Life On Lockdown (LOL!!!) Lunch with my Papang

(Fourth 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 and Martin del Rosario (already featured, check out philstar.com); Jeric Gonzales, John Estrada and Ryan Agoncillo.

It’s Albert Martinez’s turn to welcome us to his home.

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

“Lockdown actually gives me the much-needed break, time to think about life, my family and career. Good thing I was able to get my dad (retired actor Bert Martinez) to stay with me before lockdown. I get to know him more and enjoy his stories about how we were when my siblings and I were growing up and his love story with Mamang.

“My day starts with early morning bike around the village (solo biker with protective mask).

“To cap the day, my dad and I have movie time, watching all kinds from Netflix movies to KMovies and some classic Hollywood movies (Papang’s favorite).”

What are your usual daily activities and how do you spend your spare time (if you have any, hihihi!!!)?

“My daily routine other than biking and working out in the morning includes little things like checking my very old cars (which I have neglected for years due to my teleserye taping schedule).

“Decluttering and sorting out all cabinets — things I can keep, give away or donate. At about 10 a.m., I prepare lunch for my dad, my son Alfonso and me. I finally get to do again my love and passion for cooking. I used to cook lunch for my family every Sunday when my wife Liezl was still with us.”

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

“I miss going up to the mountains every weekend. My favorite place is Treasure Mountain in Tanay, Rizal — nature, fresh air, peace and tranquility. Plus, my passion for off-roading with friends and family.”

How would the “new normal” Albert Martinez be like?

“Since this virus might be with us for we don’t know how long, I’ll be staying more often in my place of peace...the mountains of Tanay. I’m thinking of a business that can cater to the New Normal lifestyle.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected].)