Get your travel apps ready and your bucket lists out, Cebu Pacific is celebrating 10.10 with a promo that’s too good to miss. For a limited time, travelers can book one-way base fares for as low as ₱10 to select local and international destinations.
The seat sale runs from October 7 to 12, while the travel period covers March 1 to September 30, 2026, just in time for your summer break or next big vacation.
Domestic Destinations Worth Exploring
Photo from Unsplash
Cebu Pacific’s ₱10 sale isn’t just about cheap seats, it’s your ticket to the Philippines’ most stunning spots. Take your pick among favorite destinations like Boracay, Siargao, Bohol, and Coron.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets on White Beach, surfing Cloud 9’s waves, or lounging in Bohol’s serene resorts, there’s a destination for every kind of traveler, without draining your savings.
International Escapes for Every Wanderer
Photo from UnsplashPhoto from Unsplash
Looking to go beyond the islands? Cebu Pacific’s sale also extends to exciting international routes. Score discounted flights to Bali, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and more.
From savoring sushi in Japan to exploring temples in Thailand, this is your chance to tick off dream destinations from your travel list, at a fraction of the usual price.
What the Fare Includes
Photo from Unsplash
Both domestic and international promo fares come with a 7 kg hand-carry baggage allowance, perfect for light packers or weekend warriors.
However, take note: the quoted ₱10 base fares are exclusive of web admin fees, 12% VAT, terminal fees, and fuel surcharges.
For domestic flights, these additional fees will be computed upon checkout.
For international flights, passengers must also pay the ₱550 international terminal fee, along with fuel surcharges and web admin fees for short- and long-haul routes.
As a crypto futures trader, you’re probably looking for alternatives to CEX to speculate on cryptocurrency volatility. That said, CoinFutures is positioning itself as a new benchmark in futures trading.
In fact, this platform guarantees simplified crypto trading, with 1000x leverage and without complex technical setups. Thus, it offers advanced tools to bet on the simulated movements of Bitcoin and other promising altcoins.
Inside CoinFutures: Simplified Futures Trading for All
Launched by the CoinPoker team, CoinFutures is a futures trading platform for derivatives that relies on the real-time price prediction of cryptoassets. Simply put, it’s a crypto futures platform that allows you to open short or long positions on major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
As you can see, traders don’t own an actual contract on this crypto futures platform. Furthermore, CoinFutures stands out for its accessibility, ergonomics, fluidity, and ease of use. First of all, the platform does not require KYC verification during the registration process.
Thanks to its intuitive menus, you can configure this platform in just a few clicks without being a computer expert. Moreover, all features are available on the main interface. This flexibility allows you to trade derivatives even without using complex tools.
CoinFutures also stands out for its modular leverage of up to x1000, allowing you to generate impressive profits. Furthermore, the platform offers sophisticated risk management tools.
Among others, we can mention: programmed take profit, intelligent stop loss, remote management, personalized auto cash-out. However, beginners and experienced traders are attracted by its auto-trading mode which allows you to automate transactions.
Step-by-Step: Trading Crypto With CoinFutures
Indeed, CoinFutures operates based on a professional approach to cryptocurrency trading. It involves betting on speculative price movements of a crypto asset, either downward or upward.
It’s worth noting that investors don’t need to complete a complex registration process, deposit funds into a CEX, or connect a crypto wallet. However, the platform guarantees a secure connection.
On CoinFutures, KYC-free trading is very simple. Simply download the CoinPoker app. Alternatively, you can access CoinFutures via a web interface. Next, you choose the crypto to trade and indicate whether its price will increase or decrease.
After that, you’ll need to specify the stake amount and determine a multiplier to unlock the potential for profit. Then, all you have to do is validate the position after setting a stop-loss, take-profit, or auto-cash-out.
Once the bet is validated, CoinFutures automatically calculates the bust price. This is to determine the threshold for losses or gains in real time based on price movements. Note that each position can be managed automatically or manually. In other words, the investor can close the position at will or according to the predefined threshold.
