This drizzly afternoon is the best time to write a blog. I’m in bed; with no plans of going anywhere, snacks within reach. I’m nursing a mild headache and
neck pain, nothing that an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug can’t cure, I hope.
We’re done with half of the year, the longest six months for me and I’m sure for everyone else as well. Most of it was spent indoors in isolation, with every one of us trying very hard not to get sick or lose our minds in the process. There were times I’d find myself in a brink of depression due to stress and worry, but thank goodness I am able to pull myself up before I sink.
Last Sunday, kuya, mommy, cousin Nancy and I went to the columbarium where my father was inurned to celebrate his 2nd Death Anniversary (the actual date is June 29—I can’t believe it’s been two years since). My younger brother had to stay behind since the kids are still not allowed to go outside. It was the first time we all are back there after the inurnment of my cousin last March.
There are no public jeepneys and buses yet and GrabCar only accepts cashless payments so we can only get anywhere via taxi. Only three passengers are allowed to observe social distancing; my brother had to get another cab for himself. What a hassle it is to commute these days; probably why people would rather stay home.
The columbarium was also quite strict in letting us in together and was only allowed when we explained to the guard that we were visiting different vaults. 'No Mask – No Entry' is strictly enforced and temperature checks are required before coming in. Biometric fingerprinting, which is usually the only way to get inside the main area, is suspended to minimize contact.
We went to the mall after, and we had our first restaurant meal in months. Dine-in is now available, so we went to this Filipino restaurant chain to have lunch. Only two people are allowed per table (separated by a plastic acrylic) and we can’t sit face-to-face. Since there were four of us, kuya and Nancy had to be on a separate table far from mom and I. This was no fun at all, as we can’t even talk or share our food. I had to finish an order of chicharon bulaklak (good for 2-3 people) by myself—*Gasps*
We also have to line up to get inside most stores. In National Bookstore, for instance, only 25 people are allowed inside that we had to fall in line and wait for our turn to get in. It’s really not worth it if you’re like my mom who just wanted to buy two Pilot sign pens. Within a few minutes, we all decided to just go home as we are not enjoying the stroll anymore.
We’ve all been hearing it for months now, that this is going to be the new normal until a vaccine becomes available. I no longer know the exact number of Covid cases in the country, aside that it’s more than 40,000. Frankly, people don’t seem to care anymore. I mean, why would they? Our government doesn’t even think it’s a priority anyway. Instead of dealing with the pandemic because we have not flattened anything yet (except maybe the billions of loans that we don’t know where it has gone to), they prioritize the ABS-CBN franchise renewal, the proposed taxes for online sellers, the renaming of NAIA, etc.
On his last presidential address, President Duterte threatens to shut down a local courier after a viral video showing mishandling of packages. Yesterday, he signed the controversial Anti-Terror bill. Talk about priorities. While there are still many die-hard Duterte supporters, many people also had enough of the shites and pettiness already.
When LTFRB okayed the public utility jeepneys (PUJ) at 50% capacity, hardly anyone concerned about social distancing objected to it because drivers are getting hungry and some already turned to begging in the streets. In our area where jeepneys are the primary mode of transportation, I still don’t see any—because most here are traditional jeepneys that LTFRB deemed not ‘roadworthy’. It seems that the government is taking advantage of the current situation to push their public transport modernization program to phase out old vehicles.
There’s still no word when it will be okay for us to go back to the office. Our company had its soft opening last June 22 for employees who volunteered to come to work. Meanwhile, those who weren’t given the WFH option but did not volunteer will come to work on Monday for the center opening. It’s good that the majority from our team were already given WFH access so this means none of us would have to brave the everyday commute just to get to Makati.
I don’t know when I’ll be back in the office again and while I do miss it, I’m also relieved that I’m not putting myself at risk. I’m so thankful that our company is doing its best to help us in this difficult situation. Just yesterday, they sent out a survey asking if we wanted to borrow our office chairs. This was something I was thinking of suggesting because sitting at home in our dining chair is an absolute torture to my lower back. Ergonomic office chairs are quite pricey, and it’s something that we won’t need at home when I go back to work therefore buying one was never considered. The office is also offering our computer monitors to employees on WFH in order to avoid eyestrain for staring at the small screen of our laptops.
