and any disaster. Amen.”
She ended her post with the hashtag #BangonMgaBisdak, a message of encouragement for fellow Bisayas.
Actor and Tarlac 2nd District Board Member Arron Villaflor also called for prayers and unity.
“Sa gitna ng takot at pinsala, naniniwala akong ang pagkakaisa, malasakit, at pananampalataya ang magsisilbing ilaw ng bawat pamilyang nasalanta,” he wrote, also urging swift action from the government and aid agencies.
Actress Sofia Andres recalled her experience when the 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu while she was filming in the area.
“Yesterday in Cebu, when the earthquake struck, I was terrified. The panic, the rush of fear, and the thought that I was away from Manila, away from my family. That feeling of distance in moments like this is something I’ll never forget,” she shared on Facebook.
The celebrity mom added that while life must go on, she continues to pray for strength and safety in uncertain times.
“Sometimes I wish I could just pause, but life keeps moving. All I can do is pray for strength, for safety, for peace in the middle of uncertainty,” Andres concluded her post.
Other stars also sent their messages through Instagram Stories.
Ivana Alawi wrote, “My prayers go out to all affected in Cebu. May God give you strength and healing.”
Maymay Entrata added, “Let’s all pray for Cebu. May everyone affected by the earthquake find safety, strength, and comfort.”
As of Wednesday, October 1, the Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO) reported that the death toll had risen to 69. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through Secretary Vince Dizon, placed the initial estimated damage in northern Cebu at P2 billion.
