Many consider COVID-19 as a “great equalizer” since the disease does not spare anyone and all are vulnerable to this virus.
In the past months, we hear news after news of celebrities and personalities here in the Philippines and abroad who got infected with the highly-contagious disease.
Despite the fear and challenges, these people stayed strong in order to recover and win their battle against the coronavirus.
Take a look at the celebrities and personalities who are COVID-19 survivors and their inspiring journey.
Iza Calzado tested positive for COVID-19. The unfortunate news was confirmed by her talent manager Noel Ferrer on March 28.
Iza Calzado was discharged from the hospital on March 31 after her retest came out negative.
Christopher de Leon announced on March 17 that he was positive for COVID-19.
On March 25, Christopher de Leon was able to return home after being hospitalized due to COVID-19. Sandy Andolong, Christopher's wife, shared the good news via an Instagram story.
Utah Jazz basketball player Rudy Gobert revealed that he lost his sense of taste and smell after testing positive for COVID-19 on March 11.
After more than two weeks, NBA player Rudy Gobert was out of the woods and was discharged from the hospital on March 27.
Boston Celtics basketball player Marcus Smart had been on self-quarantine since testing positive on March 19.
Boston Celtics's Marcus Smart has recovered from the new coronavirus disease on March 29. The professional cager is also looking at donating his blood sample to help in the COVID-19 research.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were in Australia when the couple found out that they were positive for COVID-19.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were released from the hospital a week after revealing that they were positive for the coronavirus disease. The couple have been recovering better two weeks since the onset of their symptoms.
Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim was diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 20.
Daniel Dae Kim confirmed that he's virus-free 10 days after confirming that he had COVID-19. The actor celebrated his recovery with a good shave.
GMA News pillar Howie Severino confirmed in a long-form feature that he was Patient 2828.
'Howie Severino: I am Patient 2828'
In the feature published by GMA News, Howie thanked the doctors and nurses who helped him in his recovery. He also told his story and a few takeaways.
In a Facebook post, Duran Duran bassist John Taylor revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 but has already recovered.
He described his condition as a 'Turbo-charged Flu' and called himself lucky to have survived the disease. He also hopes his recovery can give assurance that the virus and the disease it causes can be beaten.
On Monday, April 13, Department of Education secretary Leonor Briones revealed in her interview with 'Unang Hirit' that she is now negative from COVID-19, four days after she confirmed that she caught the contagious disease.
According to the interview, Leonor Briones shared that traditional medicine like gargling warm water with salt and drinking ginger water has helped her recovered from the disease.
On Instagram, Grammy award-winning singer P!NK opened up about her COVID-19 diagnosis. After showing symptoms of the disease, she let herself tested and the result came out positive. However, in the same post, she revealed that she is now negative for COVID-19 after retesting.
In support of containing the rapid spread of COVID-19, P!NK donated $500,000 to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia and to Los Angeles Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund.
On Instagram, former Bond girl Olga Kurlyenko announced on United Kingdom's Mother's Day, March 22, that she has "completely recovered" from COVID-19.
In a separate Instagram post, Olga Kurlyenko shared that she still wears mask everyday to ensure the safety of her family and the people around her.
Clarence House shared a photo showing Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall reunited after staying in isolation due to the duke's COVID-19 diagnosis. The image was taken in celebration of the royal couple's 15th wedding anniversary, suggesting that Prince Charles has fully recovered from the disease.
Prior to that post, Prince Charles shared an update about his condition. He said, "Having recently gone through the process of contracting this coronavirus--luckily with relatively mild symptoms--I now find myself on the other side of the illness, but still in no less a state of social distance and general isolation."
'Luther' star Idris Elba revealed in a video message on Twitter that he and his wife,Sabrina Dhowre Elba, are "both doing okay, still asymptomatic." They had tested positive for COVID-19 while in New Mexico, USA where he had been shooting a new film.
In a separate tweet, Idris Elba revealed that he and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, who are now out of quarantine, would be immune to COVID-19 for a certain time since their antibodies fought it, according to their doctors.
American singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles has now fully recovered after exhibiting mild symptoms of COVID-19.
