Image: screengrab from YouTube/Vilma Santos-Recto
Veteran actress Vilma Santos appeared to be recovering well from the effects of her bout with COVID-19 as she regained her lively self during her recent birthday celebration.
The Star for All Seasons earlier claimed that she was suffering from prolonged symptoms of coronavirus, or “long COVID”, wherein the patient may experience a wide range of condition long after infection. It usually lasts more than four months, though there are instances where symptoms come back.
Santos, who turned a year older last Nov. 3, hosted an intimate gathering for the occasion, as seen in a vlog on her YouTube channel last Friday, Nov. 11.
The event was attended by friends and loved ones, including Santos’ son, actor-TV host Luis Manzano, and his wife Jessy Mendiola, who were both delighted after seeing Santos finally get over her malaise.
“Kasi lately may pinagdaanan si Momski…[kaya] ang sasabihin ko is I’m proud of you dahil ang pinagdaanan mong ‘yon — hindi man naging madali — ay nalagpasan mo,” Manzano said, addressing his mom.
(Because Momski went through something lately so I want to say that I’m proud of you because even if it was not easy, you overcame it.)
“Keep going lang Momski,” Mendiola continued. “Kasi talagang iba ‘yung aura niya ngayon, ang ganda. Ang layo do’n sa — kasi may pinagdaanan si Momski, ‘yung sinasabing long COVID. Ngayong nakita namin siya ulit, sobrang iba na ‘yung aura niya.”
(Just keep on going, Momski. Her aura is really different now, it’s pleasing. It’s far from — because Momski went through something, long COVID. Now that we got to see her, her aura really changed.)
The couple also expressed excitement in welcoming their child who they call Peanut and whose presence would be their gift to Santos.
“We are very happy and ngayon pa lang, super blessed ni Peanut na magkakaroon siya ng grandmama na tulad po ninyo, Momski,” Mendiola said. (We are very happy and as early as now, Peanut is very blesses to have a grandmother like you, Momski.)
“Ang wish ko naman kay Momski, as always, long and healthy life pero ngayon kapag sinasabi kong long life [ay] dahil may parating na bagong blessing sa pamilya — para matagal niyang makasama ang ating Peanut,” Manzano stated.
(My wish for Momski, as always, is for her to have a long and healthy life. But now, I wish for her to have a long life because a new blessing will be added to the family — so she can be with Peanut for a long time.)
Santos’ husband, Batangas 6th district Rep. Ralph Recto, and their son Ryan also greeted the veteran actress and sent their birthday messages through her vlog.
Santos disclosed her condition last Nov. 2 as she explained her recent absence from social media. At the time, Santos was still experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, such as asthma attacks, fluctuating blood pressure and headaches. EDV