When disaster strikes, Filipinos have always turned to the spirit of bayanihan for strength. This was once again evident after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked Cebu Province on September 30, leaving widespread damage and thousands of families in need. Among those who quickly extended help were celebrities and influencers who used their influence, resources, and platforms to bring aid and hope to the quake-stricken communities.
Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla was among the first to respond, donating food packs and bottled water to a provincial relief center in Cebu. In a post by the Cebu Provincial Government, her contribution was lauded as a gesture of solidarity with Cebuanos facing hardship.
Meanwhile, Kapamilya star and proud Cebuana Kim Chiu put her taping on hold to personally buy relief goods for victims in her home province. Focusing on hard-hit areas like Bogo City and San Remigio, Kim sent two 10-wheeler trucks loaded with construction materials. This was proof of her deep commitment to helping her fellow Cebuanos rebuild.
Cebuana actress Vina Morales, who was born in Bogo, offered both prayers and action. On Instagram, she posted a heartfelt prayer for courage and resilience among the victims. She also expressed her willingness to organize a fundraising show with fellow celebrities to further support recovery efforts.
From the new generation of artists, Aiah Arceta of P-pop girl group BINI launched a donation drive under her initiative Aiahdvocacy. Through this campaign, she urged fans and the public to contribute resources for direct assistance to the earthquake victims. “Together, let us extend help and compassion in these trying times,” she wrote.
Young Kapuso star Barbie Forteza, a Sparkle GMA actress and Save the Children Philippines ambassador, donated ₱100,000 to support relief operations focused on children. Her donation will go toward urgent needs such as shelter and education. “Children in Cebu are still reeling from the earthquake and aftershocks, with some forced to sleep outside in the rain,” Save the Children said in acknowledging Barbie’s contribution.
Comedienne and TV host Melai Cantiveros-Francisco also quietly extended financial aid. According to Bisaya content creator Randolph Valmoria (Run Dolph Vibes), Melai donated ₱100,000 to their fundraising campaign. Randolph praised Melai’s humility, noting her consistent generosity since his earlier relief efforts during the pandemic.
Famous influencer Joseph Sabello, known for his entertaining personas and Sunday inspirational content, turned his creativity into compassion through a unique “Live for a Cause.” In the livestream, netizens could “buy space” to write anything on different parts of his body for a price. Joined by fellow content creators Shael and Benjamin, Sabello’s initiative raised ₱615,927.90 in just seven hours. Beyond the stream, additional contributions from his own pocket, his company UA, and friends boosted the total to an impressive ₱905,927.90, all directed toward earthquake relief efforts.
These acts of kindness from celebrities and influencers, ranging from large donations to grassroots-driven initiatives, demonstrate the power of using fame and social media reach for the greater good. More than star power, it is the sincerity of their efforts that brings comfort to survivors who continue to grapple with loss and uncertainty.
As Cebu faces the long road to recovery, these familiar faces remind us that leadership is not only found in politics or institutions. It can also come from artists, entertainers, and influencers who choose to use their influence for compassion and service. In the aftermath of the quake, they have become not just stars on stage or screen but stars of hope in the lives of many.
