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So many people have come to be aware of the ongoing Miss Asia Pacific International here because of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted one of the pageant’s events. And the delegates recalled the moments that happened that fateful evening.

The Philippine-based international pageant was holding its gala night at the ballroom of Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on Sept. 30, to raise funds for Operation Smile. But the massive tremor with the epicenter traced to Bogo City north of the province disrupted the festivities.

Videos from the event showed Australia’s Deborah Madriaga among the last ladies walking down the runway, exhibiting a calmer demeanor than the others.

‘I’ve never experienced an earthquake, so that was the first time. Growing up, I was into a lot of action movies and stuff, so seeing all of that, it was just natural instinct for me, firstly being calm, and then also looking for my sisters as well,’ she told Inquirer Entertainment.

‘I saw Belgium jump off, so I followed her, and I saw Brazil onstage, so I ran to her. And the crown also jumped in front of me. So I was like, this is real, this is actually happening. The first thing I thought was get the girls to safety,’ she shared.

Reigning queen Janelis Leyba, the finale model of the show, was seen in videos taking her crown off her head and dropping it on the floor. ‘After it all calmed down, that’s when I picked it up and that’s when I gave it back to our leaders. I panicked. I felt so bad for Janelis, like she was so scared. I wish that I could be there for her. She ran off,’ Madriaga said.

The Philippines’ Anita Rose Gomez also said it was her first time experiencing an earthquake. ‘I was just about to get off the stage when it happened. And I just felt that I’m dizzy. I’m not so sure what’s happening, and I just saw people running around me,’ she said.

‘And I saw Miss Taiwan, she’s so shocked, and she cannot move. I grabbed her hands and I told her to go with me under the table. I just kept on praying, that everything will be okay after the earthquake,’ Gomez continued.

‘Kudos to Radisson Hotel, and of course the Miss Asia Pacific International, the staff, they were so calm and prepared, and they made sure that everything was okay, that everything was fine. And I just want to take this opportunity to say to everybody that we are all well taken care of,’ the Zambaleña beauty said. Gomez said she saw online the extent of devastation that the earthquake caused, even claiming lives. ‘I just want everyone to pray, hold on to our faith. And of course, let’s help one another. Let’s look out for one another. And at the same time, let’s help Cebu recoup from what happened last night,’ she said.

Cambodia’s Mealyann Nita Saing shared that she had also experienced a quake while in Bangkok, Thailand doing modeling a few years back. She recalled this incident with people who took cover under the same table as hers during the commotion.

Gomez, meanwhile, said her experience taught her to be quick on her feet. ‘Have the presence of mind that we need. At the same time, don’t panic. It’s something that is instilled in me, that in times of problems, in times of catastrophes, you have to be more relaxed, composed,’ she said.

The earthquake has prompted the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant to cancel the press presentation at the provincial capital scheduled on the day after the earthquake struck. It has also released a statement of solidarity with Cebuanos affected by the tremor.

‘Pageantry is not only about celebrating grace, talent, and advocacy-it is also about embodying the true essence of service,’ the pageant organization said, adding that the candidates will devote their time and influence for relief and fundraising events and initiatives, awareness and empowerment, and solidarity events and programs.

The Miss Asia Pacific International delegates have volunteered in the packing of relief goods at the Cebu Province Warehouse on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1. The call to action was made the last minute, and the ladies readily heeded it. Miss Asia Pacific International President Eva Patalinjug-Lim said all the other activities scheduled for the ladies around the province have been cancelled, but the coronation night will push through on Oct. 8 at the Cebu Coliseum.

In a marketplace where credit cards typically focus on individual rewards and personal spending, one bank is taking a different approach: Chinabank recently launched the CBC @home Visa Platinum, the first credit card in the Philippines primarily designed with Filipino families in mind.

Following the successful launch of the CBC Velvet Visa Signature in 2024, Chinabank launched @home Visa Platinum by identifying a significant opportunity in the market, given that major banks mainly offer rewards on categories like groceries, shopping, and utilities-highlighting individual savings and transactional benefits. ‘By launching a Family Credit Card with clear, family-first positioning, Chinabank claims a white space in the market-meeting the practical needs of modern households while building a deeper emotional connection with Filipino families in a way no other credit card brand currently does,’ says Nina Q. Reynoso, VP Head of Chinabank Cards Marketing.

