The Days After the North Cebu Earthquake

Less than 48 hours after the quake, on Thursday morning, Yang rode his motorcycle up north to Daanbantayan to check on Arriyus Apartelle. He went to help his dad, who manages the place. Thankfully, the building held strong and suffered no major damage. Power came back in Daanbantayan after a few days, and guests even continued to book despite the ongoing aftershocks.

Yang stayed in Daanbantayan until Saturday night. Normally, the drive home from the north takes 3 to 4 hours (faster if on a motorcycle), but this time it took him over 7 hours! The roads were packed, but for a good reason.

The northbound lanes were full of private cars, trucks, and motorcycles carrying relief goods. Government and private groups were all heading the same way. The traffic stretched for kilometers, but no one complained. It was a rare moment when congestion felt like a sign of hope, proof that Cebuanos were showing up for one another.

As of today (a week after the quake), PHIVOLCS has already recorded more than 8,000 aftershocks! Thankfully, only a few were felt here in Mactan. Still, every time the dogs barked for no reason, we would pause and wonder if another tremor was starting.

Scenes From North Cebu

When my husband reached San Remigio, Bogo City, and Hagnaya Port, he saw the worst of what the North Cebu earthquake had done. Buildings and homes had collapsed. Cracks split across roads. Familiar landmarks were gone.

He passed by the district hospital where body bags were laid out in front, a sobering reminder that this wasn’t just about damaged property. As of now, the death toll has surpassed 70, with hundreds injured and thousands displaced.

Many families were camping out in open fields, afraid to stay indoors. Some were sleeping by the roadside, close enough to flag down passing vehicles in hopes of getting food or water.

Yang didn’t talk much about it when he got home. I think it was too heavy to put into words.

Bayanihan After the North Cebu Earthquake

Despite the destruction, what stood out most was the bayanihan that followed. Within hours, donation drives were launched across Cebu. Everyone wanted to help.

Even though I’m currently between jobs, I gave what I could: small cash donations to volunteer groups and bags of rice, noodles, water, and biscuits for churchmates whose families in Bogo City lost their homes.

At Arriyus Apartelle, a volunteer group reached out asking if they could use our space for a relief operation. The nearby neighborhood didn’t have parking space, so we offered our property. They parked their trucks, unloaded supplies, and began distributing goods to residents. It was simple but powerful. The smiles on people’s faces said everything.

Below is a compilation of photos my husband captured on the way home. North Cebu residents have lost so much, yet they remain super thankful to everyone who helped with the earthquake relief efforts. Some held up signs thanking motorists, while others offered free food and drinks. So heartwarming to see Cebu bayanihan in action! 

Reflections From Cebu

This quake has been one of the hardest events Cebu has faced in years. The stories coming out of the north are heartbreaking: entire families lost, children found clinging to their parents, homes reduced to rubble.

But once again, the strength of Cebuanos shone through. When Typhoon Odette hit Metro Cebu and South Cebu in 2021, it was the people of North Cebu who helped us. Now it’s our turn to return that kindness, and the response has been overwhelming.

Living in the Philippines means facing nature’s tests over and over again: typhoons, floods, earthquakes. Yet we always rise. Every time, our compassion outlasts the chaos.

I’m not Cebuana by birth, but after living here since 2009, I can honestly say this place is special. The people, the kindness, the way everyone looks out for each other — that’s what keeps me proud to call Cebu home.

If you’d like to help, there are still many ongoing North Cebu Earthquake 2025 relief efforts for San Remigio, Bogo, and nearby towns. Even the smallest donation or a prayer can make a difference. Bangon, North Cebu.

How We Prepared Our Cats The Night Before Their Spay and Neuter Surgery? 

The vet’s instructions were clear: no food or water for at least 8-12 hours before surgery. Sounds simple, right? Not when your cats are used to roaming outside and eating whenever they please.

Alexander, my orange boy, is mellow and doesn’t mind being indoors. Maddie, his calico sister, is the complete opposite; she’s independent, loud, and stubborn. Locking her inside overnight felt like preparing for battle.

