Life On Lockdown (LOL!!!) The ‘new normal’ Jeric will be much improved

(Fifth of a series)

If you can’t lick it, embrace it. Until a vaccine is created, we just have to learn how to survive in the time of lockdown. In this series, you can learn a lot from how actors are coping (nicely, yes, somehow!) with being cooped up at home, including Gabby Concepcion, Robi Domingo, Martin del Rosario and Albert Martinez (already featured, check out philstar.com), Ryan Agoncillo and John Estrada.

It’s Jeric Gonzales’ turn to welcome us to his home.

“The ‘new normal’ Jeric Gonzales will be much improved,” Jeric said with confidence. “That’s my goal and I’m working hard at it during this lockdown.”

We can only wish Jeric “good luck” before proceeding to ask him the set of questions.

How are you doing during this extended lockdown; how does your day start and how does it end?

“I am doing great. I am trying to be productive, trying to develop my skills in music, acting and other aspects. Nothing much occupies my whole day. It has become my daily routine.”

No other activities? How do you spend your spare time if you have any (hihihi!!!)?

“Oh yes, my daily activities include exercising every morning to achieve my body goals. And then, as I was saying, I play the piano and the guitar, and do vocal exercises. I learn new songs. I watch a lot of great movies and TV series to get ideas about acting. I also read books. And, of course, I continue bonding with the family.”

Aside from your barber, what do you miss about the “outside” world?

“What I miss most are the people I work with, especially those with me in our series Magkaagaw...including the crew, the staff, my co-artists...the energy generated during the taping. And also my siblings (locked down somewhere) and my friends. I also miss playing basketball a lot.”

How would the “new normal” Jeric Gonzales be like?

“The ‘new normal’ Jeric Gonzales will be an improved one. I’m seeing to it that’s why I’m working during this lockdown...physically, spiritually, mentally. When I get back to work, it will be a fulfilling one. And I will be even more careful with my health because the threat of COVID-19 is there. I should be more cautious — you know, remember to wear a face mask and wash my hands as often as possible.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)