MayWard talks about Momo challenge and depression

Maymay Entrata (left) and Edward Barber

Stay away from it,” said young star Edward Barber when the Inquirer asked his advice for his young supporters on how to deal with the dangerous game called the “Momo Suicide Challenge” that has been circulating on the internet lately.

The suicide app reportedly traces its roots in Japan. It targets children through the social media site Facebook and the messaging app Whatsapp. An anonymous person (“Momo”), with an unknown number, will instruct the child to engage in odd activities while recording these for Momo. If the challenge is successful, Momo will then ask the child to engage in even more dangerous activities—eventually leading to suicide.

“I’ve only learned about it this morning,” said Edward’s onscreen partner, Maymay Entrata, during a media gathering on Thursday. “I got worried because I have a younger brother, Rio, and cousins, who love playing with gadgets. I have yet to talk to them about this.

Goose bumps

“Please don’t download the app. It’s also important that when you’ve already started playing it, and the person you’re talking with instructs you to do something bad to yourself, don’t do it,” Maymay advised youngsters. “Only God determines how long we shall stay in this world. It’s also important to read devotional books every day so that our hearts are guided, and our faith will grow.”

Edward added: “I’ve seen a clip about it and it’s really scary. I got goose bumps while watching it. I hope that no one will fall victim to it anymore. The internet is an amazing place, but it can be really dangerous. Check on your loved ones. Make sure they’re all safe.”

To parents, Edward said: “Check your child’s gadget. Make sure the app isn’t there. These people have a way of finding out the child’s location so he/she will believe that it’s real.”

Maymay and Edward, collectively known as MayWard, were also asked about their opinion on depression. “I’ve gone through that in my life, twice,” admitted Maymay. “The first was when I went from one audition to another, hoping to make it in show biz, but was unsuccesful. It came to a point when I wanted to give up, but I reminded myself of the reason I want to become successful: my family.”

The second incident in Maymay’s life that triggered depression was when her grandfather passed away. “He was my reason for joining ‘PBB’ (‘Pinoy Big Brother’). When I lost him, it felt like I lost my purpose,” she recalled. “I had to recondition myself. I had to make myself realize that I have other people in my life to fight for. Only one has left, and it’s not the end of the world yet for me.”

Better day

Edward said he knew a lot of friends who had gone through depression “be it here or in Germany (where he grew up). It’s a hard place to be in but know that even if it seems so bad, there’s always a better day. It’s best to keep yourself busy. Focus on something that’s just for you, like going to the gym or doing some sports.”

Edward, a reluctant star, admitted there were times when he thought of quitting the biz. “When things get hard, it’s always easy to just say ‘no’ or ‘I quit,’ mostly because of fatigue or when I’m worrying so much about something,” he pointed out. “The way to battle it is to remember why you started it in the first place. Every time there’s a challenge, I take it personally, I worry a lot. I also work hard to get better.”

Edward said he would often think of how his idols, like Piolo Pascual or Aga Muhlach, would react when similarly situated. “Faced with the same situation, I’m sure they didn’t worry like I did. They simply enjoyed the moment. I said I also want to reach that point when I just enjoy my work and not think about whether or not I could do something well.”

He said he would often draw courage and strength from “family and fans. When you see the support and time they’re giving you, you’d feel that you owe it to them to give your all, too. You can’t be lazy. Also, God has put me here for whatever purpose, so who am I to say no? Until I discover that reason, I will stay.”

Fresh new singles

The media gathering was to formally launch MayWard’s fresh new singles under Star Pop. Maymay’s song “Kakayanin Kaya” sentimentalizes harboring feelings for a person who may like another. The ballad, Maymay’s first single from her second album, tackles the dilemma of whether to stay or let go.

Edward, on the other hand, is up with a heartwarming serenade, titled “No One Else,” which talks about how the singer is hesitant in revealing his feelings as he waits for the perfect time to confess to the girl he likes. It is a new single from Edward’s first album under the ABS-CBN sublabel. Songwriter Roque “Rox” Santos is overall producer.