If that is not showing concern to their people, I don’t know what that is. We are well aware that the hotel industry is struggling and we are doing global cost-saving measures, but our company continues to provide tools to make things easier for us and make sure we remain safe and healthy. By the way, I celebrated my 11th year in the company last month and I’ve never been prouder to be working for them.
Another six months and 2020—a terrible year for many people—will end. It’s the Year of the Rat, and like rats, we spent most of it hiding.
We’re done with half of the year, the longest six months for me and I’m sure for everyone else as well. Most of it was spent indoors in isolation, with every one of us trying very hard not to get sick or lose our minds in the process. There were times I’d find myself in a brink of depression due to stress and worry, but thank goodness I am able to pull myself up before I sink.
Last Sunday, kuya, mommy, cousin Nancy and I went to the columbarium where my father was inurned to celebrate his 2nd Death Anniversary (the actual date is June 29—I can’t believe it’s been two years since). My younger brother had to stay behind since the kids are still not allowed to go outside. It was the first time we all are back there after the inurnment of my cousin last March.
There are no public jeepneys and buses yet and GrabCar only accepts cashless payments so we can only get anywhere via taxi. Only three passengers are allowed to observe social distancing; my brother had to get another cab for himself. What a hassle it is to commute these days; probably why people would rather stay home.
The columbarium was also quite strict in letting us in together and was only allowed when we explained to the guard that we were visiting different vaults. 'No Mask – No Entry' is strictly enforced and temperature checks are required before coming in. Biometric fingerprinting, which is usually the only way to get inside the main area, is suspended to minimize contact.
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| Death by Chicharon Bulaklak |
We’ve all been hearing it for months now, that this is going to be the new normal until a vaccine becomes available. I no longer know the exact number of Covid cases in the country, aside that it’s more than 40,000. Frankly, people don’t seem to care anymore. I mean, why would they? Our government doesn’t even think it’s a priority anyway. Instead of dealing with the pandemic because we have not flattened anything yet (except maybe the billions of loans that we don’t know where it has gone to), they prioritize the ABS-CBN franchise renewal, the proposed taxes for online sellers, the renaming of NAIA, etc.
On his last presidential address, President Duterte threatens to shut down a local courier after a viral video showing mishandling of packages. Yesterday, he signed the controversial Anti-Terror bill. Talk about priorities. While there are still many die-hard Duterte supporters, many people also had enough of the shites and pettiness already.
When LTFRB okayed the public utility jeepneys (PUJ) at 50% capacity, hardly anyone concerned about social distancing objected to it because drivers are getting hungry and some already turned to begging in the streets. In our area where jeepneys are the primary mode of transportation, I still don’t see any—because most here are traditional jeepneys that LTFRB deemed not ‘roadworthy’. It seems that the government is taking advantage of the current situation to push their public transport modernization program to phase out old vehicles.
There’s still no word when it will be okay for us to go back to the office. Our company had its soft opening last June 22 for employees who volunteered to come to work. Meanwhile, those who weren’t given the WFH option but did not volunteer will come to work on Monday for the center opening. It’s good that the majority from our team were already given WFH access so this means none of us would have to brave the everyday commute just to get to Makati.
I don’t know when I’ll be back in the office again and while I do miss it, I’m also relieved that I’m not putting myself at risk. I’m so thankful that our company is doing its best to help us in this difficult situation. Just yesterday, they sent out a survey asking if we wanted to borrow our office chairs. This was something I was thinking of suggesting because sitting at home in our dining chair is an absolute torture to my lower back. Ergonomic office chairs are quite pricey, and it’s something that we won’t need at home when I go back to work therefore buying one was never considered. The office is also offering our computer monitors to employees on WFH in order to avoid eyestrain for staring at the small screen of our laptops.
If that is not showing concern to their people, I don’t know what that is. We are well aware that the hotel industry is struggling and we are doing global cost-saving measures, but our company continues to provide tools to make things easier for us and make sure we remain safe and healthy. By the way, I celebrated my 11th year in the company last month and I’ve never been prouder to be working for them.
Another six months and 2020—a terrible year for many people—will end. It’s the Year of the Rat, and like rats, we spent most of it hiding.
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