As Edward Barber celebrated his 20th birthday last July 15, his iWant ASAP family gave him a virtual pre-birthday bash in their episode last Sunday, July 12. They may have to celebrate it via video call while at their respective homes, that still didn’t lessen the happiness he felt as he was greeted by three of the people dearest to his heart.
His co-hosts Maymay Entrata, Robi Domingo, and Darren Espanto each provided a cake and sang him the “Happy Birthday” song. As for his birthday wish, the celebrator hopes that everyone – from the production and artists up to the audiences and supporters – to be united until the end now that the country is in the midst of different crises.
“’Yong wish ko, lalo na ngayon, ay magkaisa tayong lahat – lahat ng nanonood, lahat ng production, lahat ng mga artists – as one voice, as one family na kahit anong mangyari, sama-sama pa rin hanggang dulo,” he stated, then went to virtually blow his candles with the help of his co-hosts.
Robi was the first one to give his message to Edward, saying, “Gusto ko lang bumati kay Dodong ng ‘happy birthday’. I’ve been brutally honest with you when it comes to work, when it comes to not just work, everything. Sa life. I wanna thank you for the trust na binibigay mo sa’kin. You’re definitely going to [become] a great person, a great personality. Ang hiling ko sa’yo ay for you to enjoy stuff, to smile more, and to relax more. And I wish you to be the happiest kasi you deserve that one, you really are an authentic person.”
“Happy birthday, Edward! God bless. And parating stay safe,” Darren jestingly started off his greetings. Then he continued, “Edward and I have only met like recently and we become close last year, but Edward has always been so genuine. He’s always been such a genuine man and trustworthy. I just wanna thank you for always being there for me, not just for me but all your friends.”
The Total Performer added, “Happy birthday, brother. I wish you all the best and we’ll celebrate when all of this is over.”
And last, but definitely not the least was his love team partner Maymay, who made us all kilig with her sweet and sappy birthday message for her beloved “Dodong” (as what she fondly calls Edward).
“Una, sobrang proud ako sa growth mo as a son of God at saka gusto ko ‘yong parang ‘di ka bothered sa lahat ng mga sinasabi ng ibang tao sa’yo kasi fortress mo si God. At gusto ko lang i-grab ang opportunity na ‘to kasi gusto ko lang sabihin sa mga nanonood ngayon, especially sa lahat ng sumuporta sa amin ni Edward, na hindi man naging perpekto ang journey namin ni Edward [at] hindi man namin na-meet ang expectation n’yo sa aming dalawa, pero gusto ko lang malaman ninyo na sobrang proud ako kay Edward bilang isang napaka-loyal na friend,” she said.
Then she continued, “Kasi siya ‘yong taong binibigyan niya lagi ng pagkakataon ‘yong sarili niyang maging mas mabuting tao. ‘Yon ‘yong pinakagusto ko sa kanya kaya ‘yong friendship na meron kami is habangbuhay ‘yon. Habang buhay siyang nasa prayers ko, then habang buhay siyang magiging parte ng buhay ko bilang isang friend. I’m here for you always, at saka deserve mo lahat ng happiness, lahat ng pagmamahal ng mga taong sumusuporta sa’yo, deserve mo lahat peace sa puso mo [at] sa utak mo kasi ‘di ba ‘yan ‘yong lagi mong pinagpra-pray. Kahit anong mangyari, nandito ako lagi sa’yo at isa ako sa prayer warrior mo. Pagpra-pray kita lagi.”
Edward, who’s already on the verge of tears then, imparted that this whole community quarantine made him realize how much blessed and grateful he is for everything that has been happening in his life, and went on to thank everyone who’s been part of his career.