Ben&Ben’s Toni Muñoz. Image: Instagram/@rocket via @tonimoons
Ben&Ben’s percussionist-vocalist Toni Muñoz disclosed that a side of her face is paralyzed as she has been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy.
According to Mayo Clinic, Bell’s palsy is a “condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face,” which could be caused by “swelling and inflammation of the nerve” that controls such muscles.
The musician gave a health update through her Instagram page on Thursday, Oct. 12, admitting that it took her some time to do so because she didn’t have enough courage.
“A few days before we flew to Sydney for Ben&Ben’s 1MX show, I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy,” Muñoz said. “The left side of my face is paralyzed, so as some of you might have noticed (lalo na sa mga na-meet namin sa [especially those we met in] Sydney), I can only wear half a smile, and there’s bit of change in the way I speak.”
Muñoz added that she is still getting used to her condition, but she underscored that she’s grateful she’s able to continue playing and singing.
“I am slowly getting used to this day by day, but I wouldn’t be truthful if I said that it’s easy. It’s a roller coaster of an experience, physically, mentally, emotionally,” she wrote. “But I am still very grateful to be surrounded by very loving people who have given me support and care these past few days!”
“Just putting this out here para lang hindi kayo magtaka or magulat when you see me, at para na rin sa akin, para mas lumakas ‘yung pagtanggap ko na ito ngayon ang aking realidad. Gagaling naman ako, kailangan lang maghintay,” she assured fans.
(Just putting this out here so you won’t be surprised when you see me, and for me as well, so I can further accept that this is my reality for now. I will recover; we just need to wait.)
Muñoz concluded her post by reminding fans that despite unexpected circumstances in life, there are still lots of reasons to be thankful.
“Sa ngayon, kahit kalahati lang ang aking mga ngiti, buo pa rin ‘yan galing sa aking [puso],” she added in her post, which was greeted with well-wishes from fans, loved ones and celebrities.
Image: Instagram/@tonimoons
Image: Instagram/@tonimoons
Image: Instagram/@tonimoons
Ben&Ben is composed of Muñoz, Miguel Guico, Paolo Guico, Poch Barretto, Jam Villanueva, Agnes Reoma, Andrew de Pano, Patricia Lasaten and Keifer Cabugao.
The folk pop band is known for their hit songs “Araw-Araw,” “Kathang Isip,” “Ride Home” and “Leaves,” among others. /ra