Finally, CoinFutures offers you some kid-friendly features, namely: a leaderboard with other players’ bets, a ranking of the best performances, and a virtual coach. All in all, CoinFutures is an ideal crypto futures platform for budding investors who want to understand market dynamics. As a scalping tool, it also gives pride of place to experienced traders.
Available Cryptocurrencies on CoinFutures
At the time of writing, CoinFutures supports two major cryptocurrencies. In fact, you can trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) futures. These two crypto market stars were chosen for their high capitalization and high volatility.
However, this crypto trading platform indicates that new cryptocurrencies will gradually be added to the list in the coming months. For example, we can mention: Solana, BNB, Dogecoin, Litecoin. With the arrival of stablecoins, it is committed to multiplying the gaming possibilities.
Unlike traditional exchanges, CoinFutures doesn’t offer complex price adjustment mechanisms. At least, the platform focuses primarily on perpetual contracts on cryptocurrencies with leverage up to 1000x.
CoinFutures at a Glance
CoinFutures is based on a modern approach that combines trading and gaming. It also offers a directional prediction system that allows you to predict whether crypto prices will rise or fall.You will find risk management tools such as stop-loss, take-profit, auto cash-out and tracking tools such as ROI calculator, Futures Coach, performance ranking. All of this helps increase your expected profit and minimize risks.
Trade Futures with No Identity Checks
Without a doubt, CoiFutures is a KYC-free trading platform you need. In fact, the absence of KYC verification allows you to start your trading adventure with optimal speed. There’s no need to provide proof of identity or address during the registration process. Moreover, it’s an advantage that allows you to trade crypto futures contracts anonymously.
However, the lack of a KYC procedure allows investors to maintain their privacy. It’s also a strategy for quickly accessing the platform and opening a position without undergoing compliance procedures. However, the investor ensures the security of their funds and assumes the risks associated with anonymity.
Boost Your Trades with Up to 1,000x Leverage
If there’s one major advantage of CoinFutures, it’s its flexible leverage of up to 1,000x. This allows you to take advantage of impressive gains on weak price trends on Bitcoin or Ethereum. For example, if you bet $10, your position could be worth $10,000.
Additionally, leverage can be adjusted based on risk tolerance. That said, you can choose moderate crypto leverage for prudent management of your digital assets. The platform then continuously displays the liquidation threshold to help you anticipate risks.
Trader Leaderboards
CoinFutures offers a leaderboard that ranks the best traders. Here, you’ll find the top bettors by day, week, and month. This detailed ranking inspires winning strategies based on criteria such as ROI or return on investment and the most profitable bets.
With this ranking updated in real time, CoinFutures gives novice and intermediate investors the opportunity to simulate their performance. Furthermore, each trader can track their prediction history and perform a comparative analysis of their results.
The goal is to evaluate the returns obtained over a given period. This then allows them to correct flaws and sharpen their trading strategy.
Automated Trading Mode
On CoinFutures, you’ll find an automatic trading mode to avoid stress. In this case, the platform offers advanced tools to configure the trading session. It’s then up to you to define parameters such as: take profit, stop loss, auto cash-out.
Automation allows you to avoid spending long hours in front of a screen without fear of unpleasant results. Moreover, it helps minimize the risks associated with crypto market volatility. Therefore, you don’t need any technical skills to trade crypto futures.
Public Betting & Strategy Sharing
Another notable feature of CoinFutures is the public betting option. In fact, other members of the community can view a user’s open positions. In turn, they can follow, share, or copy these strategies.
Additionally, public bets promote collective learning and social interaction. However, discreet investors can disable this feature to trade in private mode. So, you have the choice between privacy and prediction visibility.
Understanding CoinFutures’ Pricing Model
CoinFutures stands out with its competitive pricing structure. Trading fees are around 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers.
However, the platform offers a flexible fee structure. There are two types of fees: flat fee (1% to 3% depending on the amount and leverage) and PNL fee (5% of the profit + 0.5% per hour after the first).
Additionally, CoinFutures does not charge any fees on deposits regardless of the payment method chosen.
CoinFutures: Simple, Intuitive, Accessible
Right off the bat, CoinFutures reviews are largely positive regarding its ease of use. It’s a very user-friendly and easy-to-use crypto futures platform. Even a budding investor would have no trouble navigating this crypto trading site.
