More than a year into the pandemic, Filipinos can now secure a vaccine against the dreaded coronavirus disease.
Many have already been inoculated through their local government unit's efforts.
The government's COVID-19 vaccination includes health care workers, seniors, and persons with comorbidities. A few local celebrities have also received their shot under specific vaccination protocols.
For the past weeks, the country has seen a surge of cases, recording over 6,000 cases of COVID-19-positive persons almost daily since March. On April 2, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 15,310 cases of the disease, the highest record since the pandemic hit the Philippines. And by April 26, the tally of positive cases had surpassed 1 million.
With the increasing threat of the novel coronavirus, the government and healthcare workers encourage everyone who's eligible to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Take a look at the celebrities who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine in this gallery:
Former Rivermaya vocalist Rico Blanco and actress Maris Racal got vaccinated together.
Rico and Maris spread kilig vibes online, when they were spotted together on Independence Day getting their COVID-19 shots.
'Eat Bulaga' host Pia Guanio and husband Steeve Mago got their COVID-19 shots from the city government of Muntinlupa.
According to Pia, she already got her second dose of the Gameleya Sputnik V. The TV host reminded everyone to strictly follow all health protocols even when fully vaccinated. “Knowing that we have kids who are still vunerable and members of the household that have yet to get their jabs, we only really go out when it's absolutely necessary, and always with our masks and face shields. Getting vaccinated doesn't make you covid-proof, it just mitigates the effects, should you catch it.”
'The Clash' judge Christian Bautista and his wife Kat Ramnani join calls for everyone to immediately get their COVID-19 shots.
The Kapuso balladeer explained why they decided to take the vaccine despite having second thoughts, “I was hesitant at first. But Kat and I decided that we wanted to live life to the fullest again. We want to be well and healthy for each other, and for you all.”
Celebrity chef Jose Sarasola knows the importance of being fully vaccinated in order to protect himself and those around from the virus.
The GMA Artist Center posted on May 31 that he already got his second dose of the Gameleya Sputnik V.
Rumored couple Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali have already gotten their COVID-19 shots, too.
In separate Instagram posts, they flexed their arms after getting their Sinovac-CoronaVac shots.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta opted to complete her dose of COVID-19 shots in the US.
According to the TV-movie star, she got inoculated with the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine.
On March 12, exactly a year after the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 pandemic, actress G Tongi shared on Instagram that she has been administered with the COVID-19 vaccine. G Tongi is currently based in the U.S.
G Tongi received her second shot in Encino, California on April 9.
Former actress Michelle Madrigal, who now lives in Austin, Texas, gladly shared on her Instagram Story that she has received her first shot of COVID-19 vaccine last March 18.
Michelle and her husband Troy Woolfolk got the Pfizer vaccine.
Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez got vaccinated through Paranaque's local government.
Mark Anthony Fernandez's vaccination has raised issues concerning his eligibility for the vaccine, but according to Paranaque Health Office, the actor is included in the list of persons with comorbidities.
Pursuant to IATF's advisory, mayors in high-risk cities and municipalities are authorized to get vaccinated.
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno received his first dose of Sinovac vaccine on April 4.
On April 8, the 'Legal Wives' star Alice Dixson shared with her social media followers that she has received her shot abroad.
The actress plans to get her second shot in the Philippines.
Comedian and talent manager Ogie Diaz shared his experience in getting his first shot of the Sinovac vaccine called CoronaVac, “Nakapag-first dose na ako ng bakuna. Balik ko after 28 days. Sabi nila, kung ano ang available, yun ang i-grab, kaya hindi na ako choosy.”
Ogie Diaz also related that he was notified about the vaccine's side effects, including headache, dizziness, or stomachache.
The Wowowin host got his Sinovac vaccine on April 13 in Quezon City.
Talking about the experience in Wowowin, Willie asked his viewers to sign up for the vaccine in their respective municipalities to safeguard their health and of others against the coronavirus.
“Kasi proteksyon natin 'to eh. Tayo'y pumayag na po tayo na magpa-inject. Ako heto ho kasi siyempre nag-iingat na rin ho kami dito, kailangan protektado.”
Events producer and host Tim Yap got his COVID-19 jab in Vista Mall in Taguig City.
“Got vaccinated today as I fall under the A3 category due to my hypertension,” Tim wrote on Instagram.
“We all need to be vaccinated to be part of the solution. Again, salute to the frontlines and the City of Taguig for doing an excellent job for the benefit of the people. Mabuhay kayo!”
Director Quark Henares applauded Makati authorities for being organized in their vaccination drive.
“Got vaccinated! It was quick, easy, efficient and relatively painless,” said Quark on Twitter.
“Also, they kept playing Hakuna Matata in the background kasi diba nga #BakunaMakati yung tagline, lol. Right after, they played WAP. Love it.”
