For sports anchor Dyan Castillejo, the pandemic had its positive side: more time with her parents.

Castillejo articulated how she was thankful despite the onslaught of the virus as per her Instagram post Dec. 29.

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“One thing I am thankful for in 2020 is that I got to spend a lot of time with my parents,” Castillejo recounted. “My dad turned 91 and my mom 80. I am the only child living in Manila though Jackie my sister was here till June.”

With the pandemic, life was an abrupt change for her parents.

“The lockdown was tough for my parents, especially my dad who used to drive to the mall [every day] as his routine before COVID-19,” she said.

She said that they had to figure out how to keep her parents moving even if they were not allowed in public places, noting that “staying inactive at home is also not good for physical and mental health.”

“90% of the time we just drive to my house and back. Lots of meals and chats,” she recalled.

Among the activities they have been able to do is have communion at home and watch sports on TV. Addressing her parents’ “health challenges” was done with medical professionals making home visits.

Grateful that her parents continue to be well as the world still faces a health crisis, she wrote, “Thank You, Lord for our parents. Let’s give them a hug [every day] if we can.” NVG

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