Rest assured, the platform only requires a simple email address when opening an account. And there’s no KYC verification procedure. After completing the registration, you need to go to the Play Store to download the CoinPoker app. There’s currently no iOS version for iPad or iPhone users.
Additionally, CoinFutures stands out with its ergonomic, simple and intuitive user interface. You will find a dedicated tab to directly access the leaderboard, daily updates and simulated charts. When you first use it, an interactive tutorial appears to explain how to place a bet.
In short, placing a bet takes just a few clicks. To place a bet, simply choose a crypto, specify a multiplier, and configure the trading parameters. Overall, CoinFutures guarantees an accessible and seamless trading experience.
Reliability and Security of CoinFutures
With the massive influx of crypto futures trading platforms, the question of CoinFutures’ reliability is becoming increasingly acute. In our opinion, this crypto futures platform is secure, reliable, and trustworthy. It places particular emphasis on transparency regarding trading conditions and risk management.
Furthermore, the platform deploys a low-latency matching engine to execute trades in 3 milliseconds. Additionally, CoinFutures holds an operating license from the Anjouan Gaming Authority (AGA), an online gaming regulator.
Currently, it is in the process of obtaining its PSAN (digital asset service provider) registration from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers). This demonstrates its compliance with current legislation.
CoinFutures also stands out for its AI Futures Coach. It’s an intelligent assistant that suggests entry points and signals the slightest risk of liquidation. In fact, this tool offers traders practical solutions to strengthen their investment skills.
Finally, CoinFutures offers an automated insurance system at 0.2% per contract. What’s more, users’ funds are stored in segregated accounts. And what about the fair algorithms and secure storage with Fireblocks? In this CoinFutures review, we can reiterate that this platform is reliable.
How to Reach CoinFutures Customer Service
Indeed, the CoinPoker interface integrates CoinFutures’ customer service. To contact customer support, simply click on the “Support” tab to access a contact form. Note that requests are processed within an average of 24 to 48 hours.
In fact, the user can send a query or request, and request technical assistance. They must then click on “Submit” to forward the request to the support team. Well before doing so, it is imperative to describe the problem encountered in the dedicated box.
Additionally, users can also contact customer support via email or social media. The platform also offers a comprehensive FAQ section where you’ll find useful information on technical issues, account opening and management, deposits and withdrawals, and more. As you might have guessed, there’s no phone support or live chat yet.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, CoinFutures positions itself as an original solution in the field of crypto futures trading. This crypto futures platform captivates traders’ attention with its unique advantages: clear and ultra-fast interface, no KYC procedure, leverage up to 1000x, transparent and flexible fee structure, ranking of the best bettors, risk management tools.
In short, CoinFutures caters to players looking for a fun experience. In fact, its focus on gamification says it all. However, the information contained in this CoinFutures review does not constitute investment advice. That said, do not bet an amount of money that could affect your daily lifestyle.
In the chaos of Cebu City, where jeepneys race through crowded streets and the skyline hums with energy, it’s easy to forget that peace still exists just a few hours away. In the southern town of Barili lies a destination that feels almost untouched by time, Giloctog Hidden Beach.
As its name suggests, this beach is no mainstream tourist stop. Instead, it’s the kind of place you stumble upon through a friend’s story, a local’s tip, or sheer curiosity. The shoreline is simple and unassuming, its waters clean and clear, kissed by the sunlight and dotted with the sight of fishing boats swaying gently offshore. Here, there are no loud parties or rows of resorts, only the sound of the waves, the occasional laughter of locals, and the comforting quiet of the sea.
A Quiet Escape
Photo grab from Google Maps
Unlike the famous Mantayupan Falls or the more developed beaches of Moalboal, Giloctog Hidden Beach is not a place of grandeur, it is a place of calm. Its charm lies in its simplicity, families gathering by the shore, fishermen preparing their nets, children splashing in the shallows. It is the kind of destination that invites you to slow down, take off your slippers, and let the day pass unhurriedly.
