How did your company do during the July 30 Metro Manila-wide shake drill? In various buildings across several cities in the metro, kapamilya were out in full force to practice the Drop, Cover and Hold as well as their companies’ evacuation procedures.

We take a closer look at how companies in the Group are prepping for the Big One and how business continuity management strategies can work as we fortify our homes and educate our households. ABS-CBN, Energy Development Corporation, First Philippine Holdings Corporation and First Gen Corporation, in particular, reveal how they prepare for the anticipated earthquake as well as for other calamities.

Whether the Big One happens this year or the next, or in the next decade or within the next five years, we must not let our guard down. “Constant vigilance”—fans of a certain boy wizard will certainly be familiar with this phrase.

Our companies have armed us through seminars and forums. Dealing with the megaquake itself and its immediate aftermath, keeping our families safe—well, this one’s up to us. That’s the lesson summed up in the term “YOYO”; this, as well as the inspiring story of a lady who survived Yolanda practically unscathed, is the subject of this month’s very informative Lopez Values in Action story on page 9.

While all these preparations might seem intimidating, remind yourself that there is a way to eat the elephant. Break it down into little tasks, day by day, week by week. Take time to fortify and secure your homes (if it’s sturdy enough to withstand a 7.2 quake or stronger, you’ll still need to ensure your family can stay there without fearing for their personal safety afterwards).

Truth be told, working on this issue has inspired us to also stock up on food, personal hygiene items and cleaning and sanitizing materials ASAP; buying multiples of everyday stuff such as soap, toothpaste and detergent ensures we will have enough supplies through the expected upheaval. Remember, whatever random item you can think of right now—slippers, hotdogs, light bulbs, floss—it’s likely not going to be available anymore in a postquake situation. And it’s not like you can do a grocery run when everything’s in chaos.

But life goes on despite the uncertainty of the times. Which is why we’d like to think about the upcoming Christmas season— we swear, it starts earlier every year—and a happier kind of list. MaARTe Craft, Art, Food & Design Fair makes shopping easier for you by gathering 50 artisans and their products at the Rockwell Tent later this month. Check out the details on page 12. Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) has also jumpstarted the holidays with its Christmas cards. Corporate clients may place their orders this early; info about the cards and how to get in touch with KCFI is on page 8.