In an industry built on entertainment and leisure, few would expect an online events and experience company to be among the first to show up in a disaster zone.
Yet when a powerful earthquake struck Northern Cebu earlier this month, the team behind ABCVIP quietly traded concerts and parties for compassion.
On October 6 and 7, the Manila-based company flew to Bogo City to deliver relief goods to families who had lost homes and livelihoods.
For two days, the group worked alongside local volunteers, distributing food, drinking water, and essential supplies to more than 2,500 residents across several barangays.
The effort was organized with the help of the Fortuna Hotel, whose owner, Carmel Sy, opened her doors to serve as a repacking site.
Volunteers from the DepEd Schools Division Office of Bogo, teachers, and community members joined hands to assemble the relief packs.
Behind the logistics, there was a quieter sense of purpose.
“It’s not every day you get to use your platform for something beyond work,” one ABCVIP staff member said. “Sometimes, you just have to pause the fun and show up where you’re needed.”
Local officials, including Mayor Niel Martinez, extended support to ensure the mission reached affected areas such as Barangay Cogon, Gairan, and Siocon, where community leaders helped identify the most urgent needs.
ABCVIP also acknowledged the efforts of Mary Jane Pernitas, Evangeline Damayo, the S-Black Boys, and the Kabataan ng Cebu Volunteers, who helped deliver goods to hard-to-reach areas.
