Rica Peralejo Celebrates 'Very Positive Birthday' Of Son Philip Who Contracted COVID-19

The Philippines has seen an uptick of new COVID-19 cases in the past few days, affecting more families and children. Among those recently hit by the virus is Rica Peralejo's son Philip, who just celebrated his 8th birthday on Jan. 17, 2022.

However, Rica and her husband, Joseph "Joe" Bonifacio, decided not to let the virus spoil their son's birthday and still mounted a simple at-home celebration. "A very positive birthday," Rica wrote in her social media post, marking her firstborn's birthday. "The birthday boy tested positive and is asymptomatic. So it is positive in both senses."

The mom of two found it "weird" that only Philip tested positive in the family when she and Joe were also experiencing symptoms. She thought, "maybe my headache and Joe's passing sore throat was it [COVID-19] which was not caught on test." It was early 2021 when the couple first contracted COVID-19. (Read here)

Regardless, the couple decided not to isolate Philip and spend his special day together as a family. "Either way, we just stayed together. Isolated from the rest of the world but not from each other, celebrating over zoom with family from all over the world," Rica shared.

Looking at the photos, the celebration didn't seem like any less of a birthday party. Albeit not the usual, Philip had a cake in the form of stacked donuts. Apart from his baby brother, Manu, and his parents, he also got greetings from other relatives via Zoom.

Philip's birthday present: Love

Rica also shared a heartwarming anecdote on how, at a young age, Philip already understands the value of putting family first.

She recalled, "When I asked Philip what he'd feel if we can't afford the gift he wants, he said, 'But my cousins and family are gifts, too, right?' Never forget that, Kid."

Rica hopes her kids will grow up, keeping in mind that "no goal and gift so big can ever trump the value of people."

She adds, "Not saying they cannot co-exist, Legos and Family both make you happy, and they are fine together. But if it ever boils down to just one choice: CHOOSE LOVE. Love over Legos."

Click here for a guide on what parents should do if their kids are showing symptoms of COVID-19.