Family-first features

The CBC @home Visa Platinum is specifically designed for primary income earners ages 25 to 45-mid-level professionals or business owners in the early stages of building a family or actively managing household finances.

The CBC @home Visa Platinum comes packed with benefits tailored specifically for family needs:

Welcome Gift: New cardholders receive a complimentary Php 4,000 SM Supermarket e-voucher with minimum spend-immediately providing value for essential family shopping. 5 Percent Family Cash Back: Up to Php 1,500 cash back every month across all categories, helping families save on their regular expenses.

Free Supplementary Cards: Annual fees are waived for all supplementary cards, making it easier to extend financial access to family members.

0 Percent Installment for Essential Services: Lighter payments on any school and medical bills with 0 percent installment for 3 months, with a minimum of Php 50,000 per transaction.

Exclusive Family Promo Deals: Up to 50 percent off on family-related activities, including outings, dining, and quality time adventures.

Sustainability Commitment

Beyond the financial benefits, the physical card demonstrates Chinabank’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The CBC @home Visa Platinum will be made from recycled plastic, supporting the bank’s sustainability efforts while serving Filipino families.

The product philosophy goes deeper than traditional credit card offerings: ‘Family matters. Always has.’

‘We believe that behind every expense is a family goal-whether it’s caring for children, supporting parents, or simply getting through the week together,’ Nina adds.

This is what sets the CBC @home Visa Platinum apart in a market dominated by transactional messaging: It’s a purpose-driven product designed to provide primary income earners with greater control, flexibility, and attractive benefits across everyday spending. By focusing on the practical needs of modern households while building deeper emotional connections, Chinabank is creating a new category in the Philippine credit card market, acknowledging that for Filipino families, financial management isn’t just about individual gains-it’s about building security, stability, and opportunities for the entire household.

Local design talent and modeling artistry took center stage at Runway Caloocan 2025, held on Sept. 29 at the Caloocan Sports Complex in Bagumbong, as the city’s government put fashion in the spotlight.

Now in its third year, the fashion event featured 10 designers presenting original creations that reflect both modern trends and local craftsmanship.

Jherald Hernandez emerged as this year’s top designer, while Rexie Torella and Matt Aldrick Gregorio were named Female and Male Model of the Year.

The judging panel included international fashion designer Anthony Ramirez, celebrity stylist Patty Yap, and fashion and lifestyle columnist Mike Lim. Aside from the competition, the event highlighted Caloocan’s growing fashion scene and its push to bring homegrown artistry to a wider audience.

‘Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating napakahusay na fashion designers na nakilahok sa Runway Caloocan. Nakaka-proud malaman na lahat ng mga nakita nating sining at obra ngayon ay gawa ng kapwa natin Batang Kankaloo,’ said Mayor Dale Gonzalo ‘Along’ Malapitan in his remarks.

(I thank our very talented fashion designers who joined Runway Caloocan. It’s a proud moment to know that all the artistry we saw tonight was created by fellow Batang Kankaloo.)

The winning and standout designs will be displayed at the Runway Caloocan Exhibit at Bulwagang Katipunan, Caloocan City Hall-South, open for public viewing from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and other airports in Visayas did not incur damage after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu on Tuesday evening, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).

In its latest situational report, Caap stated that the MCIA is continuing normal operations, as its runway inspection revealed no damage.

At 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday, or less than an hour after the quake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces at 9:59 p.m., passengers were evacuated from the MCIA terminal but were later allowed to enter the passenger terminal building after inspection and assessment.

According to Caap, the MCIA’s tower cab equipment and tower structure sustained no damage from the tremor.

Caap, meanwhile, reported a commercial power outage at the airport.

The aviation authority likewise said Calbayog Airport, Hilongos Airport, Maasin Airport, Ormoc Airport, and Tacloban Airport in Eastern Visayas ‘did not incur damages’ per initial inspection and assessment.

As for the Bacolod-Silay airport, Caap said runway inspection is in progress.