Christopher de Leon shared during a virtual media conference of his show that he has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Veteran actor Christopher de Leon is among the many celebrities who have contracted and recovered from the coronavirus.
On Instagram, model-actress Isabelle Daza shared that her mom, former Miss Universe, has received her first dose of the vaccine.
In the video posted online, it was seen that Gloria Diaz even pranked the doctor administering the vaccine.
The Kapuso actor related that he has been vaccinated against COVID-19 in a photo of himself on social media while holding a vaccination card issued by Quezon City health authorities.
Martin del Rosario, young and looking physically healthy, was criticized for having vaccinated. But the actor quickly explained that he falls under the vaccination campaign's A3 category or people with comorbidities because he has asthma.
Award-winning director Jose Javier Reyes got himself vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) head office.
“JABBED! Thank you, MMDA,” he wrote on Facebook.
Many of the director's friends and colleagues were happy to see him getting inoculated.
Comedian-turned-politician Roderick Paulate joked, “Hala! Joey Reyes bakit nauna ka pa sa mga seniors?”
Joey, who is 66, replied good-naturedly, “Naluha naman ako sa pagiging touched!”
OPM singer Rachel Alejandro, who's currently based in New York, has already been inoculated with the Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
In her exclusive interview with Mama Belle in 'Sikat', Rachel encouraged everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19. She also noted that she didn't experience any serious side effects, “It was a good experience, practically wala po talagang side effect. Napagod lang, although alam ko 'yung iba parang did not feel well for about a day. Pero wala po kayong dapat katakutan, so yun para makabalik na po tayong lahat. And of course, maging kampante 'yung kalooban natin na maging safe,"
Veteran TV and movie actress Chanda Romero has already completed her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the City of Manila. She recounted her experience during her last trip to the vaccination site, “Thank you so very much, Mayor Isko Moreno Councilor Lou Veloso and these wonderful ladies from Manila Health Department After this second dose, I know I will be sleeping peacefully Stay safe, everyone.”
Chanda Romero showed off her left arm where she got the jab to announce that she has been fully vaccinated.
On Instagram, Anthony Taberna said that he is under the vaccination campaign's A3 category or people with comorbidities because he has diabetes.
Coney Reyes received her first shot of COVID-19 in Pasig City. According to her son, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, his mom is the "6,318th Pasigueño senior to get vaccinated!"
Despite being the mom of the city mayor, Coney Reyes did not skip the line and went through the right process to get inoculated.
Jolina Magdangal got her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Quezon City. "Prayed for this for so long," she wrote on her Instagram.
Jolina was accompanied by her husband, Rivermaya founding member Mark Escueta, who also had his first dose COVID-19 jab.
Cancer survivor Wil Dasovich and his family already got vaccinated against COVID-19 in California.
After a few days of being vaccinated, Wil Dasovich said that he has had “zero noticeable side effects.”
Kapuso actress Chynna Ortaleza gladly shared with her social media followers that she received her first dose of with Sinovac vaccine through the Batasan National High School Vaccine Site.
Chynna Ortaleza, a resident in Quezon City, also relayed with the public the information she gathered while waiting in line to get vaccinated. “You do not need to rebook according to the staff. Ezconsult will take care of informing you of the details of your appointment on specified date indicated in your vaccine card through SMS or email. The second dose is RESERVED for you po. Do not worry.”
Born to Be Wild host Dr. Ferds Recio has been vaccinated against the dreaded virus as well.
Dr. Ferds Recio believes we need at least 70% of our population get vaccinated in order to achieve “herd immunity.”
Broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna got vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine last April 10.
'Eat Bulaga' star Ruby Rodriguez announced online that she has been fully inoculated through the COVID-19 vaccination program of the Quezon City Government.
Ruby Rodriguez received her first shot against COVID-19 on Mother's Day; a treat for herself and a duty to her loved ones.
Rocky Siccion, Jade Lopez's husband, can breathe a sigh of relief now after his wife got vaccinated against COVID-19. The former 'StarStruck' finalist uploaded a photo of herself in the vaccination site and admitted she was feeling emotional.
Jade Lopez received Sinovac for her anti-COVID-19 jab.
Maritoni Fernandez and her husband Mon Dayrit were fully vaccinated on May 12, 2021.
Maritoni Fernandez and Mon Dayrit proudly showed off where they got inoculated when they received their first shot of Sinovac on April 14.
KaladKaren Davila and her fiancé Luke Wrightson flaunted their left shoulders to share that they have received the COVID-19 jab.
KaladKaren Davila had high praises about the UK government in administering the vaccination.
Ruffa Gutierrez headed to Taguig's vaccination hub on May 16 to get her first shot of the COVID-19 jab.
Ruffa Gutierrez posed for a selfie to share her stress-free experience.
