Ricardo Cepeda and Marina Benipayo test negative for COVID-19, say their way of eating boosts their immune system

"Pasado sa test!!!"

This is how Ricardo Cepeda announced on his Facebook page on Friday, October 23, that he and his partner, Marina Benipayo, have tested negative for COVID-19.

The Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation) actors took a COVID-19 rapid antibody test for the purpose of getting a medical certificate as a work requirement.

Ricardo also wrote, "Results in less than one hour later.

"When being NEGATIVE is a good thing!"

A low carb diet and intermittent fasting advocate, Ricardo believed he and Marina's way of eating has strengthened their immune system.

"Our WOE (way of eating) has been proven to give us a strong immune system. So far throughout this quarantine period I have been tested 3 times for Covid -19 and come out negative. This is wifey Marina Abad Santos Benipayo's first testing and she's negative as well," Ricardo shared on Low Carb and Intermittent Fasting™ and Other Topics by Coach Dave Aguila Facebook group with over two million members.

Ricardo started doing a combination of low carb diet and intermittent fasting (LCIF) in 2018 and ever since felt healthier, he said in a previous post.

"Body and joint pains gone. BP normal. Blood sugar normal. No other "theoretical" problems. Breathlessness gone. Learn to do LCIF correctly and it works. I chose it as a lifestyle not a fad," the 56-year-old actor stated.

Ricardo and Marina are part of the cast of Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation). They play the roles of BGen Carlos Defensor AFP and Olive Dela Cruz, respectively.

The series first premiered on GMA earlier this year. However, production was suspended for six months due to the quarantine brought about by the pandemic. Production resumed last September allowing the series to resume its run on October 26, starting with an eight-day recap.