In the wake of the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that shook Cebu and the Visayas region on September 30, 2025, the country’s biggest stars and influential personalities immediately sprang into action, spearheading massive relief and donation drives under the collective call of “Stars Unite for Cebu.” Their swift response and personal involvement have provided much-needed aid and a beacon of hope for thousands of affected residents, especially in the hard-hit areas of Bogo City and San Remigio.
Proud Cebuana and host-actress Kim Chiu put her taping schedules on hold to personally lead relief operations in her hometown. She was seen coordinating with local volunteers and sending trucks loaded with essential goods and construction materials to aid in the rebuilding of damaged homes. Kim’s heartfelt message, “Cebu will always be home. Let’s continue helping each other. Kaya nato ni!” resonated deeply with fellow Cebuanos.
Joining the efforts on the ground was singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, who distributed food packs and bottled water at a provincial relief center. Meanwhile, Cebu-based socialite and philanthropist Divine Lee mobilized her organization, Courage Cebu, which became a central hub for donation drives, lauded for its transparent logging of every donation. Lee’s network brought in support from Manila-based celebrities and personalities, ensuring truckloads of aid reached the epicenter.
The call for solidarity transcended various celebrity circles. P-Pop idol Aiah Arceta of BINI, a native of Cebu, quickly launched her “Aiahdvocacy” initiative, raising over P440,000 in a few days and coordinating the distribution of relief packs and tarpaulin sheets across multiple sites. Actor and reservist Matteo Guidicelli, through the Guidicelli Foundation, also mounted a significant relief operation in Bogo, raising P1.5 million almost instantly to purchase and deliver goods with the help of the Philippine Army.
Other notable personalities contributed through funds, physical relief work, and by amplifying the call for help on their massive social media platforms. Actress Vina Morales, who hails from Bogo City, offered an emotional public prayer for her hometown and has expressed plans to organize a fundraising concert to further assist the victims.
Barbie Forteza and Melai Cantiveros each donated P100,000 to community fundraising efforts, while Kapuso star Shuvee Etrata and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate AZ Martinez used their platforms to rally support. Actress Ellen Adarna encouraged the public to donate water gallons for refilling to secure clean drinking water for northern Cebu families, and Beauty Gonzalez personally distributed relief packages in Daanbantayan. Even the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 candidates, who were in Cebu for a scheduled activity, joined the movement by repacking relief goods at the Capitol warehouse, demonstrating compassion beyond the pageant stage.
The “Stars Unite for Cebu” initiative has proven to be a powerful display of Filipino bayanihan (community spirit), leveraging the influence of celebrities to provide crucial and immediate assistance to those whose lives were upended by the natural disaster. As recovery efforts continue, the entertainment industry’s collective action remains a vital force in supporting the resilient people of Cebu.
With additional reference: tribune.net.ph
