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

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

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

Running Early

I came home early today, thanks to UBE Express, and was aiming to have a run but I got distracted and quite feverish. Tomorrow's off duty so I am hoping I'd feel better and could continue the run.

Speaking of UBE Express, I think I'd be taking this ride regularly except during those days when I have to drop by Ayala. Today was the second time I rode one but the first time I got off Robinsons Galleria. The first time was in Araneta-Cubao. I'm so loving P2P transport system. If all goes well, I might just be having a overhaul of plans.

Now Playing: Shania Twain - From This Moment

Visita La Residencia de Aguinaldo

Albeit two decades of living here in Luzon, it was only recently - 19 September 2018. Wednesday - when I finally visited Kawit, Cavite. Still, better late than never.

At first I thought I wouldn't be able to make it because I left Makati around noon. The Aguinaldo Shrine is only open until 4PM. Thanks to Cavitex, going to the province of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo is faster than going anywhere in Metro Manila.

It is not difficult to spot the residence of the First Republic's residence. Amidst the houses in Kawit, the Aguinaldo Shrine stands proud in white paint. I easily hopped out the bus and walked a little into the compound.

I love the architecture. Well, I always appreciate colonial architecture in the country. The guide inside the shrine mentioned that the residence didn't start as what it looks like today. The General made extensions on the right side of the house for his children. If I remember correctly, there were three additional rooms on the second level, for the daughters of the general. There's a room leading to the tower but it was off limits. Too bad. I would've loved to explore the place.

It rained some minutes before the shrine was to be closed for the day. Having no umbrella, I had to stay. It's interesting that I had to take shelter from a very old and historical house, one that has contributed a number of times for the country. God bless this house.

Because of the rain, I haven't explored the compound. I headed straight inside the residence when I came. Thinking about it, I have to go back. A friend of mine was also inviting.

Hanging out inside, I learned some interesting information about the country's first dictator and his house. I dare say Mr. Emilio Aguinaldo was one particular and meticulous person.

It was also relaxing to watch the rainfall from his residence, whether from the window beside his bedroom or through the windows at the receiving area and even when you do so at The Sinner's Balcony, which is overlooking a river not so obvious anymore. Too bad. I was told the river used to play important role in transportation and trade back in the old days.

I would've gone to the irasan but it was getting late and I had work the following day. I ended up not sleeping. I was too preoccupied with President Emilio Aguinaldo. Visiting his house was one thing, watching GOYO: Ang Batang Heneral  was another. That was double dose.

Crazy

I got lost, distracted. I've already prepared in my head what to write for this entry, for now as there are a lot to write, but everything got swept into the sea. Crazy. Well, I spent quite a time watching YouTube vids of CRA casts appearances. That's why.

It reminded me though of something I've been thinking a lot before, for some years. Well, I still think about it from time to time. For now I am committed to what I have. But somehow things don't seem to fit and you get to have an urge to do something unusual. I wanted to say "crazy" but I've always been one so that would just be "normal" me.

Few of these past days without work were spent somewhere, particularly in Cavite and Batangas, respectively. Having gone so I realized I should've done that before. Both provinces are in the same region. I live in the same region, for goodness' sake!

Kawit, Cavite was an obvious first choice because it's the closest to Metro Manila, and for the reason that at the time I was quite preoccupied with the Philippines' first dictator and president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy.

The quick trip was a revelation, not just of Pres. Aguinaldo but also of Kawit. I was particularly intrigued with architecture and trade during his youth and early adult years. So I left Kawit with a lot of curiosity and considerations. Knowing there would be a whole lot of them, I decided to pursue an another crazy plan: watch GOYO: Ang Batang Heneral again, only after a week's interval.

The memories and curiosities from my Kawit trip still haunt me so I thought I should push for the Tanauan trip. And I just did that, in a crazy manner I must admit. I'm simply sweet lemon-ing it, thinking that it's for the town now city that has given and produced a son who has done a tremendous thing for our country, for our nation.

Unfortunately, I forgot that it was Monday when I would be having the visit to Apolinario Mabini's shrine. National museum and/or shrines are closed on Mondays. Heck. Thankfully, Tanauan has other things to offer. I will talk about it another time. It deserves a separate entry, so does my Kawit trip.