Travelers searching for a break from crowded resorts will find Giloctog refreshing. There are no entrance fees, no chaotic kiosks, no booming music. Just the authentic coastal life of southern Cebu, where the sea meets the sky in peace.
Why Giloctog Belongs on Your List
Photo grab from Google Maps
Whether you’re a weekend wanderer craving a quiet spot or a southbound adventurer ticking off hidden paradise, Giloctog Hidden Beach offers something rare, authenticity. It’s proof that not every worthwhile trip needs luxury amenities, sometimes, all it takes is a stretch of sand, a clear sea, and the willingness to discover.
How to Get There
Location: Giloctog, Barili, Cebu
By Car: If you’re bringing your own ride, simply drive southbound to Barili via the Carcar–Barili route. The road leading to Giloctog is already cemented and well-paved, so cars and motorcycles can pass through with ease.
By Commute: From Cebu City, head to the South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound for Barili. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Shamrock in Poblacion, Barili, a well-known landmark in town. From there, hop on a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) that will take you straight to Giloctog Hidden Beach, just 7 kilometers from the town proper.
So the next time you find yourself heading south, remember that beyond Barili’s famous stops, a hidden beach waits, one that has quietly kept its beauty all along.
Buying cheap cryptocurrencies, this is probably the goal of every investor. The lower the entry price, the higher the potential return. Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile, and investors can often buy cryptocurrencies cheaply.
How can you find cheap cryptocurrencies? How can you find the best entry prices? Which are the best cheap cryptocurrencies with potential in 2025? What are the opportunities and risks of cheap cryptocurrencies? We answer all of these questions in the following guide for investors and anyone who wants to become one.
Best Cheap Coins to Watch Closely in 2025
1st place: Bitcoin Hyper
With an entry price of around one cent, Bitcoin Hyper is currently one of the cheapest ways to participate in a Bitcoin-like Layer 2 project. If you love Bitcoin but want low fees and speed, this is the perfect alternative.
Thanks to efficient tokenomics and high staking rewards, investors not only receive low entry costs but also return opportunities on multiple levels.
Reasons to buy Bitcoin Hyper:
Currently still very low presale price
Long-term potential with growing adaptation
Passive income possible through staking
2nd place: Maxi Doge
With a starting price of just $0.00025, Maxi Doge is a prime example of a low-cost cryptocurrency with high leverage potential. The 50 presale phases ensure transparent price development, each new phase increases the token’s price. Early buyers not only secure more $MAXI but also a strategic advantage over later buyers.
Despite the low price, the branding is anything but cheap: Maxi Doge delivers a highly viral story, a growing community, and clearly communicated roadmap elements such as staking, listings, and community events.
Advantages at a glance:
Starting price under $0.0003
Ethereum token, not an experimental layer
Cheap, but strongly staged and highly marketed
3rd place: PEPENODE
PEPENODE is now among the most economical ways to get involved in a cutting-edge cryptocurrency project, with a starting price of just $0.001004 per token. Both novice and seasoned traders find the coin appealing due to its low entry price and entertaining mining features.
A possible benefit for early investors is that demand for the token can rise sharply as player numbers rise because it is necessary as in-game currency within the game itself.
Price-performance advantages:
Extremely low entry price
High utility value in the mining game
Potential for increased demand at launch
Attractive for broad target groups
Which Cheap Cryptocurrencies Could Explode in 2025?
Can you make money with cheap cryptocurrencies? Absolutely! This is certainly evident from a look at the historical price performance of well-known, inexpensive coins; some of the most impressive price explosions have occurred with cheap cryptocurrencies. Let’s use two examples to illustrate this: Shiba Inu and Polygon.
Shiba Inu
One SHIB was available for purchase on January 1, 2021, for $0.000000000073. Approximately a year later, the same coins were worth about $0.000034. This is a 46,000,000% return on investment over the previous year.
By the end of 2021, an investor who had put in only $2 on January 1st would have become a billionaire! Naturally, not all low-cost cryptocurrencies will see such a price spike, but it shows the tremendous potential of popular, low-cost coins.