Anyway, we made sure both cats had their fill before midnight, which was at least 9 hours before the event started at 9 am the following day.

At midnight, we set up my son’s bedroom with a litter box, their crates, and even a CCTV camera so we could keep an eye on them. My son slept in our room that night, so the cats had the whole space to themselves.

And what a night it was. They meowed endlessly, staged zoomies around the room, and even managed to knock the CCTV over, so we lost our live feed. By morning, the room was a disaster. LOL! Litter was scattered everywhere, and poop was both in and out of the box. Luckily, we had a waterproof mattress cover and a leather couch, so cleanup wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.

The silver lining was that fasting had been successful, and they were surprisingly cooperative when it was time to get them into their crates.

Why Did I Decide to Spay and Neuter My Cats?

Maddie had already given birth twice — 5 kittens the first time, 4 the second. During her spay, the vets confirmed she was pregnant again and had to perform an abortion. As much as I love kittens, I didn’t want to keep going through unexpected litters.

Alexander, meanwhile, was acting like a textbook tomcat. At only a year and a half old, he’d disappear for days at a time, returning with scratches, bald spots, and that wild “I’ve been fighting” look.

Beyond my personal reasons, there are important health and behavior benefits:

• Females are less likely to develop pyometra (a dangerous uterine infection) and certain cancers.
• Males become less territorial, fight less, and are less likely to roam.
• Both sexes live calmer, healthier lives overall.

How Did I Feel Before the Cat Spay and Neuter Surgery?

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Surgery, no matter how routine, always carries risks. I’d even seen a video where a cat had to be revived because the owner didn’t follow fasting rules. That haunted me the whole night before their operation.

The vet checklist was strict: the cats had to be healthy, not vomiting or having diarrhea, not nursing, and preferably not in heat. They had to arrive in secure crates. Maddie and Alexander passed all these requirements, but I still couldn’t shake the worry.

Anyway, for your reference, these were the requirements posted by Sugbo Animal Birth Control Veterinarians on their FB page:

What Was the Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Process Like in Cebu?

The surgery was held at Pacific Mall in Mandaue. We left the house around 8 a.m., crates in tow. Maddie howled the entire drive, while Alexander stayed quiet and resigned to his fate.

By the time I arrived at the 3rd floor around 9:15 a.m., registration had just opened, but the line was already long. We were assigned numbers 102 and 103. Clearly, the event was popular. Later, I learned they operated on nearly 200 animals that day.

The waiting stretched for 4 hours, but chatting with other pet owners helped pass the time. Many had done this before and shared tips about recovery, meds, and what to expect.

When our turn finally came, the vets anesthetized both cats quickly and carried them into the operating room. I caught a glimpse of Maddie’s belly being shaved before the curtain closed.

Alexander’s neuter took just 2 minutes. He was brought out unconscious, tongue lolling, looking almost comical. 

Maddie’s spay procedure lasted longer (maybe 15 to 20 minutes) since it included an abortion. Despite that, she woke up almost immediately afterward, while Alexander stayed knocked out for another 40 minutes.

Both looked “drunk” — wobbly legs, glassy eyes, confused expressions. Once they were semi-awake, they received their free anti-rabies shots, and we were cleared to head home.

What Was Recovery Like for My Cats at Home?

The vet’s instructions were simple:

• Keep them indoors for at least 5 days.
• Don’t let them lick, bite or chew their wounds.
• Give all prescribed antibiotics, pain relievers, and vitamins on schedule.
• Monitor their appetite, litter box use, and energy levels.

Simple, yes. Easy, no.

The "cones of shame" were a disaster at first. They slipped them off within the first hour. We ended up taping the cones to make them more secure, and eventually, the cats gave up fighting them.

Feeding was messy. Their cones made eating and drinking awkward, and they didn’t have much appetite on the first day. We initially spoon-fed them wet food, then switched back to dry food once they were steadier on their feet.