She wrote, “A big, sincere thank you to our frontline workers who made the process at the Taguig City Vaccination Hub exceptionally smooth, fast, organized and painless. I commend Mayor @linocayetano and the LGU of Taguig for their excellent leadership.”
Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles received their first shot of Astrazeneca in Antipolo City on May 16.
According to Kim Molina's post, she and Jerald Napoles got inoculated under the A3 category.
Multi-awarded comedian and creative director Michael V. stressed the importance of getting your COVID-19 shots, especially if you are already eligible according to the guidelines set by the government. He told GMANetwork.com that it's not worth the risk if you are still having second thoughts about it. “Huwag n'yo na hintayin magsisi kayo, kasi hindi worth it 'yung pagdi-dillydally. 'Yung pag-aagam-agam, hindi sulit 'yung mga ganun katagal na paghihintay lalo na pagka mayroon isang part ng family na tinamaan or kayo mismo.” Direk Bitoy already had his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Versatile Kapuso actress-singer Manilyn Reynes also fully supports the COVID-19 vaccination program of the government. In an interview with the entertainment press on May 25 via video conference, she revealed that she has already been inoculated with the first dose of the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine.
Aiai Delas Alas has received her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. According to Aiai, her husband Gerald Sibayan also got vaccinated.
The Kapuso star mentioned in earlier reports that she was planning to get vaccinated in the U.S. and to visit her son Sean Nicolo.
John Vic De Guzman is one of the national athletes who received their vaccine last May 28.
John Vic De Guzman is part of the Philippine Men's volleyball national team that will compete in the 2021 South East Asian (SEA) Games.
'Bubble Gang' star Betong Sumaya
Betong who is suffering from hypertension, has decided to take his COVID-19 vaccine, since he's under the A3 category--a priority of the government to be immediately inoculated to protect against the highly-contagious virus. The comedian documented his experience getting vaccinated with the help of the Quezon City LGU on his vlog.
The Muhlach family throws their support for the government vaccination drive.
Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez flex their social media power by showing everyone the importance of taking your COVID-19 shots. With the help of the City government of Muntinlupa, they were already inoculated together with their twins Atasha and Andres.
'Queen of All Media' Kris Aquino
Kris supports
Actress Aiko Melendez posted a photo of her while getting her second dose of Sinovac vaccine.
“Bago n'yo po ako i-bash, pwede n'yo po check IG ko. In and out of emergency room ako kasi hypertensive ako. I also submitted my medical certificate from my doctor and the prescribed medicines for my hypertension. Sumunod po ako sa lahat ng requirements,” wrote Aiko on Instagram.
The Mars Pa More host is among those who got vaccinated against COVID-19 as the government begins inoculating individuals in the workforce or those under the A4 category.
Iya encourages the public to get vaccinated.
“Let's not be choosy. We were more than happy to get Sinovac. We can achieve herd immunity only if you too get that shot, no matter which brand it is. The sooner, the better,” Iya wrote on Instagram and Facebook.
“Register now in your LGU and please, when you get your schedule, please don't walk away if it's not the brand u were hoping for. Let's not waste what is already of limited supply. We can do this, but we can only do it together.”
Iya's husband Drew also got himself vaccinated on the same day.
“Drew and I were ecstatic to be part of the opening of the A4 category vaccination program! Very timely for me now that work is starting to take me outside of my home,” said Iya.
This is also true for Drew whose job as a travel show host for Biyahe ni Drew requires him to constantly travel and mingle with people.
“Aww man what a morning it was!!! @paoloabrera and I got vaccinated today at the momentous opening of the A4 category vaccination program,” wrote Suzi on Instagram.
“Please get vaccinated. It doesn't matter what brand (we got sinovac). What matters is we do our share to reach the goal of herd immunity and attain a sense of “normalcy” ASAP! God bless the Philippines!”
Suzi and husband Paolo bumped into Kapuso couple Iya Villania and Drew Arellano at the vaccination site.
Here, Suzi and Iya can be seen posing for a photo.
The Unang Hirit host got her vaccine on the same day the government rolled out its vaccination drive for those under the A4 category.
Suzy's husband Paolo was visibly happy and relieved to finally get inoculated.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a civic duty, according to the TV host.
“You cannot sit in the sidelines and wait for others to fight this battle for you. If you're longing for a COVID-free world, join the fight. Protect yourself and your loved ones and let's kickstart the economy,” Paolo wrote on Instagram.
“Vaccines currently in use are safe, effective and WHO approved. They are the key to our return to normalcy.”
Rain or Shine Elasto Painter veteran James Yap
On June 10, 2021, James Yap decided to take his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the City of San Juan.
