Sharon appeals for mass testing and wants it ‘cheap, if not free’

Sharon Cuneta

Sharon Cuneta said that while she is “thankful for a little more freedom” when the general community quarantine (GCQ) order is implemented on June 1, the singer­-actress also emphasized the responsible use of this privilege, especially since we are battling a pandemic.

She also pleaded for the government to carry out mass tes­ting for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

“I hope we base the quarantine decisions on the data, the numbers. I also beg for mass testing to be available all over the country; and for it to be cheap, if not free,” she told Inquirer Entertainment.

The Megastar also stressed: “If we open our country up too soon, the curve we have begun to see declining and we hope to flatten might go the other way again. [I’m] scared of irresponsible people [knowing that] this virus is highly contagious. Also, many cases are asymptomatic, and that’s scary…”

She pleaded: “Please, please, please! Let’s have mass testing and follow up on those who test positive!”

During these difficult times, Sharon said her prayer would often be about “the front-liners here and all over the world,” as well as the victims of the virus and their loved ones, and those “who have no food on their table.”

Sharon said she would also pray to God that “we may not have learned all the lessons this pandemic is supposed to teach us, but we might have just learned enough … Please, teach us what to do to be able to help those in need and to better serve You.”

Sharon added: “God has allowed this virus to come and turn our world upside down to make us realize which things in life truly matter, who among the people we know are worth our time and love since life is too short and it’s just not humanly possible to give everyone attention, even if they deserve it.”

She said the pandemic should have also taught us that “we have most everything we actually need, and that everything else is a ‘want.’” It should have also made us “more empathetic and sympathetic toward our fellow human beings. I feel for those whose livelihoods, whose life’s works have been much affected by this health crisis. We’re all pretty much jobless now … I still feel the effects of the virus on the financial side of things, what more to other people?”

Since the pandemic has forced everyone to stay at home, Sharon said we’re also “forced to go back to the very basics. Before the advent of all the technology we have now; life was much simpler. The gadgets may be around us, but now, we spend a little more time with each other.”

Adjusting to “quarantine life” has not been too difficult for Sharon because, she said, it had been her “lifestyle” when not working.

She explained: “I grew up five years younger than my brother, and learned early on how to entertain and amuse myself since I was always alone in my room or with my parents. So it hasn’t been too bad for me. I have enough books and movies, arts and craft supplies, and many other collections and stuff that will last me a lifetime.”

Sharon’s son, Miguel

Sharon confessed that it was really the “psychological part” of the quarantine that got to her. She said: “It was knowing that all of us have to live this way because there is a powerful, invisible enemy out there that can take our lives away in a matter of weeks and when we least expect it.”

Just like any mom, Sharon worries about her family. Aside from KC, her daughter with actor Gabby Concepcion, Sharon also has daughters Frankie and Miel, with husband Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. She likewise has an adopted son, Miguel.

“I worry that they might develop cabin fever. [I also worry about] the fact that they cannot go out and socialize with their friends, especially Miguel. He is only 10. I can only pray we are giving him enough stimulation at home,” she pointed out.

Sharon then said it was a good thing that Kakie (Fran­kie’s nickname) and Miel—who are “joined at the hip”—are well-adjusted to the situation, and aware that “they are blessed and that there are those who aren’t only less fortunate, but worse off because of the situation.”

As for her husband, Sharon said: “Kiko is a homebody like me. We can be in the same room reading different books or working on our laptops.”

“Now of course, since I am also a human being,” Sharon added, “I thrive on working while I still can because I love to sing, act and host. I miss being able to do that. Thank God for technology. I am able to keep in touch with my fans through my YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And now, especially for work, there’s Zoom!” INQ