The Virus and the Famous: Narratives of Religious Experience by Selected Filipino Celebrities Who had COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our lives, whether that be for ordinary citizens or those occupying higher social status. The experience of sickness and suffering however, can give meaning and can pose a challenge to our religious beliefs and practices. This article explores in depth the experience of battling COVID-19 by selected Filipino celebrities who are a significant part of the Filipino culture and are admired by the general public. This article draws inspiration from their narratives about how they faced, struggled, and recovered from the dreaded COVID-19 disease. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the transcripts of their interview revealled three major themes: total dependence on the Divine, therapeutic social support, and sickness as purposeful and transformative. These themes may contribute to future research in the discussion of how valuable are the life lessons during such a crisis, most especially from popular personalities who are considered “models” by the public.

The healing others: the essential role of social support on chronic pain management

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, another study highlighted that social support plays a "therapeutic" role in the healing and recovery of famous celebrities/patients who suffered severely from the virus. Their respective families, friends, and support groups (even online) helped boost their morale and lifted their spirits to be more courageous in facing the dreaded disease [ 6 ]. Social support, utilized in group-based interventions, can also create a sense of community and belonging among patients by providing a supportive environment where they can share their challenges and successes.…”