One Year into Pandemic

It's been a year and almost a month since the Philippine Government placed the country under quarantine. Some people call it "lockdown" but such surely does not apply. As of writing, the number of active cases in the Philippines is alarming given the new variants coming out especially as these new ones are said to be highly contagious. I really feel bad for our healthcare workers. If only some people bothered to look into the first frontliners' condition and assess (more like evaluate for this time) their condition's effect for those inside our borders.

Out of topic, but I think I see someone on top of a residential building a couple of blocks from here exercising. Good for him/her, could barely see. I really need a new specs.

Other people, I've heard/read, were having difficulty adjusting to this limited movements. As for someone who tends to avoid human interaction, yes I know my job requires me to do just that, I was definitely at ease. And having an IATF pass made it more convenient. Well, that was only until June of last year when came July and movements of people were eased significantly. But when it happened, I was really surprised how people acted as if they were locked away in a prison. I've also read post encouraging people not to feel bad if they were having mental issues. I may have not read a journal publication about it but I remember seeing article titles about it.

When we're suddenly denied of our usual activities, I guess it'll really come to a point when you'll be mentally bothered. Looking at it objectively, I can sense that there's something bothersome in my system. And it also reminds me of how Lim Jaebeom recalls his experience before getting clinically diagnosed. I also have a colleague who said that she even reckoned getting a therapy. Though she did not, I think she got something that gives the same result. Glad she found that.

It's been five months since my last post and it probably because I couldn't properly collect my thoughts. I still couldn't, properly, but I think I really need to let this out. I hope this continues. Hoping to write about the things I've done during the pandemic, which probably be mostly about cooking. That's an easy topic, that's why.

Now Playing: IU ft. Suga - eight

At Home

I can't remember the last time I spent my birthday at home. If it wasn't for the pandemic, I'd be most likely spending it somewhere else. But I realized it's not bad at all.

After 7 and a half months of being away from home I decided to go back in time for my birthday. I didn't want to observe such day at the dorm amongst not-really-strangers but people who are not personally close to me. I'd rather spend it alone somewhere with beautiful scenes where my mind can be at ease and peace.

Speaking of peace of mind, I had a 4-day streak of exercise. Besides my need for fresh air, it felt like my whole being has been on haywire and having an outdoor exercise would help. I'm only taking a break today because my thighs hurt a little. They're not sore but they don't feel comfortable. I also need to fix my running shoes. I could buy a new one, but the old one could still be of use.

Now Playing: Silent Sanctuary - Pasensya Ka Na

First Half 2020

Time flies. In just a couple of hours, the first half of 2020 will be coming to an end. Six months came by too fast. And they were not uneventful.

My, oh my. Who would've thought that Taal Volcano would threaten almost the entire Island? Then came a pandemic. Who could've thought this generation would experience a pandemic?

As I work at the international borders, I've been exposed to a lot of people. I've been feeling fine and wasn't particularly worried for myself. But I worried and still do for those around me. So I decided since the beginning of March not to go home yet. I thought I should distance myself. I just happened to be ahead of our government's decision to put the metropolis in community quarantine.

Since then until now, I've been staying at the dorm. A lot of my meals were ordered via Food Panda or Grab Food. Thankfully when the community quarantine in NCR was changed to GCQ, sis Aya got me some home-cooked dishes. Her mum cooked them. And now I feel like turning into a chibi version.

Looking back, to keep my insanity, I decided to stay away from news about CoVID-19. I would check from time to time, but I eventually dropped it. Most of my "research" times were spent watching Chinese dramas. Yes, I got hooked. Then after the last C-Drama I've watched, I got spent most of my time reading manga.

I wonder what lies ahead for the second half of the year. I hope everything gets better.

Now Playing: Coldplay - Magic

ECQ S3

I've finally completed my duty for ECQ Season 3. The Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila has been extended twice that some end up calling it seasons. I like the idea, making this grave situation a little light when referred to.