Polygon
One MATIC was worth USD 0.01796 on January 1, 2021, and by the end of the year, it was worth USD 2.56. This is a remarkable 14.254% price increase year over year! Thus, an investment of $100 USD would have grown to $14,200 USD.
Regretfully, forecasting cryptocurrency prices or selecting the most affordable cryptocurrencies is quite challenging and uncertain. It’s impossible to definitively say which cheap coins will explode next. Furthermore, the current bearish macro environment is an obstacle that will only improve over a period of months.
However, from a historical perspective, we can identify some factors that will distinguish the next winner:
Passionate community: Crypto explosions are a viral phenomenon. The Shiba Army has shown this: successful crypto projects gather a passionate community of users who promote the project on Twitter, Reddit, TikTok, and other platforms. Be sure to keep an eye on the vibrancy of social media channels!
Understandable use case: Complex crypto projects can generate benefits, but they won’t explode in price. “Shiba Inu is a community-driven cryptocurrency,” “MATIC makes Ethereum scalable and transactions finally cheap”, these value propositions, known as “narratives,” are compelling and generate demand and hype.
Perfect timing: A healthy dose of luck is also required. Anyone launching NFT gaming coins with a metaverse narrative right now has a very good chance, despite a rather bearish market.
Combining trends: The best crypto teams recognize the zeitgeist and launch their well-designed projects in the right market environment. Because there are several attractive crypto narratives, projects that combine several trends, such as NFTs, play-to-earn, DeFi, and metaverse, are the most promising.Those who pay attention to these factors during their research maximize their chances of choosing a good token and are likely to buy the right, affordable cryptocurrency.
How to Buy Cryptocurrencies Cheaply: Smart Saving Tips
There is more to take into account than just the cost of individual coins if you want to purchase cryptocurrencies as cheaply as possible. Investors should pay particular attention to the extra expenses and fees related to buying cryptocurrency. These can mount up quickly and severely lower the real return on investment.
Here are the most important savings tips for buying cheap cryptocurrencies:
Pay attention to gas fees: Gas fees must be taken into account for every transaction conducted directly on the blockchain. If they are currently particularly high, you can switch to a better time on the weekend or after hours.
Avoid Ethereum DEX: A DEX on the Ethereum blockchain can be associated with horrendous gas fees exceeding EUR 10 per trade.
Choose a low-cost broker: The best option for buying cryptocurrencies cheaply is a low-cost crypto broker like eToro. This broker waives deposit fees and commissions and funds itself through extremely low spreads for most coins.
Timing your purchase: Ultimately, the most important saving tip is to avoid buying the wrong coins at a high price. This is the biggest money-loss factor; the most important thing is to buy the best coins at the best price.
Best Times to Invest in Cheap Cryptocurrencies
There are two or three good times to invest in cheap cryptocurrencies: pre-sale, market correction, bear market.
Presale
Perhaps the best time to buy cheap cryptocurrencies is during the so-called pre-sale. A pre-sale, or ” sale before the sale,” is usually a limited-time period during which the token of a new, promising crypto project can be purchased at a discounted price.
The intention behind a pre-sale is for a crypto project to quickly gain a larger pool of supporters and investors in order to raise the necessary capital for the efficient further development of the project or protocol.
As a reward for their early support, these investors can receive the token at a price below the official issue price in the main sale, or general token sale. As an investor, you can thus obtain particularly cheap cryptocurrencies at perhaps the best time, namely just before the general token sale and the crypto project’s big launch.
As we already saw in the examples mentioned at the beginning, the trick to crypto investing is to be a little earlier than the vast majority of investors. This way, you can ride the uptrend and realize a lucrative profit near the all-time high.
Market Correction
A market correction in the crypto market is a sudden price drop of 15-25% in a general bull market characterized by rising prices. Such price drops occur repeatedly, especially in cryptocurrencies, due to the usual “FUD” (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), such as regulatory threats or a major crypto hack.
This FUD usually dissipates after a few days, and prices tend to continue rising.
Bear Market
A bear market is a prolonged period of several weeks or months characterized by a sustained loss of value followed by a boring sideways price fluctuation.
