Rain or Shine center Beau Belga doesn’t believe in amulets or charm, popularized by the outlaw Nardong Putik during the 60s and 70s. But when it comes to having protection against the coronavirus, he is willing to try anything just to be safe from COVID-19.

Belga has been wearing a ‘gadget’ around his neck when going outside, and it seems to be working for the veteran PBA player.

“Wala namang sigurong masama na sumubok, basta ang importante is for protection, safe sa COVID-19,” said the wide-bodied Belga in a telephone interview with Manila Bulletin Tuesday.

Belga said he was informed about this gadget by teammate Rey Nambatac, who helps his girlfriend Kisha Ancheta in the online selling of the Cherry Ion gadget since the lockdown last March.

Belga said he made his own research before he purchased the item,

“Siyempre inalam ko muna. Although sabi ko kay Rey (Nambatac) subukan niya pumunta sa ospital na yun lang ang suot, tignan natin kung gagana ba talaga,” said Belga is jest.

“May studies naman na nakakatulong siya, maganda naman yung feedback sa nabasa ko na studies regarding sa gadget. Kaya suot ko tuwing lalabas ako – ako ang tagabili kasi ng essentials namin."

Negative ions are said to shield an individual from airborne viruses, germs, dust and molds in the air, helps prevent colds, lowers stress level, improves blood circulation and strengthens the immune system.

Nambatac said that at first, he just helps fiancee in the deliveries, but in the end, he started offering the gadget – a size of a standard ‘pocket wifi’ – to his friends.

“Sa girlfriend ko talaga ito (online business), pero nung naisip ko na alukin halimbawa si kuya Beau, extra protection lalo sa panahon ngayon. Napi-filter kasi niya yung hangin sa paligid mo,” said Nambatac.

“Hindi ko pa masyado napo-promote sa mga co-players ko, or teammates kasi marami din naman ang alam ko hindi talaga lumalabas. Hopefully pag nakabalik na ang PBA sa practice."

Nambatac makes it clear that the ‘gadget’ is just extra protection. He said it is important to still follow the strict health protocols of medical experts and the government to fight COVID-19.

“Siyempre lahat yun – paghuhugas ng kamay, wear a face mask and face shield, sometimes gloves, practice physical distancing, take vitamins especially for the immune system,” he said.

“Lahat ng mga yan importanteng gawin natin para naman bumaba na ang kaso at sana mawala na ang COVID-19 sa Pilipinas."

READ: Amid COVID-19: Tenorio gargles salt water; Paul Lee takes vitamins; Belga wears necklace-like gadget that filters air