Now Playing: Kina Grannis - Issues (Julia Michaels)

Juana T.

Nagbilang nga talaga ako mula isa hanggang sampu. Subalit sa kabila nito'y hindi pa rin napawi ang galit at dismaya sa kapwa na, sa hindi napaparang dila ay masasabi kong, hindi karapatdapat sa kanyang kinalalagyan sa kagawarang ito.

Isang katampalasan ang pagtanggap ng sahod mula sa kaban ng bayan kung ang gawa mo'y tatalunin pa ng isang mag-aaral sa mataas na paaralan. At kung iisipin, ang labindalawang taong gulang na ako ay mas maayos pang makagagawa ng pangkaraniwang ginagawa ng Juanang ito. At ano itong kayang gawin ng isang mag-aaral sa mababang paaralan? Ito ay isulat nang wasto ang buong pangalan ng isang tao pati na ang bayan at lalawigan na kanyang pinagmulan. Kasabay nito ang paggamit ng puwang sa paggitan ng bawat pangalan at salita pati na rin ng kuwit sa pagitan ng mga puwang ng bayan at lalawigan.

Kaya gayon na lamang ang hiwaga sa akin kung bakit ang mga nabanggit ay hindi kayang gawin ng isang nakapagtapos sa colegio. Utang na loob. Ang kabaliwang ito ay ipaliwanag sa akin.

Ang isa pang ikinaiinis ko sa Juanang ito ay ang kawalan ng kasipigan ng kung tutuusin ay hindi naman pabigat. Ang mga natapos na papel sa kanyang nasasakupang oras, lalo na ang mga natapos ng nauna sa kanya, ay naiwan lamang kaya ako ngayon ang gagawa. Sa aking nabibilang ay mayroong tatlo. Tatlong papel na kay daling isulat!

Sabihin sa akin kung alin ang mas matimbang, ang kanyang ibinibintang (na hindi ko raw nagawa sapagkat hindi pa natatapos ang aking nasasakupang oras, at kung tutuusin ay mas inuuna ko ang bagay na mahirap) o mga bagay na rito ay aking isinulat. Ang katunayan niya'y hindi pa ako natatapos sa listahan na kanya'y maaaring iharap.

Sabihin sa akin kung karapatdapat bang humarap sa madla ang isang Juana na mula sa kanila ay tumatanggap ng kabayaran sa kanyang trabaho? Sabihin sa akin na walang batayan ang galit na ito. Sabihin sa akin na hindi katanggaptanggap ang galit na ito sa kabila ng mga paalala.

At ikaw Juana kung ito'y iyong nababasa, magpaliwanag at magsabi upang ipagtanggol ang sarili. Wala pang kaluluwa ang mula sa akin ay nakarinig ng dito ay nakasulat, ng mga bagay na dahil sa iyo'y nagdulot sa aking matinding sakit ng ulo. Sapagkat akin pa ring iniiwasan na sa iba ay mabanggit ang iyong kalapastanganan sa bayan.

Ancient Philippines

If what I found* is true, I pray it is, then my people would be in a great surprise for the contribution of our nation even back in the ancient times. No wonder foreign nations were drank with greed to devour our land, to the point of erasing and manipulating our history.

If such* is true, what a pity that my people look down upon themselves wishing they had a blood of this and that foreign nation, wishing to live in another land of paradise, another Eden.

Moreso, such* would probably cause us to make protecting our environment a top priority. If Filipinos only know what they have offered and have to offer the world...

14 May 2017

I love going to (and of course buying from) homegrown shops. I feel like I’m significantly and consciously contributing to the Philippine economy. 😉 The thought of being another customer of the shop helps the business stay and be sustainable makes me happy. 👍 Although foreign-owned enterprises still provide jobs (Thank you, foreign investors!!), Filipino-owned shops obviously go domestic to get their raw materials, etc., at least mostly.

