After almost three years since his exit from Pinoy Big Brother, Edward Barber was finally reunited with Kuya in this surprise phone call for PBB Stay at Home edition.
“Kailangan ko ipakita sa inyo na kahit kaunti gumaling na ‘yung Tagalog ko,” he said. Since claiming the title of 4th Big Placer of the reality show’s Lucky Season 7, Edward became busy with one project after another. Now, the enhanced community quarantine is something he needed to slowly adjust to. “Hindi ako sanay na hindi ako busy pero marami naman akong bagay na puwedeng gawin,” he added.
So far, he has managed to keep in touch with Maymay Entrata and Marco Gallo. Their close relationship means they do not have to talk every day. “For me and Maymay, sometimes we just check in with each other a few times a day,” he continued. They usually send memes or videos to one another. “Just taking care of each other virtually,” he said.
While it was fun catching up, Kuya’s main purpose for calling Edward was to remind him of the BIG 4 steps to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. “Alam ko na sa outside world, you’re used to interacting with a lot of people. Pero hihilingin ko muna na temporarily ihinto mo muna ito para maiwasan natin ang COVID-19,” Kuya said.
Avoid crowded places is the number rule, which should be easy for Edward because he is naturally shy. “Nung wala pang social distancing, lagi naman ako umiiwas,” the young actor said. This means public gatherings and unnecessary travel are also big no-nos. “This way, you not only protect yourself but also other people, especially the people that you live with,” Big Brother explained.
Edward shared how his mother came to the Philippines from Germany just before the community quarantine took effect. At the time, Germany was already suffering from this pandemic despite being a first world country. “A lot of people weren’t taking it so seriously. So, staying away from crowded places, ‘yun ‘yung ginawa ng nanay at tatay ko,” he revealed.
Another rule is to only visit hospitals when absolutely necessary. It is important that we do not overwhelm frontliners even more, especially when they are risking their lives by simply going to work. “Nakikita natin sa mga hospitals kung gaano ka-serious talaga ‘yung problema natin ngayon. So, any help that we can give, we have to give it,” the Kapamilya star said.
“I’m praying for all of you guys. Remember to stay strong. Remember to follow the rules and the guidelines. Eventually, babangon tayo ulit,” Edward ended.