HINDI ko maproseso ang sarili ko habang tinitipa ko ang kolum na ito tungkol sa pagkawala ng aming kaibigan at halos kapatid nang maituturing na si Joey Bautista, ang lead singer ng Mulatto Band, who succumbed to COVID-19.
We learned of his passing last Thursday afternoon and I could have written about it for a deadline, but shocked by the news, I could hardly compose a line to announce it in this column. I even thought it was fake news till I checked his FB account that confirmed that our friend, indeed, was gone.
My husband, being a singer, too, was Joey’s buddy for many years and he was devastated he didn’t know who to call, who to inquire about the details why, and we could not call or message Joey’s wife Belinda as we were in quandary as to how she handles the sudden loss at that time. We both agreed to wait for her announcement on her FB.
March 20, inaabangan namin ang mensahe ni Belinda until she finally messaged everyone: “Thank you for all your messages. Joey Bautista was loved by so many. I cannot possibly answer all your messages ang questions, sobrang dami. Anyway, there won’t be a wake or service. Instead, after the lockdown, we will arrange a night of music to celebrate him. Thank you!”
And then yesterday, Belinda posted on her wall again:
“Dear all: As you know, my husband Joey Bautista passed away yesterday due to pneumonia. He passed away not knowing the result of his Covid-10 swab test. Today, I was informed of the official test result, positive Covid-19. If any of you were around us the last 30 days, please monitor yourselves and get yourself checked if you don’t feel well. I have no symptoms and under quarantine for 21 days. Stay safe everyone. For those asking, he was in Legaspi but did not perform in the Legaspi event.”
Nauna rito, may post pa si Joey sa kanyang Facebook messenger sa isa sa kanyang mga kaibigan, ilang araw bago siya bawian ng buhay.
Sabi ni Joey, mayroon siyang “severe case of pneumonia” na tila malayo pa sa paggaling.
“I’m not out of the woods yet, dear. Please continue to pray for me, my dear…” mensahe ni Joey.
Joey had a pre-existing complications of diabetes and he suffered a mild stroke last year when he got affected by the news that a close friend was shot and died.
We also learned that recently, he was a Person Under Monitoring (PUI) for COVID-19.
Joey passed away on Thursday, March 19 and was cremated the same day.
Rest in the bosom of our Lord, our friend and brother!
GMA-7 KINUMPIRMANG POSITIBO SA COVID-19 ANG ISANG FREELANCE PRODUCTION TALENT
KINUMPIRMA naman ng GMA Network na isang “freelance production talent” nila ang nagpositibo sa coronavirus disease 2019 o COVID-19.
Ayon pa sa official statement na inilabas nila sa media kahapon, Sabado, March 21, ay nasa ospital ang talent at tumatanggap ng karampatang lunas.
Lahad ng GMA Network: “The Network is in close coordination with the Department of Health and the LGU through the barangay officials, to ensure that all necessary protocols are being followed in addressing the situation.”
Sa pagkakaalam nila, ang huling pagbisita ng talent sa GMA-7 ay noong February 28, sa annex building ng network.
Sa nasabing gusali ginaganap ang live shows at taping ng ilang programa ng network. Kabilang na rito ang All Out Sundays, Wowowin, at Bubble Gang.
Sinabihan na raw ang lahat ng mga empleyado at talents na nagkaroon ng direct contact sa talent, pati na second level contacts. At lahat daw ng mga ito ay mino-monitor ang kanilang kondisyon sa kasalukuyan.
Tinukoy na rin ng GMA Network ang mga lugar na pinuntahan ng talent, at ang mga ito ay na-vacate na at masusing dadaan sa disinfection alinsunod sa DOH protocols.
Narito ang kabuuang statement ng GMA Network kaugnay ng talent na nagpositibo sa COVID-19:
“GMA Network confirms that a freelance production talent has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in the hospital receiving treatment.
The Network is in close coordination with the Department of Health and the LGU through the barangay officials, to ensure that all necessary protocols are being followed in addressing the situation.
The talent’s last known visit to GMA was on February 28 at the Network’s Annex Building.
All employees and talents who had direct contact with the talent, as well as second level contacts, have already been notified and are all monitoring their health conditions at this time.
The areas that were identified to have been visited by said talent have already been vacated and are to be thoroughly disinfected in compliance with DOH protocols.
Intensified efforts are now being undertaken by the Network to ensure the safety and well-being of all its employees and talents.
GMA Network reiterates its earlier call for everyone to remain calm and cautious, and to follow the official advisories released by the authorities.
Rest assured that GMA will stay committed to delivering the much needed news and information to the public especially during these times.”
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