If I would spend 💰💰 I’d rather do so on  Filipino products. Makes me feel less guilty. 😏 I still buy foreign products but I stick to Filipino First Policy. 😇

Para sa ekonomiya! ☕

It’s also good to know that Cafe De Lipa is still here at Market! Market!. Late college days or post-college pa nandito ang shop na ito. It’s been years! Congratulations!! 🎉

Alien feels

Posted on May 8, taken after attending the Sunday service. I haven't eaten dinner so I got hungry and had to grab something that won't disappoint my tummy and wallet. Thus, Subway..

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When you are tan/morena while all the other customers in the sandwich pub you’re eating at and those passing by outside are yellow-skinned, it’s good to see MontAlbo massage spa just across the street with Baybayin on its signage (though not obvious in this pic). I’m assured that I’m still in the Philippines. ☕

I almost wondered if I was going to see Dr. Kang and Cpt. Yoo as well as Ji and Kim (though the thought of seeing Wang and the younger Kim was more exciting). 

#WhenInMakati.

156 years

Kaarawan ni Pepe! It's been 156 years since the famous kid from Calamba was born.

Blessed is the Philippines for having a son like him.

Jose Rizal is one of those people I admire because he was a real "Renaissance Man" during his time. Most of the time I would wish I could accomplish as much as he did. Well, we'd have to skip his medical achievements. I'm not a licensed doctor like he was.

Pepe and friends (Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura). These guys and their other friends are the real squad goals.

Another yuan issue

Seems like I'll be dealing with trouble on a seasonal basis, like bi-annually. A colleague just confirmed it earlier. I am already hating it. This makes me want to do and push what I just "discovered" this morning while having my quiet time.

What to do? This can't go on and on. Even the monthly issue is already a problem. Why?

The "INxJ" in me wants to do something to settle these. For the record, I am an INTP. There are just INTJ and INFJ  traits that I could relate with. Well, back to my question, the only time I could really do something about these concerns is IF I get to be seated in particular positions. Not happening at the moment, not this year or next. I'm not even sure if such would even happen. Only heavens know.

Now Playing: No Doubt - Don't Speak

Out of PH again

I got to have my second overseas trip after almost 6 years, on my goddaughter's birthday. It's another five-day trip. I also realized recently that both destinations - Taiwan and Hong Kong, respectively - are Chinese autonomous territories. I wonder when I'd be able to visit mainland China. I'm so looking forward to that.

The days before our departure were quite stressful due to the travel clearance I had to secure. I only had a week left when I found out. Thank God all went well, but it was not that easy. I had my travel clearance the day before our departure.

Come the day of departure. I was so pleased to see my passport stamped again though it's a new one so technically it's the first stamp for the renewed passport. But I only got stamps from the Philippine Immigration as Hong Kong's does no such thing, both for arrival and departure. There will be no passport-evidence that I went to Hong Kong.

Our flight (PR 306) was delayed for an hour with another hour of delay in retrieving our luggage. I don't know what caused the former but the latter was due to some rains when we arrived in Hong Kong. So much for inconvenience.

While still up in the air within Philippine territories, I got to take a shot of Metro Manila. I can't really say it's an unpleasant shot as I know how congested the capital region is. I guess I just got curious on what could be done to make things better.

However, how willing are Filipinos to make things better? Such do not happen in days or months. Are Filipinos willing to pay the price? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Thoughts at Cafe de Lipa

This is basically a copy+paste from my IG post last Sunday. Most of them.

I love going to (and of course buying from) homegrown shops. I feel like I’m significantly and consciously contributing to the Philippine economy. 😉 The thought of being another customer of the shop helps the business stay and be sustainable makes me happy. 👍 Although foreign-owned enterprises still provide jobs (Thank you, foreign investors!!), Filipino-owned shops obviously go domestic to get their raw materials, etc., at least mostly. 

If I would spend 💰💰 I’d rather do so on Filipino products. Makes me feel less guilty. 😏 I still buy foreign products but I stick to Filipino First Policy. 😇

Para sa ekonomiya! ☕

It’s also good to know that Cafe De Lipa is still here at Market! Market! Late college days or post-college pa nandito ang shop na ito. It’s been years! Congratulations!! 🎉

Now Playing: IU ft. G-Dragon - Palette

Manila Cathedral

I always take time to look at the Manila Cathedral whenever I am in Intramuros. First, it's a default to pass by the cathedral when leaving, at least for me, the walled city. Second, it's just a piece of art that is hard to resist.

