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Pops Fernandez prays for job opportunities to people in the music industry, other than performers, during pandemic.

The Centerstage judge admitted that not only singers are affected by the world health crisis caused by COVID-19.

In fact, the people behind the production are even more affected, she said.

"Actually, very affected ang live performances as we all know because of, siyempre, the gatherings.

"It's something that we're trying to do right now. Thank God for social media. Thank God for WiFi na somehow nairaraos namin ang pagpe-perform, of course, virtually."

"It's not the same, I have to say. I have not really done it. I don't have proper equipment," said Pops in a video conference for the upcoming Gabay Guro Grand Gathering on Thursday, October 1.

Despite lost opportunities, Pops remains positive that workers in the music industry will be able to cope up with the changes caused by the pandemic.

She said, "I always believe na if we want it badly, there's always a way. If there's a will, there's a way.

"So, we'll always manage to cope up. Of course, we're very sad for other musicians who are not equipped.

"Madami 'yan, of course, it's not just about the performers.

"It's also about the people behind every performance, which is the production people, they are musicians.

"Marami talagang naghihintay magkaroon ng chance magtrabaho ulit.

"Hopefully, if this lasts for another year... Of course, we're praying for it to end soon. Hopefully, we find ways na makagawa pa tayo ng more virtual concert hindi lang para sa mga singers, 'no? Sana this time may banda na.

"I don't know how we're gonna do it pero, hopefully, we can do that. You know, so we can make up for the lack of work para sa ibang tao rin naman."

Meanwhile, Pops is grateful to be given another opportunity to give entertainment by using her talent, through the annual Gabay Guro Grand Gathering happening today, October 3.

"I am proud to say that I've been doing this for several years now. It's a different feeling," who has been performing for the said event every year.

Pops she always agrees to lend her talent in the event because it serves as a treat to teachers who have dedicated their lives in giving children a brighter future.

She said, "Every year, sinasabi natin at pinapaalala natin sa mga tao, na being a teacher is being a second parent.

"Our kids grow up with the teachers around, especially when the teachers are very busy, diyan sila natuto ng ibang education naman.

"So, it's very important that binibigyan natin sila ng special day.

"Kanina, pinapanood ko 'yung video, actually, na-teary eyed ako kasi it's true, sometime we're all busy doing our own things, we're all busy trying to fix all our problems--lahat po tayo kasi we go through something.

"Noong napanood ko siya, totoo na ang hirap ng buhay para maging isang guro--gigising ka nang maaga, magtra-travel ka o magko-commute ka--napakahirap noon.

"'Tapos, you have the responsibility of actually taking care of these young children, molding them, and making sure they have a bright future ahead of them through your teachings.

"So, it also depends on what kind of teacher our children have."

Pops reiterated, "Naiyak ako, na-realize ko ulit, napaalalahanan ako na, 'Oo nga, ang hirap maging guro.'

"Nakaka-proud and nagpapasalamat ako na isa ako sa palaging nata-tap ng Gabay Guro.

"You know, when you see them gathered, lalo na sa MOA performances para sa Gabay Guro, nakaka-happy talaga kasi makikita mo talaga 'yung reactions nila.

"It is their day. It is their moment. It makes them feel special. I'm happy and glad that I am part of this for the past how many years na. Now, they've grown. No amount of COVID can stop Gabay Guro."

Dubbed as “Digitalization: Transitioning to a Better Normal,” Gabay Guro will be attended by biggest names in showbiz including Kapuso stars Gabby Concepcion, Derek Ramsay, Lani Misalucha, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, brothers Rodjun and Rayver Cruz, and Julie Anne San Jose.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, PLDT and Smart's tribute to teachers will be streamed on its Facebook page and YouTube channel today at 3 p.m.