What would you panic-buy in a crisis?

There is no doubt that the times we live in are not the best. There is the war that seems to be far from over and the dreaded pneumonia that started in China and to date there has been no cure for it. Yet, there are a lot of Filipinos who seem to be oblivious, or at least no too concerned about what is happening around the world. I remember the time when a calamity or even negative news about coups and the like struck the country – people responded differently. Bad news close to home brought people into panic, and panic buying was at the top of their list. People were so scared that they would buy whatever they could afford until there was almost nothing left to buy.

Even if the crises that the world faces today seem to be without end, it is good if we are prepared. So, for this week I asked some personalities what they would panic-buy if they had to. Read on and find out what they said.

Paul Cabral, fashion designer: I would not really hoard but would just buy enough for myself and my mom who lives with me. Rice and instant noodles would be convenient if worst comes to worst.

Angela Velez, TV personality: I would buy food, water and cooking ware to ensure that I would have enough during hard times.

Andrea Bautista, TV host: I wouldn’t go panic buying, but I would buy my basic necessities that could last for a given period of time. Panic buying will only make things worse especially for those who can’t afford to panic-buy.

Sarah Jane Paez-Santiago, former beauty queen and owner, Lifestyle Spa: I would prioritize the needs of my kids. First, I would stock up on their milk and medicine, then for the rest of the family, rice, bottled water, canned goods, ready-to-eat meals and toiletries.

Dondi Alikpala, financial regulator, MWSS: Milk and water for the baby, perhaps dollars too.

Riki Kwek, newscaster/TV reporter: Panic buying happens with the imminent shortage of commodities in times of crisis. Your assets can enable you to hoard everything from groceries, but what truly matters for me is still love. What’s on top of my list is something no amount of purchasing power can acquire, and since that’s already a premise, I guess I have no reason to panic in the first place.

Ciara Sotto, TV personality: I’d rush to the supermarket and buy lots of Evian because that’s the only water I drink and other basic commodities and, of course, plenty bags of potato chips because I can live on just chips and Evian.

Letlet Veloso, fashion designer: Food, lots of water and batteries.

Aurora Diaz-Wilson, writer: My cell phone with spare batteries would be my priority in a crisis.

Tina Tinio: In times of crisis, I guess you can say I’d panic-buy basic things like food and water to survive. But personally, my greatest fear is to be bored and for my mind to stagnate. I’d definitely buy books and magazines to keep me entertained so that no matter the crisis, my mind can still fly.