Onstage in Davao: The Moment Everything Shook
Last October 10, in Davao City, I was hosting the 25th anniversary of Borromeo Insurance Agency at Casa Mayor when the stage began to tremble at exactly 7:12 p.m. The lights swayed, the floor vibrated, and for a heartbeat I feared the chandeliers might step into a TikTok dance routine. In that moment, the show wasn’t about cheers or applause; it was about staying steady enough to guide the room while the world around us rattled.
My first instinct, as a professional host, was to keep the mic and the moment. The room’s energy shifted from celebration to caution, but I kept my voice calm and clear. I directed the audience to evacuate in an orderly fashion, hoping to prevent panic and injuries. It was a stark reminder that live hosting is as much about leadership as it is about timing.
That night PHIVOLCS confirmed a magnitude 6.8 aftershock, following the offshore main quake near Davao Oriental. Feeling that much power beneath the stage, with a microphone in hand and a composed smile, was humbling. Nature, after all, does not need a sound system to command attention.
Lessons From the Aftershocks
As I prepared to return to Manila, rumors swirled about a potential “Big One” striking Metro Manila. Regardless of predictions, one truth remains: the earth will move again—perhaps not today, perhaps not this week, but someday. Here are the hard-won lessons that linger after such a night:
- Drop, cover, and hold on. When shaking starts, don’t run. Get down, protect your head, and hold onto something sturdy.
- Stay put until it stops. Running on a moving floor is dangerous. Wait for the tremors to subside before attempting an exit.
- Evacuate smartly. Once it’s safe, move to open ground away from walls, glass, and electrical lines.
- Pack a Go Bag. Water, flashlight, radio, medicines, a power bank, a whistle, and copies of IDs should be ready to grab in an instant.
- Know your zone. Learn building emergency exits and your community’s safe zones ahead of time.
- Communicate wisely. Identify a relative outside the city to check in with; texts often go through when calls fail.
- Expect aftershocks. Stay alert and avoid re-entering damaged structures until authorities declare them safe.
- Train together. Regular quake drills build muscle memory and reduce panic when it matters most.
Grace Under Pressure: A Skill That Saves Lives
That night in Davao reminded me that composure under pressure isn’t just a performer’s trait—it’s a survival skill. We never know when the next quake will hit, but we can decide how prepared and peaceful we’ll be when it does. If Davao was a wake-up call, perhaps this column can be yours too. The ground may shake, but our faith, preparation, and calm demeanor don’t have to.
Final Thoughts for Audiences and Hosts
To audiences, I offer this wisdom: stay calm, listen to instructions, and prioritize safety over spectacle. To hosts and event planners, build an emergency plan into every program. Your ability to guide and reassure can prevent panic, protect lives, and save precious minutes when every second counts.
As I continue to host in a world of unpredictable moments, I’ll carry the lesson that grace under pressure is not just about stage presence—it’s about preparedness, clear communication, and a shared sense of responsibility. The ground will move again; our resolve, however, can stay steady.