Many users leave the market disappointed during this phase, which opens up a market opportunity for smart investors: During this phase, most coins can be purchased as cheap cryptocurrencies because they benefit from the most attractive valuation possible.
Anyone with a time horizon of several months to years can use cost averaging to buy cheaply and calmly wait for the upcoming increase in value of the particularly cheap coins.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying Cheap Cryptocurrencies
The focus on buying cheap cryptocurrencies essentially represents a very specific investment strategy; it focuses on a specific type of project within the cryptocurrency asset class. Despite this focus, investors should keep in mind the general principles of successful investing:
Diversify broadly: Buying cheap cryptocurrencies only makes sense if the investment represents only a small portion of a broadly diversified portfolio. It should consist of investments in multiple asset classes and in several cheap cryptocurrencies rather than just one.
Risk management: Invest only a small amount in cheap cryptocurrencies, never risk more than you can afford to lose.
Use secure wallets: Cryptocurrencies must be stored securely; small amounts can be stored in a web wallet such as MetaMask; larger amounts held for a long time should be stored in a compatible hardware wallet.
Cost averaging effect: Those who want to buy cheap cryptocurrencies may be tempted to buy large amounts all at once. However, the price could fall even further. Therefore, buy small amounts at regular intervals so that, on average, you buy at a particularly low price.DYOR: Do your own research. No single online article should represent the entire research for an investment. Therefore, analyze individual low-cost cryptocurrencies in detail, paying attention to aspects such as team, token economics, use cases, partnerships, etc.
Why Cheap Cryptos Could Be Your Next Big Opportunity?
Buying cheap cryptocurrencies is the secret to success for high returns in the crypto market. Cheap coins are those with a low nominal price and a favorable valuation. Those who pay attention to the right coin and a good entry point, such as a pre-sale or a market correction, can achieve above-average returns.
It’s also important that the token offers real added value and is linked to a real use case. And: It pays to be quick.
The Mandaue City Government is set to launch a 24/7 suicide and mental health hotline on October 13, 2025, strengthening its response to rising mental health concerns and suicide-related incidents.
Round-the-Clock Mental Health Support
Photo from Freepik
The hotline will be housed at the City Health Office’s operations center, structured like a command center for efficient coordination. Calls are expected to last 30 to 40 minutes on average, with trained psychometricians providing immediate counseling.
For critical situations, the system is designed to quickly connect with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and ambulance services, ensuring rapid deployment of emergency responders.
Addressing High-Risk Hours
Photo from Freepik
The city anticipates most calls will come in during late evenings and early mornings, when vulnerable individuals are more likely to experience crises. With its 24/7 operation, the hotline will be able to provide help at any hour, offering residents a reliable safety net in moments of need.
Expanding Mental Health Programs
Photo from Mandaue City Public Information Office
Beyond the hotline, Mandaue City has been expanding its mental health efforts through psychoeducation, counseling, and inter-agency collaboration. More than 13,000 individuals have joined awareness sessions across schools, communities, and workplaces.
Partnerships with the University of San Carlos have boosted the city’s capacity for assessment and treatment. A registered psychologist has also been assigned to strengthen clinical support for residents in need.
Launching on Mental Health Day
Photo from Unsplash
The hotline will be officially launched during the city’s Mental Health Day celebration on October 13. The program will open with a Holy Mass at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, followed by activities at the City Hall grounds led by Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano.
Through this initiative, Mandaue City aims to make mental health services more accessible and responsive. By establishing a hotline that operates day and night, the city provides a vital lifeline for residents in crisis, helping to build a more supportive and compassionate community.
The night the 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck northern Cebu, homes fell, roads cracked, and thousands were displaced. Fear spread quickly, but so did something stronger, the strong spirit of unity.
Generosity That Flows
Photo from Cebu ProvincePhoto from Cebu Province
Help came in waves, from government funds and provincial aid to donations of food, water, and clothes from ordinary families. Big or small, every act of giving became a beacon of hope, reminding survivors that they were never forgotten.
The Hands of Volunteers
Photo from Cebu ProvincePhoto from Ram Marcelita
Cebu’s response was powered by people. Students, workers, professionals, and strangers stood side by side repacking goods, caring for evacuees, and delivering supplies. Their hands carried not only relief but also comfort and compassion.