Giving meds was a two-person job. One of us held the cat firmly while the other syringed the liquid straight into the throat. Our cats were prescribed:

• Co-Amoxiclav (antibiotic) → 1 ml twice a day for 7 days

• Tolfenol (pain reliever) → 0.6 ml once a day for 5 days

• Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) → 2 ml once a day until finished

By Day 2, they were noticeably better. By Day 10, their wounds had healed, fur was growing back, and they were back to their usual antics.

How Much Did Cat Spay and Neuter Cost in Cebu?

Here’s the exact breakdown of what I paid at the low-cost event:

• Maddie: ₱900 (spay) + ₱500 (abortion)
• Alexander: ₱800 (neuter)
• Medicines: ₱400 (antibiotic, pain reliever, vitamin C)

Total: ₱3,000 (including a ₱400 slot reservation fee paid a couple of weeks prior).

For comparison, I had previously inquired at a private clinic and was quoted around ₱15,000 for both cats. That’s five times more expensive!

For your reference, here's Sugbo Vets' price list for both cats and dogs (click to enlarge to see full rates). Note they prioritize aspins and puspins (native or non-purebred dogs and cats) for this low-cost program.

Plus, you might even get free anti-rabies vaccination like my cats did at this September 13 event!

What Did I Learn From My Cats’ Spay and Neuter Journey?

That the hardest part isn’t the surgery, it’s everything around it. From the sleepless night before to taping cones and cleaning messes, it’s an exercise in patience and love.

But it was absolutely worth it. Both Maddie and Alexander are healthier, calmer, and safer. And I saved a huge amount by joining the low-cost program.

Would I Spay or Neuter My Cats Again in the Future?

Yes, without hesitation. Maddie’s son Blackiki (so named because he looks like a black striped tiger, haha!) is next in line once he’s old enough. If he inherits his mom’s loud voice, I’d better prepare my ears for another noisy car ride.

Final Thoughts

Spaying and neutering may feel intimidating, especially the first time. But it’s one of the best things you can do for your cats' health, your sanity, and the greater good.

Have you had your pets spayed or neutered? How was your experience? Share your story in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

The Hair Dye Detour

Let me back up a little. I did try dyeing my hair once.

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision at Watsons, where I picked up a cheap box of GlamWorks hair dye for about ₱50. I went home excited, gloves on, ready to transform myself into a glossy-haired goddess.

And for a brief moment, it worked. The dark brown-black looked sleek, and I felt like I had pressed rewind on the aging process.

But here’s the thing: that feeling was short-lived.

• The color faded fast.

• The roots grew in quicker than weeds.

• The cycle of re-dyeing felt exhausting.

Do I really want to spend hours bent over a sink, gloves on, smelling like chemicals, just to hide what my body is naturally doing? The answer, quite quickly, became a resounding no.

I never made it to the salon chair either. For one, the costs add up. And two, the idea of spending half a day under foils and hair dryers sounded more like a punishment than pampering.

So I stopped. No more boxes of dye. No salon schedules. Just me, my natural hair, and a trusty hair bun to disguise the explosion of salt and pepper strands.

Character Over Perfection

At first, I thought white hair would make me look “old” in a way I wasn’t ready for.

Isn’t that what society drills into us? Gray and white strands are framed as the enemy, something to be battled with touch-ups, highlights, and endless “anti-aging” products.

But somewhere along the way, my mindset shifted. I realized white hair doesn’t just signal age. It signals life, experience, and character.

When I catch my reflection now, I see the difference. Sure, my face is changing, and my hair has transformed into its salt-and-pepper phase. But the eyes staring back at me still feel like the same 20-something me.

Inside, I’m still that person. Aging feels like this odd split-screen: the outside shifting and marking time, while the inside still feels young and curious.

And honestly, I’ve grown to like it. White hair softens me. It’s proof that I’ve lived through challenges, laughter, and countless cups of coffee.

