What began as a night of beauty and celebration quickly turned tense when a powerful earthquake struck Cebu during the Miss Asia-Pacific International (MAPI) 2025 Gala Night. According to Gulf News, the 6.9-magnitude quake hit on Tuesday, September 30, just as 43 international candidates, including the Philippines’ Anita Rose Gomez and reigning queen Janelis Leyba of the United States, gathered at a luxury hotel.
Delegates and staff were swiftly evacuated by hotel personnel and guided to safe areas.
MAPI Organisation Confirms Safety
In an official statement, the MAPI Organisation reassured the public that all candidates and team members were safe.
“Following the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, we would like to assure everyone that all Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 candidates and the MAPI Organisation team are safe and well. We extend our deepest gratitude to Radisson Blu Cebu for their swift and professional response in implementing safety measures during the tremor,” the statement read.
As a precaution, the organisation has cancelled all scheduled events for October 1 while assessments of the venue and safety conditions continue.
Solidarity From Pageant Community
The global pageant community has since expressed solidarity with Cebu and extended prayers for the safety of those affected.
The Miss Philippines Organisation released a statement: “In this time of grief and recovery, we stand with our brothers and sisters in Cebu. Together, let us continue to uphold the spirit of bayanihan and work towards rebuilding stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.”
Similarly, the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Organisation expressed sympathy through an Instagram post: “Our hearts are with every community, especially our Cebuano partners and delegates. We believe in the strength of bayanihan and the resilience of the Filipino spirit.”
Moving Forward With Resilience
While the gala night was disrupted, the strong response of organisers, hotel staff, and the wider community has underscored both preparedness and resilience. The incident highlighted the importance of prioritising safety even during major international events.
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