Self-Quarantine Tips from Your Favorite Filipino Celebrities

With the overwhelming rise of the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, many of us are left shocked and crippled by the news we hear every day. Nobody really knows what to do exactly especially after the immediate community quarantine and panic that came with the exponential increase of transmissions. So while we’re cooped up in our homes and left to spend hours on Instagram, here are some ideas from our favorite celebrities on what to do during the pandemic, how to help, and ways to take care of yourself. 

Heart Evangelista - Find Security and Keep in Touch

It might have been all fun and jokes when Heart Evangelista posted a picture of her doe-eyed with a DIY luxury mask featuring an Hermes ribbon, but the star got real with her followers a few days later. She posted a photo on Instagram admitting that she has been anxious about the outbreak and finds comfort in an oversized hoodie her husband Chiz Escudero bought her. She also stays in their home in Metro Manila while Chiz is in Sorsogon doing governor duties. 

Just like Heart, many of us have to say goodbye to our loved ones at least until the quarantine is lifted. Finding something that calms you down, whether it’s an oversized hoodie or even just a blanket, definitely helps reduce the fear and anxiety you might be experiencing. For long-distance relationships, it is always possible to keep in touch with your loved one, friends, or family via video call and spend time without meeting. 

Althea Ablan - Stay Healthy

GMA artist Althea Alban keeps her immune system up by incorporating healthier ingredients into her daily meals. She recently shared a photo of a healthy citrus salad that we all want to try! During this time, one of your only armors is a healthy meal, some vitamins, and lots of water. Staying healthy as much as you can will help you and your community virus-free. 

Alex Gonzaga - Pay It Forward

Alex Gonzaga takes a break from her usual comedy vlogs and makes time to help her community during this difficult time. Many minimum wage earners have been struggling to make ends meet especially with the government’s advice to suspend nonessential businesses. With the absence of immediate support from local government units, Alex spends some time packing goods for her community in Taytay, Rizal. 

If you want to help out people who are struggling more during the pandemic, let Alex be an example that you don’t need to spend millions to help out and donate. Helping with your time and spare money at a community or barangay level goes a long way!

Bela Padilla - Call for Action

Last week, Bela Padilla was praised all over social media for her efforts in raising 3.3 million pesos for street vendors and homeless people affected by COVID.19. Her online fundraising event was met with enthusiasm and soon enough, she hit her 1 million target and reached someone who donated 2 million pesos. This is proof that using one’s platform for good really does pay off. Bela’s call to action inspired many to do the same. 

You don’t have to be Bela Padilla nor do you have to raise 3 million pesos, but with the social media networks we have now, there’s so much we can do to help raise money for those who need it most. Whether you’re planning to start a fundraising campaign or just using the internet to help raise awareness, there is so much to do to help while staying at home. 

Angel Locsin - Be Proactive

Darna is out to rescue once again! Angel Locsin is known for her activism and her loud voice when it comes to social issues. Just recently, she set up sleeping tents for medical frontliners who have been working 24-hour shifts. She worked with event organizing company La Belle Fete as well as other celebrities in the industry to donate taping beds for comfortable sleeping arrangements. Aside from this, she constantly calls onto her fans and followers to donate, help spread awareness, and more. Angel is never afraid to speak out about her opinions and concerns either. 

During this time, it is important to let your voice be heard and inspire others to help out as much as they can. You might not have played the lead in a big superhero franchise, but everyone has an inner Darna they can channel!

Korina Sanchez - Be grateful and Reflect

Over the past few days, many influencers have been under fire for posting insensitive comments about people who could not self-quarantine due to the nature of their work. This is why Korina Sanchez’ feed is a breath of fresh air as she acknowledges her privilege and urges many others to use their guilt to help out. 

“There's a guilt that comes with figuring out what to do next, locked in our homes. We eat on time, we have leisure, we have the luxury of thinking about our health and preserving, even enhancing it. What's the next Netflix movie to watch? What's for dinner?” she posted in a caption. Just like Korina, reflecting on what’s happening and being grateful for what you currently have are great things to do during self-quarantine as they will help you be more empathetic and helpful to other people. 

Erwan Heussaff - Try new recipes

Bored at home? Celebrity chef Erwan Heussaff has exciting recipes you can try. It’s obviously not fun to be eating instant noodles every day, so Erwan’s recipes will inspire you to be more creative! Skip the food delivery and use what you have to come up with dishes you and your family can enjoy. If you’re new to cooking, perhaps this is the best time to start trying. After all, you have a few days to keep trying. 

Isabelle Daza - Teach Kids How to Wash their Hands

Out of all the age groups, kids will give you the hardest time trying to explain the situation. If you have kids at home, Isabelle Daza has the perfect simple science experiment that will teach your kids the importance of washing their hands. Simply put some black pepper on water and put a drop of dishwashing liquid to prove that hand-washing is effective and necessary!

Solenn Heussaff - Be Creative

Still running out of things to do? Celebrity and visual artist Solenn Heussaff has a simple arts and crafts project for you and your kids to try! With some old toys, mason jars, paint, and a whole lot of creativity, you can spend quality time with kids and unwind from all the news on social media. Painting has always been proven to be therapeutic, so give it a whirl! Plus, it’s a great way to recycle clutter in your house!

Barbie Imperial - Have fun on Tiktok!

If all else fails, downloading Tiktok is one tap away. Find out why everyone has been posting these trendy videos and try them out for yourself. Barbie Imperial is one of our favorite new additions to the Tiktok influencers list. All these new dance crazes are just too irresistible to miss! There’s a reason why almost everyone in self-quarantine turned to Tiktok to relieve stress. Release your endorphins with these videos and you’ll be hoping on the bandwagon in no time. 

This pandemic will definitely be changing our lives at least for the next few weeks. Staying at home is not as easy as one would think, but it’s the best thing you can do especially to the medical frontliners sacrificing their lives every day. Let these celebrities be your example in helping the community and inspire you to spend your time wisely at home. 

Zoey sends love to everyone during these challenging times and we can’t wait to continue making memories with you and your loved ones soon! Head over to our Instagram account where we can keep you company during this pandemic.