Crossing the Line Into Not Caring

Here’s the real gift that came with turning 40: I crossed an invisible line where other people’s opinions stopped carrying so much weight.

Before, I might have worried about what coworkers, neighbors, or random strangers thought of my appearance. Should I look “younger”? Should I keep up with trends? Should I cover the white?

Now, at 42, I feel an almost rebellious freedom in not giving a damn.

Aging is a privilege. I know people who never made it to 40. I know people who spend thousands on cosmetic procedures trying to preserve an illusion of youth.

Me? I don’t have the money, the patience, or the interest. So I choose to accept what time is giving me: the chance to age naturally, gracefully, and unapologetically.

And let me tell you, it feels incredible.

The Economics of Vanity

Maintaining dyed hair is expensive. Not just in money, but in time.

• Salon visits eat up hours.

• Box dyes need constant retouching.

• Products to keep dyed hair from drying out add more costs.

Add it all up, and you’re basically paying a monthly subscription fee to fight biology.

I did the math. Over a year, even just quarterly salon visits could easily add up to tens of thousands of pesos. That’s money I’d rather spend on good food, travel, or even paying bills.

For me, vanity lost the economic argument.

Never a Fashionista

Here’s another truth: I’ve never been a fashionista.

Some women love makeup, hair styling, and fashion. That’s their art form, their joy. For me, it’s never been a big deal. I was never the type to match lipstick shades with outfits or follow hair trends.

So really, why would I start now in my 40s?

Instead, I lean into practicality. My hair bun hides the white explosion while still looking put-together. My low-maintenance routine saves me hours every month. And best of all, I feel like myself.

White Hair as Achievement

When I think about it, my white hair is like a badge of honor.

It’s proof that I’ve made it this far. Every strand is a marker of survival, through late nights, stress, joy, heartbreak, and everything in between.

There’s also gratitude. Every time I see those silver threads, I remind myself: I woke up today. I’m still here. Another day to spend with family, work on my passions, and experience life.

That feels like an achievement worth celebrating.

If I Could Tell My Younger Self…

If I could sit down with my younger self, the one carefully plucking out single white hairs in her 30s, I’d tell her this:

There’s nothing to be afraid of. Aging is normal. It’s not a punishment, it’s a privilege.

Stop worrying about how you look in other people’s eyes, because those same people are too busy worrying about themselves.

Be grateful for every day, love yourself, and be kind to others. That’s what really matters.

My Evolving Definition of Beauty

In my 20s, beauty meant perfection: smooth skin, shiny hair, no blemishes.

In my 30s, beauty started to mean balance: between work, family, and self-care.

Now, in my 40s, beauty means authenticity.

Natural beauty will always win over surgically enhanced beauty in my book. Not because surgery is “bad,” but because authenticity feels more grounded and real.

I admire women who own their age, who let their lines, curves, and yes, white hair, tell their story.

That’s the kind of beauty I aspire to now.

A Celebration, Not a Defense

I’m not writing this to defend my choice not to dye my hair. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dyeing, just like there’s nothing wrong with not dyeing.

This is simply my way of celebrating the freedom that comes with saying, “This is me. Take it or leave it.”

At 42, I’ve decided I’m not going to spend my precious time and energy hiding the signs of a life well-lived. Instead, I’m going to wear them with pride.

What About You?

So that’s my little love letter to my white hair and the freedom of being in my 40s.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been struggling with the mirror, I hope my story reminds you that you’re not alone and that there’s joy on the other side of acceptance.

Now I’m curious: What’s your relationship with aging and appearance? Have you had your own “crossing the line” moment where you stopped caring about others’ opinions?

Share your story, I’d love to hear it!

Why a Spa Night Out Felt Right

We could have gone the usual route, e.g. flowers, food, or cards, but this time, the thought of sneaking away for massages together sounded way more appealing. 

D’ Bollywood was the perfect pick: it’s well-known in Tacloban, literally walking distance from our house, and easy to book with just a quick call. Everyone was excited, and it felt like the stars had aligned for our girls’ night out.

