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In a recent episode of Tunay na Buhay, fragrance mogul Joel Cruz revealed that he battled with COVID-19 back in September 2020.

“It was a severe case,” Joel told Tunay na Buhay host Pia Arcangel. “Tapos 'yung assistant ko rin, nag-positive din siya pero mild.”

Joel said he's not sure how he contracted the disease, and that like others who had severe COVID, he had a tough time battling the virus.

“Mahirap din magkaroon ng COVID kasi mahihirapan ka huminga. Ewan ko kung paano ko nakuha 'yon,” he said.

The Lord of Scents also revealed that three of his eight children also tested positive for COVID-19 that time.

“In fact, three kids that time nagkaroon din pero mild lang. Pero dito lang sila sa house. Isolated lang sila,” Joel revealed.

Joel Cruz and his eight children / Source: Tunay na Buhay

He said being away from his children while battling COVID-19 was really tough, that's why he urges everyone to stay vigilant against the virus.

“Kaya I really missed my kids that time. Gusto ko maiyak na…gusto ko silang yakapin na ano, ganun,” Joel said.

“'Yun ang disadavantage. 'Yun ang hirap kaya kailangan talaga tayong mag-ingat. Proteksyunan natin ang sarili natin na huwag tayo magkasakit ng COVID-19,” he emphasized.

Find out what else Joel Cruz has been up to during the pandemic and what is his latest business venture in the Tunay na Buhay video below.

For more celebrity features like this, watch Tunay na Buhay every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. on GTV.

Viewers abroad can also watch Tunay na Buhay via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

Here are other celebrities and personalities who are also COVID-19 survivors.