Rayver Cruz opens up on COVID-19 battle

Rayver Cruz revealed that he is a survivor of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The actor and dancer opened up on his COVID-19 battle in an interview with Nelson Canlas on "24 Oras" Monday, explaining why he didn't appear for nearly three months in "All Out Sundays."

"Nagkasakit kasi ako. Alam mo naman 'yung virus na kung tawagin ay si COVID-19, nakuha ko rin [I got sick. You know the virus that we call COVID-19, I got it also]," he said.

According to Rayver, the first symptom he had was pain on his lower back, which he thought was just an effect of overworking.

"Nung time na ‘yon, nakakalungkot, na-down din ako. At first, akala ko napagod lang ako that day sa mga ginawa, sa pag-workout, sa trabaho. Akala ko sunod-sunod lang 'yung pagod," he said.

["That time, I felt down. At first, I thought I just got tired that day with the things I did, working out, working. I thought the fatigue just built up."]

"'Yung likod ko unang sumakit, 'yung lower back ko hanggang pataas then sunod-sunod na. Naramdaman ko na 'yung symptoms," he added.

["My lower back hurt first and then it went upwards. I started feeling the symptoms."]

He added that he felt scared when he contracted the virus and shared that he had to go to the hospital by himself.

"Medyo natakot din ako and mahirap kasi ako lang mag-isa. Tricky kasi ang COVID-19. 'Pag biglang nag-drop yung oxygen mo or kung ano man mangyari, walang magsusugod sa 'kin agad-agad."

["I felt scared and it's hard because I'm alone. COVID-19 is tricky. When your oxygen suddenly drops or whatever may happen, there's no one that will bring me to the hospital."]

Rayver said he shared his experience to spread awareness and encourage others to get vaccinated.

"Important din na lahat tayo, sana makapagpabakuna para kahit papaano, may proteksyon ka [It's important that we all get vaccinated so you have some protection]."

Other personalities who also opened up about their COVID-19 battles include Rhian Ramos, Sunshine Cruz, and Ken Chan.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News