How celebs are coping with the COVID-19 quarantine

(Conclusion)

Raymond Bagatsing

Raymond Bagatsing, a cast member of “A Soldier’s Heart,” said he understood why ABS-CBN decided to halt tapings temporarily. The actor is also part of the upcoming series “Burado,” which features Paulo Avelino, Julia Montes, Zanjoe Marudo, Nadine Lustre and Thai actor Denkhun Ngamnet. “It was supposed to roll this month,” Raymond reported.

He is likewise working on a documentary called “Maharlika: In Search of Our True Identity,” which he is codirecting and producing with US-based author, actress and life coach Radhaa Nilia. “We will focus on this project while our local entertainment industry is on hold,” he added.

Raymond then advised his followers to “work on strengthening your immune system by getting enough sleep and rest. Nourish yourselves with green leafy vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamin C and antiodixants.”

Irma Adlawan, who is also part of the drama series “A Soldier’s Heart,” described the work stoppage recently ordered by the network as “a good move.” After all, Filipinos should “help the government stop the virus that has started to destroy the whole world,” she pointed out.

“A Soldier’s Heart” had to temporarily go off air after the network issued a directive to stop the airing of its live entertainment programs and the production of its teleseryes.

As a consequence, the Gerald Anderson starrer has been replaced by the iWant original thriller “I Am U,” featuring Julia Barretto.

Irma asked people to refrain from “bashing the government on social media. Now is the time to show our resilience as a nation. So please, just shut up and obey.”

Irma Adlawan

The award-winning actress added: “But if it is so innate in your nature to criticize, then do it constructively, or write it in a way that sounds like a suggestion. There’s too much negativity in the world, so don’t contribute to it.”

Irma, meanwhile, is finishing her stint with the drama series “Pamilya Ko” and is filming the latest movie adaptation of “Darna,” as well as two other indie movies that are supposedly due for release in March and April, respectively.

While stuck at home for a month, Irma has set goals for herself. “Exercise daily, repaint the pots in our garden, plant some herbs, cook the food I had no time to cook, read books, watch documentaries and other interesting movies on Netflix, fix my wardrobe and giveaway clothes I haven’t worn in years,” she enumerated.

Meanwhile, Vangie Labalan, who is part of the cast of the romantic-comedy series “Make It With You,” advised: “Hang on. We’ll be back as soon as the problem is solved.” The program, which stars Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, has been replaced by “On the Wings of Love,” which first aired in 2015 and features James Reid and Nadine Lustre.

Vangie Labalan (left) with Ian Veneracion on the set of “Make It With You”

“It was good that ABS-CBN decided to cut taping right away. This COVID-19 is deadly,” Vangie told Inquirer Entertainment. “While I feel sad about not being able to go to our happy set every day, I feel that it’s just right for the network to prioritize the safety of everyone.”

Vangie said she found the monthlong lockdown “upsetting” because even her tango sessions in Makati have been disrupted. She attends the sessions three or four times a week. “But TV and Facebook keep me sane,” she added.

“This ‘vacation’ is taking longer than expected. That’s why, it would be nice to reconnect with friends and loved ones we had lost touch with by sending them sweet notes via chat or e-mail. Let’s make them feel important at these times,” the actress said.