During one of my visits in Intramuros, I happened to look at Manila Cathedral in a somewhat enchanting way. It was more like I got enchanted.

It was almost sundown so the lighting in the sky kind of added to the enchantment. Manila Cathedral looked, to me, like a cathedral in Europe, somewhere central. It was beautiful.

Neighbourhood Dog

15 January 2017. Sunday

Saw this dog on my way back from my morning jog. Glad that I was not attacked because I did not know this dog. Turned out, she just lives in front of us. She must’ve remembered me (from my late night arrivals and before dawn departures) and got curious what I was like up close. Or maybe because I smiled and said hi to her. 🐶

Now Playing: Lea Salonga - Defying Gravity

Korean Dinner at Don Day

23 January 2017, Monday.

Just a week after having a Korean dinner with my college mate Angie, I've had another, which was a buffet, and this time with teh family though just Tita and Perry with the driver. It was the latter's treat.

We went to Don Day in Antipolo proper. The largest photo in the collage was my first set. I've added more. As always, I eat more than typical girls. The experience also made me eat more pork than I did in the last decade, or almost. I'm not fond of pork, and I don't eat it saved for some particular situations, but Perry insisted. Not complaining though. Good thing I jogged the day before and on this day's morning. It was very helpful.

Now Playing: Lea Salonga - Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile

Korean Dinner at Ye Dang

16 January 2017. Monday

My college friend Angie messaged me early January inviting me for dinner (or lunch?) because she's been craving for Korean food at the time. Truth be told, another friend of mine invited me for Korean barbecue before Angie did but, even as of writing, I still haven't had Korean barbecue with this another friend of mine. :(

So I did the scouting for Korean restaurant. I remembered seeing some along Meralco Avenue, basically near Metrowalk, whenever I commute. I decided to go for Ye Dang and it was easily agreed with.

There were just the two of us but we ordered as if there were two more people with us. *shrugs*

We ordered a beef dish, which had a very tender meat that I still long for it, and seafood noodle. Oh, we also had an egg dish that was technically an omelette Korean style but I forgot the name. The side dishes were given so we had those. Of course, a Korean meal isn't complete without soju so we had a bottle. The one we had has the face of IU, whom I knew because of The Producers.

We may have had a lot of food but we also had a lot of stories. Well, Angie did the story telling, as she's always had, while I was the good listener. I've always been, or at least mostly, the listener. I enjoyed listening to her but I'm not sharing anything except for the fact that the stories she shared inspired and made me wish I could write a screenplay for it.

Now Playing: Lea Salonga - Reflection

Binondo

I saw this article from Manila Bulletin's Panorama about Binondo that made me long to visit the place as well as others that had been historically significant.

A couple of weeks after reading this, I saw Dr. Crickette's post about "Planning A Binondo Foodtrip." Man, I haven't really thought of going on a food trip in Binondo but the Panorama article and the blog entry caused me a change of heart. Because, why not?

Speaking of change, I decided to invite two groups of my friends for a food trip in Binondo, separately. Both agreed though one eventually made some changes. We'd still have food trip but no longer in Binondo. Doesn't matter, because what's important is that we'll be together having fun.

Now Playing: Idina Mendez - Defying Gravity

Manila Cathedral

It's been more than a decade when I had the chance to visit Intramuros for the second time. For the third time, it's been almost two decades since the first. I've loved Intramuros since I first came during my fifth grade in primary school.

On January 25, I got the chance to go to Intramuros again and was spared with a couple of minutes to walk around. As I passed by the Manila Cathedral, I thought it had some European feel, which was no surprise. If only I could stare at its dome for hours, I would. I just sufficed myself with a couple of photos but this one is the better shot I had.

While walking along the streets of Intramuros I thought to myself if our national heroes also walked the same path. It feels nice to be in the same place where they used to be.

I will never get tired coming back to Intramuros. Well, the travel is not that convenient but it's always worth it once you get inside the walled city.

Now Playing: Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios - Walang Hanggang Paalam