OPM singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid
Initially, Ogie wanted to take the Pfizer vaccine, but he later realized that what's more important is to be vaccinated immediately against the dreaded virus. The former 'Bubble Gang' comedian explained, “Noong una ay Pfizer ang akala naming mahusay ngunit sa aming mga nabasa pagkatapos ay kung ano ang ibigay yun ang pinakamabisa. Sinovac ang natoka sa amin at so far so good. Naisip ko ang pamilya ko, at ang mga katrabaho ko. Kaya ako nagpabakuna, hindi lang para sa sarili ko, kundi para sa nakararami. Kaya maging protektodo, sa bakunang sigurado.”
Barangay Ginebra guard LA Tenorio
The OPM icon got his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Yay, first dose sa Araw ng Kalayaan. Tara magpabakuna na, mga bestfriend,” wrote Rico on Instagram.
The young singer-songwriter and actress also got her jab on Independence Day, June 12. Maris was with boyfriend, singer-songwriter Rico Blanco.
'All-Out Sundays' star Barbie Forteza happily announced on Instagram on June 20 that she has gotten inoculated against COVID-19.
Jak Roberto shows off his jabbed arm after receiving the first dose of his COVID-19 vaccine on the same day as his girlfriend, Barbie Forteza.
Jak and Barbie's inoculation coincides with their return to tapings for acting projects.
Maine Mendoza got her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Mandaluyong City in June 2021. The Kapuso star encouraged people to also get inoculated.
Kapuso host Rain Matienzo a.k.a "Conyo Girl ng TikTok" got her COVID-19 vaccine. She wrote on her social media, "Recently found out I fall under the A4 category so I took a break from finals and headed out to get jabbed! #VaxxedGirlSummer."
Kapuso star Gab Yabut thanked GMA as he got his COVID-19 vaccine. "Protektado ang bakunado, thank you @gmanetwork."
'All-Out Sundays' star Mel Caluag had her first COVID-19 vaccine shot on June 2021. She wrote on social media, "Got my first vaccine @bakunasikat, thank you sooo much Q.C. Hall sa maayos na pag-assist saamin and thank you din po GMA Network."
Kapuso actress Beauty Gonzalez got her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in June 2021. To further encourage the public to get vaccinated, Beauty described it as "parang kagat lang ng langgam."
Real-life Kapuso couple and 'Love You Stranger' stars Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos got their COVID-19 vaccines together.
Actress Bea Binene received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in July 2021.
On her Instagram post, Miss Universe 2018 Pia Wurtzbach tells followers, "Let's help one another fight this deadly virus by building immunity around us."
Falling under A3 Category due to bronchial asthma, Kapuso actress Yasmien Kurdi shared on her latest vlog her vaccination experience last July 3. She also encouraged everyone to get jabbed, "Let's go VAC to normal."
Married couple Iya Villania and Drew Arellano have completed their two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lorna Tolentino revealed in May 2021 that she had "zero vaccine since birth." On July 8, 2021, the actress got her first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine in Mandaluyong City. She wrote on her Instagram post: "Ang pagbabakuna ay ang [pinakamahalagang] instrumento para mawakasan ang pandemya."
Joyce Ching and husband Kevin Alimon got their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on July 8, 2021.
Kapuso singer Mark Bautista also received his second dose of the vaccine on July 8, 2021.
In his Instagram post, The Heartful Cafe leading man encouraged everyone to get jabbed: Vaccines are effective. I highly encourage everyone to sign up at their LGUs to get their shot. We can beat COVID together.
Actress Sunshine Cruz got her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with daughter Angelina. "This is definitely the main solution for us to protect ourselves, family, friends, loved ones and the whole community. Inching us closer to going back to normalcy," she wrote on Instagram.
Aubrey Miles and son Maurie got their second dose of the vaccine at a mall in Quezon City.
'Dear Uge' star Eugene Domingo received her second dose of the vaccine on July 12, 2021.
In Judy Ann's Instagram post, she thanked the frontliners: "Maraming salamat sa lahat ng frontliners na walang kapantay ang serbisyong ibinibigay para sa'ting lahat."
The Kamikazee frontman was happy to get inoculated against the coronavirus.
“'Pag uwi ko sa bahay wala naman akong naramdaman, may konting ngalay lang 'yung left arm ko tapos medyo inantok ako. 'Di ko alam kung side effect ng vaccine o dahil maaga lang ako nagising kanina. One dose done, one more to go,” wrote Jay.
The former Eraserheads bassist got his shot in Taguig.
Singer-songwriter and ex-Yano frontman Dong Abay got inoculated with Moderna vaccine.
Asia's Multimedia Star and 'The World Between Us' actor Alden Richards revealed that he is already vaccinated as he encourages people to take the vaccine that is "made available" for them.
Jackie Lou Blanco was happy to partake in the #FlexMoNa movement where people are encouraged to get vaccinated.
Jessica Villarubin was all smiles thanks to her vaccine care of GMA.