Life Discourse 03.31.2020: 3rd Week Under ECQ

Disclaimer: This is a series of microblogs created on my Facebook profile during the start and peak of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (16 March - 15 May 2020. This represents my personal feelings and thoughts on issues that affected me the most. Pardon the grammar & poor sentence construction.

Two weeks has passed since the quarantine took into effect. It has been by most account - forced acceptance and some level of confusion on most Filipinos. Yes, a lot of people are still complaining - some legitimate if not flimsy and downright illogical. Here's some of my experience:

Mercury Drug Issue: Remember the post where I tagged Mercury Drug regarding the overcrowding of their cramped space in General Kalentong? It seems like I got heard. In fact they now limit the number of people entering their store. Lines gotten longer but it is some assurance that you get enough space to shop and bump into someone.

I am still shopping on the other branch bordering Mandaluyong and San Juan because some medicines or items we need are not available at the branch. Their guard makes sure that there is ample space for shoppers and he had to put a big stick to make sure that no one enters until someone is done buying their needs.

Mini-marts: I discovered another mart near Mercury and I can shop for items that I do not see in other stores, no thanks to the Logistical issue posed by the ECQ. It also limits the number of shoppers entering the place. It doesn't have the large amount of items compared with Puregold and Savemore, but it is a good alternative. I would suggest to try mini marts near your place if you don't want to line up.

Rubbing Alcohol Shortage: Rubbing Alcohol being sold is still limited quantities, 70% is the required level but I see about 40% in shelves. It will take sometime before the supplies normalizes.

Webinars, Zoom and All that Jazz: There are lots of learning sessions online. Suddenly Zoom became so popular. If my internet bandwidth permits, I can join in the discussions - but sometimes I got "dropped" (due to low bandwidth heheheh).

Tiktoking: do I need to elaborate further folks (or else you're going to "fry" me if I am going to tell you how I feel?). Almost everyone in my FB friends list is into it. From dancing to posting their antics. Sorry but I am busy to try, with all that WFH and other stuff I had to do.

Also, I heard stories that China uses the platform to spy on people, so thanks no thanks.

Physical distancing: this is still a major issue - as in I am getting sick and tired of it. Lines at a money remittance center don't observe that. You are trying to maintain a distance but still people seems to gravitate towards you. Bystanders huddle together. We seem not to get the logic. Para bang we're too social that if we maintain a safe distance - we're anti-social?

Work from Home - there are moments that you feel so lazy that it takes time before you "warm" up to start work. Yes I have those days. Also, I need to maintain some form of communication between me and all the staff to get rid of the boredom that goes with the arrangement.

Our Manila COVID 19 task force arranges meeting on a weekly basis using Microsoft Teams. Our discussion ranges from updates about the current situation in Metro Manila to minor matters that needs immediate decision.

Extension of the ECQ - yes it may be possible due to the increased numbers of people being diagnosed with COVID 19. We are downright stubborn. Delays will cause job and income loss, depression and some forms of social unrest.

Sister and Dad - Lastly, I have a sister and niece working as a Nurse in the US. They are frontliners in the battle against COVID 19. My sister is scared as well; my dad is with her and a senior citizen. They risk their lives to help those. So my respect goes to every single frontliners out there in keeping us safe.

Ok, I am done saying my piece. Lets bear it until this is over.