Davao City - Last Oct. 10, at exactly 7:12 p.m., I was onstage hosting the 25th anniversary of Borromeo Insurance Agency at Casa Mayor in Davao City when the entire stage began to tremble.

At first, I thought it was just my usual hosting energy — you know, the type that makes the room shake with laughter. But no, this time, the shaking was real. The lights above my head started swaying, the floor vibrated, and for a split second, I thought the chandeliers were about to do a TikTok dance routine. My heart pounded like a drumline, but the performer in me stayed on cue. I kept my voice calm and composed, guiding the audience to evacuate peacefully so no one would panic.

That’s what years of live hosting teach you — never lose your mic, never lose your mind. Later that night, PHIVOLCS confirmed it was a magnitude 6.8 aftershock, following the stronger main quake offshore Davao Oriental. To feel that much power beneath your feet — while holding a mic and smiling through it — was humbling.

Nature doesn’t need a sound system to command attention. As I flew back home to Manila, I heard murmurs about the “Big One” possibly striking Metro Manila anytime soon, even as early as today, Oct. 15.

Whether that prediction holds or not, one truth remains: the earth will move again — maybe not today, perhaps not this week — but someday soon.

So here’s a friendly reminder from someone who’s already danced with an aftershock:

1. Drop, cover, and hold on. When shaking starts, don’t run. Get down, protect your head, and hold on to something sturdy.

2. Stay put. Running while the floor moves is a recipe for disaster. Wait for the shaking to stop before you exit.

3. Evacuate smartly.

Once it’s over, move to open ground — away from walls, glass, and electric lines.

4. Pack a “Go Bag.” Include water, a flashlight, a radio, medicines, a power bank, a whistle, and a copy of your IDs.

5. Learn your zone. Know your building’s emergency exits and

your community’s safe zones.

6. Communicate wisely. Designate a relative outside Metro Manila to check in with. Texts go through faster than calls.

7. Expect aftershocks. Stay alert. Don’t return to damaged buildings until they are cleared.

8. Train together. Encourage quake drills. Panic loves the unprepared.

That night in Davao reminded me that grace under pressure is not just for beauty queens — it’s for survivors. We don’t get to choose when the next quake hits, but we do get to decide how prepared and peaceful we’ll be when it does. If Davao was my wake-up call, maybe this column can be yours. The ground may shake, but our faith and composure don't have to. Stay calm, stay prayerful, and stay ready.