‘PAL (Philippine Airlines) and Cebu Pacific flights from Manila were temporarily held for landing while runway inspection is ongoing. Safely landed after they were given safe-to-land clearance,’ said Caap

The Department of Energy (DOE) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake. In a statement, the agency said this was meant ‘to protect households from undue economic burden and guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products.’

The DOE warned that retailers and distributors who fail to comply would face penalties.

It is also coordinating with local government units to prevent overpricing and profiteering.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the agency to help speed up the validation of casualties resulting from the onslaught of Tropical Depression Opong (international name: Bualoi).

‘Challenges remain in accessing remote and heavily impacted areas due to damaged infrastructure, as well as in the identification of remains in advanced stages of decomposition,’ the PNP said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘[Nartatez] instructed police responders to help speed up the validation of casualties related to Typhoon Opong,’ it added.

At least 37 were reported dead, 41 were reported injured and 14 were reported missing due to the combined effects of Opong, Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa) and Tropical Depression Mirasol (Mitag) as of Wednesday, according to the NDRRMC’s latest situational report.

Of the casualties, 33 deaths, 27 injuries and 14 missing persons have yet to be validated by the authorities, the NDRRMC noted.

Opong left the Philippine area of responsibility last Saturday, after making landfalls in Eastern Samar, Masbate, Romblon and Oriental Mindoro.

National University clamped down on Collins Akowe to outlast University of Santo Tomas, 76-69, at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday and remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The Bulldogs limited Akowe, their former high school standout at NU Nazareth School, to a season-low five points on 1-of-7 shooting and eight rebounds.

Coming into the game, Akowe had averaged 24.5 points and 18 rebounds in UST’s 2-0 start, highlighted by big wins over UP and La Salle. ‘The players really worked hard to get this. I’m happy for our guys because they followed the game plan. They were disciplined and the effort was there,’ said NU head coach Jeff Napa.

Jake Figueroa delivered the dagger shots in the closing minutes. With UST leading by one, Gelo Santiago put NU ahead with a layup before Figueroa drilled a jumper for a 70-67 cushion. Nic Cabañero answered for UST to cut the gap to one, but Figueroa struck again-this time with a three-pointer in the final 38 seconds-to seal the win after a Tigers turnover.

‘I just took advantage of the responsibility coach gave me. I had to own it, and it worked out,’ said Figueroa, who finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and nine of his points in the fourth quarter.

Omar John also starred in the paint for NU, outplaying Akowe with 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals.

UST fell to 2-1 after its hot start. Cabañero led with 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting, Amiel Acido posted a career-high 18, while Mark Llemit and Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 12 and 10, respectively.

NU (3-0) is tied with Ateneo atop the standings. The Bulldogs face UP on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., while the Growling Tigers try to rebound earlier at 1:30 p.m. against winless UE.

Two of the world’s major multilateral institutions may come in as cornerstone investors for the initial public offering (IPO) of Maynilad Water Services Inc. next month, chipping in as much as $245 million combined.

In its latest preliminary prospectus, Maynilad said International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, had agreed to participate as a cornerstone investor for its IPO. IFC will inject up to $100 million at a subscription price of up to P15 per share.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is also considering investing up to $145 million, although it clarified that this was still subject to the approval of its board of directors.

‘There is no assurance that such approval will be obtained for ADB to sign legally binding documentation for this transaction and participate as cornerstone investor,’ Maynilad noted.

These deals, first reported by Manila Standard, come after the concessionaire delayed its stock market debut twice, this time opting to list no later than Nov. 7.

In adjusting its IPO schedule, Maynilad told the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. it sought to accommodate cornerstone investors.

Investor education

It likewise wanted to ‘allow more time for investor education, ensuring that investors gain a deeper understanding of the corporation and its business model for more informed investment decisions.’

Maynilad, jointly owned by Manuel Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc. and Japan’s Marubeni Corp., plans to raise up to P45.8 billion from its IPO. The offer period will run from Oct. 23 to Oct. 29.

The local bourse has so far only seen one IPO this year-Top Line Business Development Corp. in April-as market volatility continues to discourage other companies from braving the stock market.

