Leveling up of modern technology has indeed added dimension to the personal pursuits of making people happy even from distant shores in these life-threatening times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It used to be the singing telegram in the absence of the greeter with just a recorded song on any occasion—birthday, wedding or wedding anniversary, debut, graduation etc. albeit sans face or original and separate voice of the sender or the magic cake with surprise dance or song number from a party emcee, dancer or singer dedicated to the celebrator. Or just a beeper playing birthday ditty in the 1990s.
In the advent of the cellular phone with a camera, though, one doesn’t have to be physically present in whatever gig, especially in these restrictive moments created by the new coronavirus health emergency but just select an app to send a personalized virtual greeting, say, a birthday video.
Take for instance award-winning actor Noel Comia, Jr. (2017 Cinemalaya Best Actor for “Kiko Boksingero) who is currently taping “Niña Niño” for TV5 in Dolores, Quezon who used the wonder of video and audio live feed to greet Catanauan, Quezon actress Cataleya Surio who was in Paranaque City a happy birthday. “Totoo naiyak ako......grabe (Truly I cried)…(it’s too much), I'm so blessed and truly grateful sa Comia family. Mommy Lisa Comia waaaaaaaa (an expression of too much emotion). Thank you so much for the love. Thanks, Noel. Daddy, take care in your taping,” replied Cataleya.
The other live online greeters were comic Lou Veloso, Jr., actors Arnold Reyes, Roland Inocencio, Jun Nayra; actress Junyka Santarin (Noel screen partner on the fantasy soap); acting coach Christopher Martin Bond; director Marc Austin Kierulf of Mint International School etc. They all wished Surio the best in life.
Meanwhile, actress Phoebe Walker and the late Orestes Ojeda’s son Pao Pagalilauan sent Cataleya gifts of love.
Surio responded to Arnold very emphatically: I'll know how stress you are today but you still manage to make me happy. Maraming Salamat sa pagmamahal malasakit at suporta.
Isa ka sa aking kayamanan (Thank you so much for the love, care and support. You’re one of my precious friends),” said Cat who had just arrived from Catanauan just to celebrate her natal day in isolation in the city.