Karylle with husband Yael in the background and dog Mini Me
Since the show biz circus is devoid of “noise” during this chaotic time, I’ve opted to let you in on celebs’ “ECQ lives” in my “QuarantInterview” series, starting today. For a change, controversies and intrigues are on pause mode.
Being cooped up at home is both a blessing and a curse for stars. They suddenly have the luxury of time. But they must also deal with the “withdrawal syndrome,” brought about by missing the limelight and yearning for their frenzied schedule.
For my first QuarantInterviewee, I chose one of my fave people in the biz, Karylle.
Class is in everything she does. K and her hubby, Yael Yuzon (Sponge Cola’s main man), make marriage look so fun and easy.
Here’s my chat with Karylle:
What are you learning about yourself and Yael during this ECQ (enhanced community quarantine)?
That my family brings me comfort. I call my lola in Vegas daily. I do video calls with my mom every morning when I have my coffee. I chat with my sisters constantly. For Easter, Yael and I randomly started to gather our families and did video calls.
The other day, I looked at Yael singing and kept thinking, “Grabe si Yael! Wala kaming trabaho, pero trabaho pa rin nang trabaho.” I felt inspired by his work ethic. Then, I thought maybe that’s the way to go. Maybe work will follow. And true enough, we got three work inquiries after that.
Our dog, Mini Me, has been very good at keeping us happy and at play.
Please share any cute anecdote about your married life in the time of quarantine.
We have been sharing chores. And I discovered what an expert Yael is in online shopping. He bought supplies for us and his crew. But my fave is when I tricked him into dancing with me. I started with Zumba—Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls. Then, we moved to a harder class with The Fitness Marshall.
As a close friend of Iza Calzado, how did her COVID-19 episode impact you?
It was very scary, especially seeing her cry. Sakto naman. I was recording my rosary project at the time, so I was always praying for her.
What’s the most productive thing you’ve done during ECQ?
I have recorded and released a new album called “The Holy Rosary: Roses for Mary,” with two songs. One is a super special song I used to sing as a high school student in Poveda. I was the responsorial psalm reader, and I recorded what was then the most requested song.
I work as a volunteer staff for Ryan Cayabyab’s “Bayanihan Musikahan.” We have raised P45 million to date. The bayanihan spirit is alive and well. It is nice to be surrounded by people who want to help out in every way they can.
If you could choose to be under quarantine with any celeb, who would you pick?
Hyun Bin. I will ask him to play “The Song for My Brother.”
What’s the first thing you want to do when the pandemic is over?
Thanksgiving celebration. Have a picnic in Baguio and roll around the grass with my nieces and nephews.
What are some of the “quaran-tunes” on your playlist that help you stay calm?
“Shelter Me, Oh God,” Dua Lipa everything for mornings, Leanne and Naara, and “Bayanihan Musikahan.” My fave show to date is Celeste Legaspi’s FB (Facebook) Live. I found an old record of Debbie Gibson (“Out of the Blue”), and I set up my record player. Itchyworms’ Jazz Nicolas’ FB Live.
What are the top five things on your grocery list during this crisis?
Kimchi, spicy tinapa, vegan tocino from Vegan Grocer, vinegar and oranges
What’s your mantra these days?
We will not just survive, we shall prevail.