Gigi De Lana: I’m still alive, I still have my voice

Gigi De Lana assured fans that she is “getting better” after fainting during one of her gigs in Samal, Davao del Norte. She later disclosed on her Facebook Live that she was diagnosed with pericarditis, a condition in which the lining of the heart is inflamed and the common symptom is chest pain.

“Actually, it was (due to) overfatigue and mainly the cause of my disease,” the singer-actress told The STAR in an exclusive interview during Bugoy Drilon’s album launch held in Pasig City. Gigi was one of the guests.

“I have four diseases, but I can’t disclose it kasi marami, baka mapagalitan ako ng doctor ko, but I can disclose one. I have pericarditis. Yung inflamed yung heart ko. So that alone, masakit yun. You experience chest pain often. But I’m good. I’m getting better. I am following my doctors’ orders.”

In May 2023, Gigi also fainted while performing Noypi by Bamboo at a gig in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

She was diagnosed with pericarditis just recently. “We went to the ER that time because I was having difficulty breathing. I said I needed a checkup. So, nung nagpa check-up ako, my body is actually healthy. I’m healthy, my kidneys, we did blood work, x-ray and all. But when we did MRI, nung nag-focus na dun sa parts na kailangan makita, I have a heart problem, inflamed siya.”

She said she manages her condition by getting enough rest, maintaining a proper diet, taking medications prescribed by her doctor, and of course, prayers. “There are many challenges in life. How do I get through it? I pray.”

“I pray a lot, and I thank the Lord a lot ‘cause I’m still alive. I’m still breathing. I can feel, I can touch. I can see you. I can smell. So, that’s a blessing already. I still have my voice. So, that’s it,” added she.

Meanwhile, Gigi praised her friend Bugoy’s God-given talent during his music event, where he launched his album titled “Anthems.” It was attended by his family and friends.

“Bugoy is truly a great artist, and di ba creativity is a gift from God. So, it means creativity is what he showed us tonight. It is him giving back to our Creator.”

“I’m so proud of Bugoy. I’m very, very proud of him to pull off na ganitong show and I was surprised na sobrang laki nung event pala. May pa-food and drinks,” she shared.

Her message to Bugoy was, “I love you so much, you did good. May God bless you more every day.”

Gigi and Bugoy first met at a TV5 show. “We’ve known each other for a while. Hindi ko nga alam kung paano kami naging close. We just clicked right away. Ganun na katagal yung friendship namin. So I’m happy.”