Wally Bayola reveals he had COVID-19: ‘Nagpabaya ako; nagpaniwala sa social media na wala namang COVID’

Wally Bayola has revealed that he contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after he became too complacent with health protocols and believed fake news on social media.

During Saturday’s “Bawal Judgmental” segment on “Eat Bulaga,” where COVID-19 survivors were invited to participate, the noontime show host opened up about his journey from being infected to recovering from the disease.

“Relax-relax lang. Masyado ako naging paniwalain sa social media na ay, wala namang COVID. ’Di naman totoong may COVID. Parang nadala ako so hindi na ako nag-mask. Napagod na ako mag-mask, mag-face shield,” Wally said.

At one point, he said, he would just lie down in bed without changing clothes or showering after coming from work, and would remove his mask when taking photos with fans.

“Na-relax ako. Hindi ako nag-iingat,” the comedian said. “Naging mentalidad ko na walang COVID.”

Wally said he didn’t think he would test positive for the virus. He even ate with cohost Paolo Ballesteros and shared food with him.

However, when he went to taping and lost his voice, Paolo teased him that he had COVID-19.

“Sa Lunes, magpapa-swab ako para pakita ko na negative ako. Napapahiya ako. Kahit ’yung crew parang naniniwala sa kanya,” Wally said.

The test results came back positive, and Wally said he fainted when he found out.

“Hindi ko na maintindihan. Wala naman ako nararamdaman ... wala naman akong lagnat, wala akong ubo,” he said. “Pagdating sa ospital, doon lumabas symptoms ko.”

“Hindi naman ako nawalan ng panlasa, pang-amoy, pero sinok ako ng sinok ng dalawang araw walang tigil,” Wally shared, adding that he was among patients who experienced hiccups as symptoms of COVID-19.

When he was in his hospital bed, Wally said he prayed to God and simply thanked Him for giving him his life.

“Thank you na dinanas ko rin naman ’yung OK, naradaman mo ’yung magandang buhay ... pero naisip ko ’yung nanay ko,” he said. “Kasi ’yung nanay ko, after a month nawala ’yung step father ko. Sabi ko, ‘Ma, ako mag-aalaga sayo. ’Wag ka malungkot. ’Wag ka iiyak.”

Crying, Wally added: “Bigla ako ’yung mawawala ... Parang salita lang magagawa ko sa nanay ko na alagaan ko nanay ko.”

After staying at the hospital for five days, Wally got the go signal to recover from home since he wasn’t showing any other symptoms and wasn’t in critical condition.

His hospital room had limited mobile signal, so he was able to speak with his mom only after he got out. Wally said that was when he found the strength to live and stay strong.

“Doon ako nagsimula na ay, lalabanan ko na ito. Doon na ako nagsimulang kahit naka-quarantine, nag-e-exercise, kain ng matino.”

Wally urged the public to remain vigilant amid the pandemic.

“’Wag niyo po ilagay sa isip niyo na walang pandemya kasi meron po. Naramdaman ko meron pong COVID virus. Wag tayo maging relax,” he said.

“Nangyari po sakin ... Nagpabaya ako. Wag kayo magpabaya,” Wally added. – RC, GMA News