Years ago, local television screens frequently asked viewers how far PHP20 could go. Back then, it was a lighthearted inquiry about a sweet ice cream treat on a sweltering afternoon. Today, the modern working-class Filipino asks a much heavier, more daunting version of that question—not about a single coin, but about their entire monthly paycheck.

Nowadays, media consumption is embedded in our everyday lives. This manifests in the family noontime shows we watch during siesta, all the way to the newscasts we tune into in the evenings right before dinner. Various stories are embedded into these media, tying threads that connect us to one another in a true Filipino fashion. This connection has enabled us to build our distinct culture, share knowledge, and form a sense of community and nationality.

Coinciding with the height of the Philippines’ fire prevention month is also the start of the vacation season. Heading out the door means leaving it in a fragile state. Sometimes, fires are viewed as a distant “what if,” but the reality is that they are more likely to happen. Its aftermath leaves a devastating wind of what once was. So before running out the door, do a quick pre-departure rundown. Tick off the list, as this serves as the first line of defense against the unexpected.