Celebrities rally for Cebu as Typhoon Tino leaves trail of destruction

MANILA, Philippines —  With hundreds displaced and communities still reeling from Typhoon Tino’s deadly impact, several artists have stepped up to help.  

Bini members Aiah Arceta and Colet Vergara, artists TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, and “Pinoy Big Brother” alumnus Binsoy Namoca were among those who stepped in to help survivors recover from the storm that killed more than 100 people in the Visayas. 

The Philippine Red Cross shared a message of appreciation on its official Facebook page, thanking the P-Pop girl group members for their efforts. 

“Thank you for visiting, BINI Aiah and Colet! The Philippine Red Cross thanked BINI Aiah and Colet for visiting and joining our team in Cebu this afternoon!” the organization wrote. 

“While our volunteers were busy preparing for the relief distribution, they took the time to greet and support our staff in the field. Thank you very much for your concern and time — truly BINI, for the nation!” the post continued. 

Arceta on Sunday shared clips from the trip on Instagram, showing volunteers repacking supplies and distributing aid. 

“Went to Cebu yesterday for a day to help the victims of Typhoon Tino. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped me buy the food and supplies, and for repacking everything together within a day,” she wrote. 

She also shared scenes from Bacayan, a community submerged by floodwaters. 

“They said this is already ‘better’ than how it was when the typhoon first hit. To all my friends who live in this village, I hope you can recover as soon as possible!!” she wrote in another post. 

In one clip, she shared residents cheering as they received portable lights after enduring hours without power. 

“One of the highlights of my day. Grabe jud akong kalipay ani pagkakita nga finally naa na gyud silay suga (I was so incredibly happy when I saw that they finally have lights)!!!” she said. 

Arceta also reminded followers to stay prepared for emergencies: 

“Packed my emergency bag in case of anything, charged all my power banks and rechargeable batteries, withdrew cash, and have my hard hat, vest, and boots on standby. I hope everyone has their emergency bags ready too. It’s always better to be overprepared! Better safe than sorry!” 

Meanwhile, husband-and-wife artists TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan extended financial help through a P1-million donation to Angat Buhay, directed toward relief efforts in Cebu. 

Their talent agency, Cornerstone Entertainment, confirmed the donation in an Instagram post on Nov. 8. 

“TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan Stand with Cebu through P1M Donation to Angat Buhay,” the agency captioned. 

Cornerstone said the funds were raised through contributions from attendees of the couple’s recent “Sarili Nating Mundo” tour in Perth, Sydney, and New Zealand, along with additional personal donations. 

“While the funds were initially intended to support both Visayas and Mindanao, the couple has chosen to focus first on Visayas, where the recent Typhoon Tino has caused additional destruction and suffering. They are committed to raising more funds for those affected in Mindanao, recognizing that Visayas is currently in greater need,” the agency said. 

Also joining the relief effort was “Pinoy Big Brother: Generation 11” alumnus Binsoy Namoca, who took part in on-the-ground operations in Talisay, Cebu, with One Race for Filipino Services. 

“#BinsoyNamoca, together with One Race for Filipino Services, braved through the storm to help in the relief operations at Talisay, Cebu. Praying for your safety and welfare, Kapamilyas!” Star Magic wrote in a social media post. 

Namoca reflected on his participation in a heartfelt Instagram message. 

“The power to help is in our hands. I give not because I have much, but because I know the feeling of having nothing at all,” he wrote. “Recently, Cebu City went through a devastating experience because of Typhoon Tino, and it breaks my heart to see them suffer.” 

He added, “Looking back on my life, I remember being the one who needed help. There was a time when I had nothing but prayers and hope. Having nothing once made me see the value of every small act of kindness. That’s why I choose to help, not to show that I have more, but to show that I understand what it’s like to have less. Always remember that kindness grows strongest in hearts that have known hardship, and nothing feels more meaningful than turning past struggles into strength for others.”