Right now, everyone from T2 are only awaiting for the season finale. Not sure if there'll be season 4. Though it's not unlikely, I hope there will be no more.

Two days ago, all flights beginning 8AM were supposed to be cancelled. But a Bahrain flight made it out of the country. They have proper endorsement. Just thought it was weird and... well.

Yesterday I was one of those posted at NAIA 2 to conduct the Arrival Formalities of repatriated Filipinos from Madrid.

Today, I was back on Departure Formalities, processing two pilots and one BM. The first two were for a cargo flight while the last was on board JetStar. I dunno how we got to process a commercial flight despite the notice. But there we were.

Been sleep deprived during these duty days so I am thankful that I don't have to wake up early tomorrow. Not like the usual, but I still have to wake up before sunrise.

Now Playing: One OK Rock - The Beginning

Meh

This day feels like meh because I was supposed to carry out 4 tasks but unable to do so as I had to make sure I'm at home (er.. dorm) to receive a particular delivery. I was paying COD. I also haven't watched any drama or movie since the sun came out.

Those tasks will have to wait until tomorrow. I need to pay some bills. I also need to make a particular bank transaction. I hope that bank branch opens soon. I hope all of this CoVID-19 stuff ends soon.

I doubt things will be the way they were, not entirely but it's never going to be the same again.

Now Playing: 2PM - My House

Of Schedules and Days Without CoVID

Our new sched has already been posted and I'm glad that mine doesn't have a break. I mean, it's going to be 3 straight days of duty then 2 days off-duty before another fortnight of what we like most. Still, I miss the pre-ECQ days when one could freely go from one place to another, without curfew, and  the almost 24-hour delivery availability.

There are also transactions that I need to settle and work on. Can't wait to get them done. Some plans have been postponed, if not cancelled. Also looking forward to when I can plan my travels again. There's even a particular place where I've never been to but I am already thinking of coming back to.

Now Playing: Duan Ao Juan - The Most Amazing of You

Off Duty

My previous entry mentioned having 3 days off work. Thankfully, it got extended so I actually had 4 days off work. Today is my first off-duty after coming back from 2 days at work. I'm still off work tomorrow then I'd report for another day before embarking for a very long off-duty. I still can't go home though, especially after taking part in the Arrival Formalities of a special flight of repatriated seafarers from the United States. Yeah.

For selfish reasons, I am really looking forward to the lifting of this Enhanced Community Quarantine. I have a lot of things to do. I'm very limited given the suspended resources. I miss the freedom, whether to meet or avoid people. But my concerns are nothing compared to the collective national issues.

Still I really hope this pandemic ends very soon. CoVID-2019 has taken a lot from us, the worst of them are lives gone. It will also become very difficult for the government if this keeps going. I believe they're making sure that this doesn't end in public disorder because people are lacking especially in food.

Now Playing: Chihiro Onitsuka - Rebel Luck

3 Days Off Duty

Never thought it'd actually happen, having 3 days straight off duty. Unfortunately, the approval for this scheme came about because of SARS-CoV-2. Yes, it's the nCoV-2019/CoVID-2019. Somehow I prefer to use the technical term of this pandemic.

So my first set of 3-day off duty is about to end. I'll be going back to work, which I'm kind of excited and not at the same time. I've already prepared my uniform yesterday, when I've done a lot of mundane but essential chores and without watching Legend of Fuyao. I only have to prepare my bag now.

I'm supposed to be sleeping now but I've just taken a shower and my hair is still wet. Taking the drying time for some face mask (it's been a while!) and night time tea. I've been getting longer sleep than the usual so I hope I wake up when my alarm sets off because transportation is still suspended, thus I'm taking the coaster provided by the agency.

Looking forward to tomorrow, especially when I have to go back home. I'll think about tomorrow's lunch and dinner at work. For now, I'll have to take off this face mask.

Now Playing: One OK Rock - The Beginning