Millennials on lockdown: How celebrity kids, teens stay productive at home

(First of two parts)

With schools on lockdown due to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, young millennials were forced to stay at home earlier than their usual summer break.

We can only imagine how “triggered” (a millennial term for “annoyed”) they are because they’re highly sociable beings who were suddenly forced to limit social contact. Still, we encourage them to remain optimistic, and believe that difficult times always lead to better days.

Inquirer Entertainment asked these young celebrities—through their parents’ help, of course—to talk about what they think they could gain from being stuck at home. Here are their replies.

Andre Yllana

ANDRE YLLANA

Since he knew that he would be idle for a little while longer with the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Andre Yllana said he often finds things to do to keep himself from getting bored.

“Right now, puro video games,” admitted the son of actors Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana. “But each night, during supper, Mom requires us to eat together and pray. That’s when things sink in; that’s when I start thinking again what productive things I can do if [the resumption of] school is pushed to August.”

The 21-year-old said that he was considering enrolling in online studies related to his course, automobile, “just so my brain will not get rusty.”

The ECQ brought him closer to his family, Andre added, “especially to my sister (Marthena). I get to monitor her daily activities now. She’s only 13, so I check on who she is chatting with—kuya duties,” he declared.

JAYDA AVANZADO

We sought the help of singer-actress Jessa Zaragoza to get a reply from her daughter Jayda.

The 16-year-old performer said the ECQ is “an opportunity for us to reflect on life; on the things that truly matter, and the things we tend to overlook, as we get caught up in our usual everyday hustle and bustle. Such as our faith in God, or little things like waking up in the morning and having food on the table.”

Jayda Avanzado

Jessa’s daughter with singer Dingdong Avanzado also said: “It’s also a chance to focus on some aspects that we may not usually have time for, like self-care and improvement. Exercising and getting enough sleep are also important.”

The ECQ, Jayda added, gave people more time to spend and connect with their families, “whether that’s through set-aside quality time or, for those who may not have their families physically by their side, virtually.”

CHESCA CRUZ MONTANO

Looking at actress Sunshine Cruz’s Instagram posts, which often features her in TikTok dance videos with her daughters Angelina, Samantha and Chesca, it was obvious that she has been having a great time being stuck at home with them since the ECQ was imposed on March 15.

We asked Sunshine’s help to make her girls share their views on quarantine life.

For Chesca, 13, while staying home is the most effective method to avoid getting infec­ted by the virus, it’s also the most cost-efficient way to spend the school break. “This can help you save money, unlike when you go to the mall, where you will only get tempted to buy unnecessary things,” explained Sunshine’s youngest daughter with actor Cesar Montano.

Angelina Cruz (center) with sisters Chesca and Samantha Cruz Montano

Staying home can also be “a time for self-growth,” added Chesca, since it would allow you to “try out new hobbies or learn new languages. It will also give you the time you need to improve your mental health. It’s important to have a healthy body and mind.”

SAMANTHA CRUZ MONTANO

Samantha, meanwhile, said that she and her siblings still find ways to be productive, even while stuck at home, “whether it’s coo­king, baking, playing with our dogs, or doing at-home workouts.”

Samantha, 14, pointed out that the current global health situation has made them “appreciate the little things in life.” The time together also made her and her family closer. “Since we’re all stuck at home, we learn to talk more with each other,” she explained.

ANGELINA CRUZ

Angelina, the eldest of the three, said she liked keeping herself productive with her hobbies, “not only by singing, but also by drawing and painting … Bonding time with the family is also better than ever. We often find ourselves baking, playing games and goofing around.”

“At the end of the day,” the 18-year-old added, “we know that the pandemic has a negative impact on many people’s lives,” and that, as a family, they have a lot to be thankful for. She then pointed out that, “we shouldn’t think in any way that the ECQ is a good thing. We just want to do our part, as well as help others, by staying home.” INQ

(Conclusion tomorrow)