Strength in Prayers
Photo from Ram MarcelitaPhoto from Cebu Province
Amid aftershocks and sleepless nights, prayers rose like steady light. In homes and chapels, in silence and in song, people drew strength from faith. These prayers wrapped survivors in reassurance and reminded them of hope beyond hardship.
Resilience of the Cebuano
Photo from Josh F. AlmontePhoto from Josh F. Almonte
Through loss and uncertainty, Cebuanos stood tall. Families shared what little they had, children found joy in play, and communities leaned on one another. The earthquake shook the ground, but it could not break their courage.
Moving Forward Together
Photo from Cebu ProvincePhoto from Josh F. Almonte
The path to recovery will be long, yet Cebu’s story is no longer only about disaster. It is about generosity, service, faith, and resilience. Out of the rubble rises not just a province, but a people whose hearts remain unshaken.
The recent earthquake in Cebu left deep cracks across the province, both in concrete walls and in the lives of those who call it home. In the aftermath, survivors gathered at evacuation centers and relief stations, expecting immediate assistance. What they found instead was a process that required evidence of their suffering.
Aid Behind Papers and Photos
Photo from Cebu ProvincePhoto from Cebu Province
Relief distribution came with a condition, victims were asked to present documents or photographs proving that their houses were damaged. Families without such proof were told they could not receive goods. This requirement, while designed to prevent misuse of aid, left many empty-handed. Renters, informal settlers, and those who lost everything in the quake were among the most affected. For them, the rule turned into an invisible barrier that excluded their needs from being recognized.
The Voices of the Left Behind
Photo from Department of Tourism
Mothers carrying children stood in long lines only to be sent away. Elderly residents who could barely walk were asked for property papers they never had. Survivors who escaped collapsing homes were told to return and take photographs, an impossible and dangerous task when aftershocks still rattled the city. For those already traumatized by the quake, being denied food and water compounded their despair.
Relief Beyond Red Tape
Photo from archivePhoto from Doc Nikki Catalan
Local volunteers, church groups, and independent organizations tried to bridge the gap, offering food, clean water, and blankets without requiring proof. Their efforts became lifelines for those excluded from official relief. Yet supplies were limited, and without government support, many families continued to struggle. The contrast between grassroots aid and bureaucratic distribution sparked public debate on compassion versus accountability in times of crisis.
Rethinking Disaster Response
Photo from BFP Lapu- Lapu Fire District Photo from Cebu Province
The earthquake not only tested the strength of Cebu’s infrastructure but also the systems meant to protect its people. While preventing fraud in aid distribution is important, demanding paperwork from survivors risks overlooking the very individuals most in need. The disaster highlighted the urgent need for a more inclusive and humane response system, one that prioritizes compassion without losing accountability.
As Cebu rebuilds, the challenge is no longer just about repairing homes but about restoring trust in relief efforts. For earthquake survivors, help should not depend on the papers they carry, but on the urgency of their hunger and the reality of their loss.
The ozone layer, Earth’s natural shield against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, is slowly healing. The United Nations says it could fully recover to the levels of the 1980s by the middle of this century, showing that global cooperation can really work.
Why the Ozone Layer Matters
Photo from Unsplash
The ozone layer is a thin layer high up in the sky that protects all life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. Without it, people are at higher risk of skin cancer and eye problems, and plants, animals, and crops can also be damaged. Keeping it healthy is essential for life on our planet.
How It Got Damaged
Photo from Unsplash
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chemicals called CFCs and HCFCs, used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol sprays, and firefighting foam, were destroying ozone in the atmosphere. These chemicals caused the ozone layer to thin, creating the famous “ozone hole” over Antarctica.
How the World Responded
Photo from Unsplash
Countries around the world took action. In 1985, the Vienna Convention first addressed ozone depletion, and in 1987, the Montreal Protocol required nations to stop using harmful chemicals. Over 99% of these ozone-depleting substances have now been phased out worldwide.
