Around GMA

Article Inside Page

A Filipino Illustrator shared a touching conversation she had with Howie Severino when he was still in the hospital battling COVID-19.

In a series of Twitter posts, Cynthia Bauzon-Arre wrote how she started communicating with the Kapuso broadcast journalist who is now a COVID-19 survivor.

According to Cynthia, Howie is the reason why she saw the value of art during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Since Mr. @Howieseverino already posted it on his IG, I guess I can share the story here? He sent me this really touching message a while back... it made me see the value of art even in times like this."

Cynthia attached a photo with "Remember I showed you this message I received last week? It was actually from Patient 2828, Mr. Howie Severino."

Since Mr. @Howieseverino already posted it on his IG, I guess I can share the story here? He sent me this really touching message a while back... it made me see the value of art even in times like this. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/j9F6v9D1U2

-- Cynthia Bauzon-Arre (@arncyn) April 16, 2020

Howie wrote, "Hi Cynthia, I discovered your nature art while in the hospital sick with covid. It offered some comfort. Now I'm home and still looking at your art."

Cynthia added another post saying that Howie showed her the photo of his family. Then she decided to draw it and give it as a gift to him.

"He showed me a photo of his family by the roots of a giant Dao tree in Cebu, so I drew it. After reading his articles on the GMA site about what he went through & the tests he is still undergoing in order to help with merdical research, how could I not give it as a gift?"

He showed me a photo of his family by the roots of a giant Dao tree in Cebu, so I drew it. After reading his articles on the GMA site about what he went through& the tests he is still undergoing in order to help with merdical research, how could I not give it as a gift? 😢 pic.twitter.com/g6xqESWZmF

-- Cynthia Bauzon-Arre (@arncyn) April 16, 2020

She then got emotional after she received a message from Howie.

"I told him that I was thinking about that the whole time I was drawing, and he sent me this. My turn to cry po, Sir. Thank you for all that you do, and for sharing your experiences in order to help others. God bless you and your family po. @Howieseverino"

I told him that I was thinking about that the whole time I was drawing, and he sent me this. My turn to cry po, Sir. Thank you for all that you do, and for sharing your experiences in order to help others. God bless you and your family po. 🙏🥰 @Howieseverino pic.twitter.com/lv2mSJEUpa

-- Cynthia Bauzon-Arre (@arncyn) April 16, 2020

Howie wrote, "You're making a grown man cry. I have so much already to be thankful for-- basically the chance to live--and now this unexpected gesture and gift, which is really not for me but for my family and what they went throught because of what happened to me. You're a sweet, pure soul. May you always be safe. Thank you."

Howie revealed his full story as Patient 2828 in a feature article in GMA News Online.

Kapuso broadcast journalist Howie Severino survives COVID-19 as Patient 2828

Howie Severino admits seeing "visions of death" while battling COVID-19