On Instagram, Sara Bareilles expressed gratitude to all the health workers who are at the front lines in battling COVID-19. She said, "Thank you to all the tireless healthcare workers and medical professionals who are working FOR us. Thank you."
"Game of Thrones" actor Kristofer Hivju announced on Tuesday, April 14, that he is already cleared from the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Norwegian actor Kristofer Hivju also revealed that his wife, Gry Molvær Hivju, who was also tested positive for COVID-19, has recovered from the virus, too.
Former Sexbomb Girls member Jacque Estevez revealed that she tested positive for coronavirus on April 1. Jacque is currently living in Anaheim, California, where she works as a medical frontliner.
Dating SexBomb member na si Jacque Estevez, tinamaan ng COVID-19
Fortunately for Jacque, she recovered from the disease.
American radio show DJ and host Andy Cohen was diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 21, 2020.
Andy recovered from the virus after a few days and returned to work. He also got reunited with his one-year-old son, Ben.
Jon Lucas chronicled in his June 25, 2020 Facebook post his battle with COVID-19. Upon learning that he's positive for the disease, he's already "29 days onwards recovery." He was treated for three days in a hospital and underwent COVID-19 real-time PCR diagnostic test which then turned out negative.
After his recuperation, Jon immediately got back in business as he entertained his fans in an online show to celebrate his first anniversary as a Kapuso.
Professional basketball player Chris De Chavez and his parents, who are based in the US, were also victims of COVID-19.
According to 'Tunay Na Buhay,' Chris and his family recovered from the highly contagious disease by keeping themselves active, and doing traditional Filipino remedies like drinking salabat tea with lemon and honey, and inhaling steam while under home quarantine.
Opera singer Andrea Bocelli and some of his family members had COVID-19 in March, but they have now recovered from the dreaded disease.
Now that they are considered COVID-19 survivors, Andrea and his wife, Veronica Berti, donated blood plasma at the University Hospital of Pisa to help find a cure for the disease.
We were all heartbroken when we learned that seasoned comedian Michael V. confirmed via his Bitoy Story vlog that he tested positive for COVID-19 in July.
After three weeks since he announced that he contracted the disease, Direk Bitoy announced via his vlog again that he has already won his battle against the disease and has already recovered.
In a video conference with the entertainment press in August 2020, dancer-turned-comedienne Lovely Abella admitted that she tested positive for COVID-19. Good thing she is asymptomatic and doesn't feel any serious symptoms of the disease.
Going through such an ordeal, the Bubble Gang comedienne admitted that contracting the disease was “traumatic” for her. But Lovely Abella has recovered from the virus and has already completed the mandatory 14-day isolation.
Former 'Pinoy Big Brother' housemate Baninay Bautista announced in her vlog that she also tested positive for COVID-19. She also shared her journey to recovery and gave her subscribers on her YouTube channel a tour of her room in the isolation facility.
Unfortunately, Baninay's vlog caused confusion, since it was not clear in the video she uploaded if she just recently tested positive or it was a late upload. She has already tested negative for COVID-19 and uploaded on her social media accounts her clarification about some details about her vlog.
It came as a surprise to blogger and host Divine Lee and her husband Blake Go that they contracted the virus, even though they did not leave their home since March 14, 2020. Divine went on record that they tested positive in a tell-all vlog.
Divine tested negative on July 21, 2020, while her husband Blake returned home from the hospital a few days after.
Maureen Larrazabal tested positive for COVID-19 when she was required to take a swab test at GMA Network in August 2020. In an interview with GMANetwork.com, the sexy comedienne related that she had to undergo another two weeks of isolation, although she is an asymptomatic patient. Prior to this, Maureen had already isolated herself for three weeks because she experienced some COVID-19.
The comedienne confirmed on her Instagram post on September 19, 2020 that her recent test turned out negative for COVID-19.
It was worrisome for 'StarStruck' graduate Enzo Pineda when he and his dad, Eric Pineda, were both tested positive for COVID-19.
After recuperating at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, Enzo happily announced that he and his dad have both recovered from COVID-19. The former Kapuso talent also thanked all the medical frontliners for taking good care of them. “Thank you to all the hardworking doctors, nurses, and crew of Cardinal Santos Medical Center who took good care of me and my Dad. Mga bayani kayo and salamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo na ginagawa niyo para sa ating bayan.”