In 2016, the Kigali Amendment targeted HFCs, chemicals that replaced CFCs but contribute to global warming. Reducing HFCs could prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of this century.
Signs of Healing
Recent reports show that the ozone hole over Antarctica was smaller in 2024 than in recent years. While natural weather patterns helped temporarily, the long-term trend shows real recovery. Experts estimate the ozone layer will return to normal:
For most of the world by 2040
Over the Arctic by 2045
Over Antarctica by 2066
The Antarctic ozone hole is showing signs of healing, with slower thinning in early spring and faster recovery later in the season.
Challenges Still Remain
Photo from Unsplash
Recovery is not guaranteed. Events related to climate change, like wildfires, can slow healing. For example, Australia’s 2019-2020 bushfires destroyed about 1% of the ozone layer in the Southern Hemisphere. Continued global efforts are needed to keep the recovery on track.
What This Teaches Us
Photo from Unsplash
The healing of the ozone layer proves that countries can work together to solve big environmental problems. It shows that when science guides action, change is possible. The ozone layer’s recovery is a reminder that taking care of our planet can have real, lasting results.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its Visayas network with the introduction of nonstop Cebu–Guam flights, effective December 16. The new service will provide travelers with a faster and more convenient connection between the central Philippines and the US Pacific territory. Read more for the flight schedule.
Flight Schedule
Photo from Unsplash
The Cebu–Guam service will operate three times weekly.
Cebu to Guam: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing at 9:40 p.m. and arriving at 3:25 a.m. local time.
Guam to Cebu: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, departing at 5:15 a.m. and arriving at 6:50 a.m.
Flights will be operated using PAL’s Airbus A321ceo aircraft.
Strengthening Cebu as a Gateway
Photo from Unsplash
The addition of this route reinforces Cebu’s role as a strategic international hub. With direct access to Guam, travelers can now bypass Manila and connect straight to the Visayas and Mindanao. This development also positions Mactan-Cebu International Airport as a stronger gateway for business and leisure travel in the region.
Serving Guam’s Filipino Community
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Guam’s population of nearly 179,000 includes a large Filipino community that makes up almost 30 percent of the island’s residents. The direct link to Cebu will provide easier access for overseas Filipinos to visit their families while also encouraging stronger cultural and social ties between the two destinations.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
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The Cebu–Guam connection is expected to encourage more inbound travel to the Philippines, with visitors from the US Pacific territory gaining faster access to the country’s central and southern islands. At the same time, the route supports trade and economic opportunities, strengthening the flow of goods, services, and investments between the two markets.
Expanding PAL’s US Network
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The new Cebu–Guam service complements PAL’s existing daily Manila–Guam flights. It also joins the airline’s broader US route network, which includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Honolulu. By diversifying its gateways, PAL continues to offer more options for Filipinos and international travelers alike.
On September 30, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu. Amid the devastation, the question arose, is the standard safety drill of duck, cover, and hold sufficient?
The Safety Drill
Photo grab from Philippine Statistics Authority BenguetPhoto grab from pro7.pnp.gov.ph website
Duck, cover, and hold teaches people to drop, shield themselves under furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. It protects against falling objects and broken glass, which are the main causes of injury during earthquakes. For many, this reflex can make the difference between minor injury and serious harm.
Its Limits
Photo from Stin OncenesPhoto from Cebu Hipster
The Cebu quake showed the drill has limits. In collapsing buildings, no posture alone can guarantee safety. Some alternative strategies, like lying beside heavy objects, exist but remain controversial. The effectiveness of any method depends on building quality and the intensity of the quake.
Lessons From Cebu
Photo from Dan Rosalejos DiamosPhoto from Cebu Province
The disaster highlighted the need for more than quick reactions. Structural integrity, community drills, and emergency readiness are equally critical. Poorly built homes and old churches collapsed despite people following safety procedures. Preparedness must include both personal actions and environmental resilience.
Moving Forward
Photo from Cebu ProvincePhoto from Josh F. Almonte
Duck, cover, and hold remains essential but is not enough by itself. True safety requires reinforced buildings, public awareness, and a good emergency system. When the next quake hits, survival will depend on instincts and the strength of the world around us.