Of course, we didn't just call. Since their Marasbaras/Coca-Cola branch is just near our house, my sister and I decided to just visit them for a quick site visit, see if it passed our 'vibe check'.  

Anyway, when we got there (I think it was a couple of days before Mother's Day), there were a few ladies having their mani/pedi sessions. We immediately liked what we saw (and smelled), we checked out their rates, and booked an appointment for Mother's Day.

Giggles, Towels, and Warm Lights

The spa greeted us with warm lights, faint floral scents, and staff who moved like they’d been trained to embody calmness.

First came the feet washing ritual, which already had my nieces exchanging looks like, “What did we just sign up for?”

Mom and sister were ushered into their own ‘rooms’, while I bunked with the nieces. Cue the whispering, the nervous laughter, and the quick dives under towels as we were told to strip down to our underwear. I couldn’t stop laughing with them. It reminded me of how new everything feels when you’re younger, how much fun there is in awkwardness.

The masseuses, to their credit, carried on like absolute pros. The ticklish giggles from my nieces didn’t throw them off at all. Before long, I found myself sinking into the rhythm of the massage – shoulders loosening, mind quieting, body remembering what it felt like to really rest. The pressure was just right, firm enough to ease the knots but gentle enough to lull me into half-sleep. I drifted in and out, only waking when the masseuse softly asked me to shift positions.

An hour slipped by. When it was over, we sat up with groggy eyes, hair in disarray, and skin perfumed with oil. We got dressed while talking and laughing softly. We could hear someone snoring softly a few meters away. 

In the reception area, they offered us hot tea or water. I chose tea, savoring its warmth as we slowly came back to ourselves. Then I paid for our signature full body massage (I think total was around P2,500 for the 5 of us). We also asked the receptionist to call our assigned masseuses so we can give each of them their service 'tip' (completely voluntary). 

The Sandal Chase

Just when I thought the night had wrapped up neatly, it turned into a comedy sketch. As we stepped outside and started walking away, one of the masseuses came running after us, waving a pair of sandals. My niece had forgotten hers inside. HAHA!

There she was, changing footwear right on the sidewalk, while the rest of us tried (and failed) to hold in our laughter. And walking home on freshly oiled feet? Let’s just say every step felt like a potential slip, and we clung to each other like tipsy women after a night out.

Meanwhile, Back at the House…

The men (my dad and brother-in-law) had been left in charge of babysitting. We expected frantic messages, maybe a call or two. But nothing. When we walked in, the kids were fed, tucked into their tablets, and the house looked surprisingly peaceful.

Maybe it was luck, maybe it was strategy, or maybe they had their own secret babysitting hacks. Whatever it was, it gave us the freedom to just enjoy our Mother's Day date without worry.

What I Loved Most About the Experience

Looking back, the massages were wonderful, but what I treasured most was simply being there with the women in my family. Over the years, I’ve tried to treat my mom and sister on Mother’s Day. It’s my way of showing appreciation for everything they’ve done and continue to do.

But this time felt different, maybe because it wasn’t just the three of us. My nieces were part of it too as they're now almost-adults, wide-eyed and chuckling through their first spa experience.

What struck me was how the evening seemed to pause real life for a while. My mom, who is usually the one giving and fussing over everyone else, got to simply enjoy being cared for. My sister, who juggles a hundred responsibilities every day, finally had an hour to breathe. And I got to watch it all unfold, feeling happy that I could give them that moment.

Our Mother's Day celebration wasn’t extravagant, but it was full of laughter, relaxation, and love. It reminded me a little of our trip to Cansiboy Mountain Resort in Leyte, where the best parts weren’t the activities themselves but the shared stories and the laughter in between. Moments like these, whether at a mountain resort or a neighborhood spa, always end up being the ones that stay with me the longest.

What About You?

Do you have a small family tradition that always makes you laugh when you think about it? Or a Mother’s Day memory that didn’t go as planned, but somehow turned out better? I’d love to hear your stories.