In July 2020, Kapuso comedian Donita Nose admitted that he tested positive for COVID-19. The Kapuso TV host took a swab test in a hospital after experiencing symptoms of the coronarivus.
By second of week of August 2020, Donita addressed all healthcare frontliners with gratitude in a social media post after she recovered COVID-19.
In October 2020, Alex Gonzaga admitted that she, her parents, a house helper, as well as her fiance Mikee Morada, contracted COVID-19.
After a two-week self-isolation period, Alex revealed they were all tested negative from the virus.
Comedian Wally Bayola shared that he tested positive for COVID-19 during the December 12 episode of 'Eat Bulaga!'
He thinks that he might have caught the virus after he became complacent and began to forgo safety procedures such as wearing face masks and face shields.
EatBulaga (TW)
Comedian and entrepreneur Allan K shared his COVID-19 story during the December 12 episode of 'Eat Bulaga!'
He had to spend three days in the intensive care unit because his case was severe, compounded with his age and diabetes.
Alden Richard's personal assistant Tenten Mendoza or Mama Ten found out that he was positive for COVID-19 after doing a swab test in preparation for taping one of Alden's shows.
He admitted that he felt guilty and blamed himself because Alden lost a few work opportunities due to close contact with him.
On September 10, 2020, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle tested positive for COVID-19 after his arrival in Manila. The news was reported by Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office. Despite testing positive, the Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples didn't show any symptoms and isolated himself from visitors through self-quarantine.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was tagged COVID-free on September 23 after testing negative from the coronavirus disease. “According to Father Gregory Gaston, the college rector of the Collegio Pontificio Filippino, Cardinal Tagle's recovery was “God's gift” to the Catholic Church so that he can continue his mission on Earth.
In July 2020, Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo tested positive for COVID-19. At the time, he was the most prominent churchman in the Philippines to contract the disease. According to reports, the bishop appeared to be asymptomatic and underwent self-isolation to observe precautionary measures.
By early August, Bishop Broderick Pabillo was reported to be free from coronavirus disease. He even held Mass following the great news and said, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo sa inyong patuloy na pagdasal para sa akin, damang dama ko ang iyong mga dasal. Wala naman ako nararamdaman na sintomas at sa awa ng Diyos, ngayon ay COVID-free na ako sa second swab test ko this week.”
On March 21, 2021, Angeli Valenciano, the wife of Mr. Pure Energy Gary V., announced that she tested positive for the coronavirus disease. She shared the news on her personal Instagram page with a photo of her counter filled with medicines and other essentials.
By April 3, 2021, Gary Valenciano shared that Angeli is now free from the virus and thanked his many friends and supporters for the prayers they offered for his wife's recovery.
Kapuso primetime actress Rhian Ramos opened up about her COVID-19 journey on Instagram.
The actress-model shared that she and her road manager Rach Librado were infected with the highly contagious disease. Rhian recalled their ordeal in her post, “The past few weeks have been harrowing at times, but I'm not really here to scare anyone, just sharing how grateful I am for life, health, love, and friendship. Thank you to everyone who sent us encouragement and help through this experience. It meant the world to us and I'll always remember how much you've blessed us.. (you know who you are) Can I just say though. The light at the end of the tunnel is wonderful. If you or someone you know is still going through the covid battle, stay motivated my friend. Keep your morale up. When you see your first negative result, you'll be overcome with relief and that feeling you've been dreaming of, where for 5 minutes there's finally no fear. God bless our countrymen and God bless our health workers.”
Versatile actress and OPM artist Glaiza De Castro revealed in her '24 Oras' interview that she tested positive for COVID-19 after her RT-PCR test.
Glaiza, who is asymptomatic, has already recovered from her COVID-19 bout and shared this helpful tip to everyone. "Kahit na wala kang nararamdaman o ang result mo ay nag-positive ka [at wala kang nararamdaman], you really have to monitor yourself and stay at home."
Gab Valenciano's family has been through some tough times recently, after their mom, Angeli Pangilinan got infected with COVID-19. Now that Mommy Angeli has recovered, the former Wowowin director and multi-talented artist revealed that he's a COVID-19 survivor, too.