Casino developer Hann Holdings Inc. was supposed to raise P13 billion from its IPO this month, but it has indefinitely suspended this to wait for better market conditions.

As a result of Hann’s postponement, the Philippine Stock Exchange lowered its capital-raising target for the year to as low as P170 billion.

The bourse has also seen two delistings this year: Keppel Philippines Holdings Inc. on July 8 and Philab Holdings Corp. on July 11. Mass housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. will go private again on Oct. 29. INQ

Water utility concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. bagged the first Philippine Green Equity label as regulators seek to deepen the local capital market by attracting more investors toward sustainability initiatives.

In a letter to Maynilad on Sept. 26, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) markets and securities regulation department confirmed that the water utility provider had ‘sufficiently established and demonstrated’ its compliance with the commission’s newly issued guidelines.

The SEC last week launched Southeast Asia’s first Green Equity Guidelines, allowing more capital flows toward businesses that champion sustainability. Under Memorandum Circular No. 13 Series of 2025, companies may submit applications to carry the Philippine Green Equity label. Once approved, eligible companies may label their shares as green equity prior to their offering. This comes as a timely milestone for Maynilad, which plans to raise up to P34.33 billion from its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) next month.

Maynilad has so far secured the commitment of two cornerstone investors, International Finance Corp. and Asian Development Bank, that plan to chip in as much as $245 million to its IPO. /dda

At least 69 individuals reportedly died following a strong earthquake that jolted Cebu Tuesday evening, as authorities intensified its search and rescue efforts in the crucial first 24 hours when survivors trapped in the rubble could still be saved.

The quake damaged several heritage churches, residential houses and schools, while causing widespread power outages in the region.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Rafael Alejandro IV said most of the fatalities were in Bogo City-the epicenter of the quake-at 30, followed by 22 in San Remigio town; 10 in Medellin town; five in Tabogon town; and one each in municipalities of Sogod and Tabuelan.

‘That’s the number that we have as reported to us as of noon time (which is again for validation and verification),’ Alejandro said of the 69 death toll in a message to Inquirer.

At least 147 individuals were injured after the earthquake, Alejandro said, most of whom are in Bogo City at 119, followed by San Francisco town with 14, Tabuelan and Catmon with five each; and four in Daanbantayan.

The high number of casualties is due to the fact that the earthquake happened at night, according to the official.

‘In the morning, we are all alert, but at night when everyone is asleep. It takes time for us to react,’ he earlier said in a press conference in Quezon City.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred at 9:59 p.m., with the epicenter located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City with a shallow depth of five kilometers, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

‘Golden hour’

With the earthquake occurring less than a day ago as of posting time, Alejandro said the rescuers are scrambling during this ‘golden hour,’ referring to the first 24 hours when likelihood of survivors remains high.

‘We’re still in the golden hour when we can still save more lives,’ he said, noting that many residents are still reportedly trapped by fallen debris.

The OCD has yet to release the data on missing individuals, and Alejandro said the total number of rescued individuals will be released ‘within the day.’

Military personnel on board two transport aircraft C-130 and coast guard personnel aboard two of its ships are now on their way to ground zero to augment the search and rescue efforts.

Alejandro also said the OCD alerted neighboring Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in case the country needs assistance.

But so far, he said local authorities can still manage the rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity, allowing the provincial government to use quick response funds and also to conduct a 60-day price freeze of basic goods.

‘The Big One’

Alejandro said lessons in this earthquake should be applied when ‘The Big One’ hits the capital region.

‘We can never be 100 percent prepared . just really anticipate,’ Alejandro said, saying continuous public awareness and preparation are in place for The Big One.

‘Events like this [earthquake], for us also, is one way of practice. Can you imagine if it happens in Metro Manila at night?’ the official said.

In preparation of this grim event, government schools and offices have been participating in OCD-led earthquake drills in the capital region once every quarter of a year.

The Big One – or a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hitting Metro Manila – would lead to at least 52,000 deaths, and 500,000 injuries, according to the study of risk assessment and consultancy firm PSA Philippines Consultancy Inc. published in 2019.

Sitting on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ where tectonic plates often collide, the Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.