Star turned into couch potatoes, quite the opposite of storm chasers, when Typhoon “Glenda” whipped the country on Wednesday. For some, it was a case of the-show-must-go-on; a few others chose to cocoon in the comfort of their homes.
A good number got to prepare, while their colleagues just had to be content with learning a lesson or two from the experience.
Cooky Chua
Singer
(My band) Color It Red had a concert in Magallanes, Sorsogon on Monday. The show went well and we had a big audience. But toward the early-morning hours, things took a turn for the worse. (Bicol was hard hit by the storm.—Ed.) We were supposed to fly back to Manila on Tuesday, but all the flights were canceled. Even buses were not allowed to travel. Someone lent us a van so we could try to beat the storm before it made landfall (at 6 p.m.). We were set to leave at 1 p.m., but we were told that “Glenda” was expected at 3. So we rushed through lunch and made it home at 11:45 p.m., Tuesday.
Actress
I guess I survived “Glenda” by not minding it. I was busy taping for the ABS-CBN series “Dyesebel” at Marina Bay, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday). It was quite windy there, so we transferred to Kalayaan Studio in Quezon City. We finished at 11 a.m., Wednesday. To ensure our safety, the production checked us into a hotel along Timog (Ave., Quezon City). We couldn’t leave for home because we were to resume taping after lunch.
Sue Prado
Actress
Stayed dry by staying home and cuddling with my cats.
Suzi Entrata-Abrera
TV host
We just stayed home. I managed to prepare rechargeable lamps. I had our bamboo fence secured and part of our roof replaced just a week ago. That proved to be perfect timing because the winds were particularly strong in our area. I didn’t get to report for work (in the GMA 7 morning show, “Unang Hirit”), though. Until now, I am praying for those who were severely affected.
Ronnie Lazaro
Actor-director
I didn’t prepare as well as I should have. I forgot to check on loose windows, neglected to buy extra batteries for the radio. I failed to remind everyone at home to charge their cell phones, among other things. Next time we’ll be better prepared.
Mara Lopez
Actress
I stayed home with my mom (Maria Isabel Lopez) and, with the remaining power in my laptop, we binge-watched “Breaking Bad.”
Maria Isabel Lopez
Actress
We stayed home. We had the wind of “Glenda” to keep us cool, in lieu of an air-conditioner or electric fan. We embarked on a marathon viewing session of our favorite TV series. We were lucky to have enough juice in a power bank to charge cell phones. I managed to stay connected on Facebook, in spite of the intermittent signal.
Jose Javier Reyes
Filmmaker
I charged all my gadgets, made sure my power packs were fully loaded and brought candles out. Still, I ended up paralyzed. I realized that, without electric power, modern life could lead to an unwarranted state of vegetation.
Nora Aunor
Actress
Ang lakas ng hangin! Hindi ako makatulog (noong Martes ng gabi). Ninerbiyos ako kaya nagsabi ako kay John (Rendez) na bumaba kami sa lobby (ng condo). Ang problema, brownout. Walang elevator kaya naghagdanan kami pababa—mula sa tuktok. Inalalayan naman ako ni Boss John.
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