On his Instagram post, Direk Gab encouraged other survivors to donate their convalescent plasma to save other patients battling this highly contagious disease. He said, “YOUR PLASMA CAN SAVE LIVES. Last November, I tested positive for COVID-19 and chose to keep it strictly between family and friends for very personal reasons. It wasn't severe in any way and I fully recovered by following all protocols and by the full support of my loved ones, even from afar.”
“There is another way we can fight this virus; CONVALESCENT PLASMA DONATION.”
After being hospitalized for days together with her son Angelo, the comedienne updated her followers on Facebook on April 21, 2021 and announced that they are both free of the dreaded disease. She added that they were also allowed to continue their recuperation at home.
Actress Nadia Montenegro joined the long list of celebrities and personalities who recovered from COVID-19.
In an Instagram post, Nadia's daughter Ynna narrated their COVID-19 story. Aside from the two, Ynna shared that "almost half" of their family tested positive.
Miguel Tanfelix admits he battled COVID-19 before he got vaccinated against the virus.
Comedian Boobay faced COVID-19 back in 2020 and was hospitalized. Months later, Boobay rejoiced as he got vaccinated against the virus.
Ken Chan revealed his whole family suffered from COVID-19. Thankfully, they survived and the actor has finally received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Rita Daniela admitted that she contracted COVID-19 despite being extremely cautious.
The comedienne learned about her condition on August 28, 2020 after undergoing a swab test for an event. Kakai was given a clean bill of health on September 11, 2020.
The former Miss Universe Philippines was fortunately fully vaccinated when she contracted the virus.
“I would describe it as a really really bad flu. It was also the first time that I've experienced a total loss of smell and taste,” said the national director of Miss Universe Philippines.
“Lucky enough, we were able to get better at home,” she added. “Praying for everyone's safety and for the pandemic to end soon.”
Kapuso actor Rayver Cruz admitted that he battled COVID-19 for three months, in which he needed to drove himself to the hospital. Now that he has recovered, Rayver encouraged everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine for an added layer of protection.
Digital entrepreneur and tech vlogger Carlo Ople broke his silence after he confirmed in a vlog on September 25, 2021 that he got infected with COVID-19. He has since recovered from the highly-contagious disease and even shared to his subscribers some of the lasting symptoms of the coronavirus in his body.
Versatile TV-movie actor Tonton Gutierrez vouched for the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines after he himself got infected. In his recent media interview, Tonton shared that he was asymptomatic and credits the vaccine for keeping him safe during his home isolation. The actor explained, “`Yung pananaw [ko], I guess masasabi ko hindi ako masyado takot, because I'm fully vaccinated. Gaya nung sinabi ko, thank God the vaccine really works, kumbaga kasi wala ako naramdaman.”
In a vlog posted on November 26, 2021, 'Hawak Kamay' singer Yeng Constantino recalled the problems her family had to overcome. The Kapamilya singer shared her bout with COVID-19, although her husband Yan Asuncion was asymptomatic, Yen had a hard time breathing.
While they were recovering from the highly-contagious disease in September 2021, Yeng also received the unfortunate news that her mother, Susan Constantino, passed away. Recounting the moment when her father called to inform her what happened, she said, "Hindi ko pa narinig boses ng tatay ko na ganoon kalungkot, 'tapos binalita niya sa amin na, iyon nga, na wala na si Mama."
Former 'Eat Bulaga' host Keempee de Leon turned to his faith to keep strong after contracting COVID-19 last March 2021.
The family of soap opera actress Tanya Garcia faced an almost insurmountable challenge last March 2021, after she and her husband Mark Lapid contracted the virus. The sad part, all of their children (Mischa, Matilda, and Madeleine) also tested positive.
In an interview with PEP.Ph, Tanya made sure not to tell her parents what happened to them in order not to add to their anxiety.
Singer Richard Reynoso is breathing a sigh of relief after contracting COVID-19 in November 2021. In his Instagram post, he was beyond grateful to the medical team, who took care of him in the intensive care unit (ICU). He shared, “I thank God for these awesome Doctors He provided. These Medical Specialists strategically kept me from being intubated while I was in ICU. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe. #csmc #DrSalandanan #DrPamplona”