Life Discourse 04.13.2020: Lent at the time of COVID and other Musings

(Illustration Credits: First Prebysterian Church)

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). It reflects my personal feelings and thoughts on issues that impacted me the most. Please excuse the grammar and poor sentence construction.

This year's Lent was different. Due to COVID, gatherings were strictly prohibited; in my town, Mandaluyong, they were banned even before the lockdown began. My aunt mostly turns to Facebook to "attend" mass on time, sometimes twice a day.

Most church activities were streamed on Facebook Live. There were no more spontaneous Visita Iglesia trips. Processions, if they occurred, lacked the usual fanfare and crowds. The traditional walk from your home to Antipolo as a form of panata or vow for a desired outcome this year was absent. Carriages with large statues were temporarily halted to prevent infection.

This is the first time I wasn't outside the Philippines during Lent. I had traveled to Japan for two consecutive Lents (2018-2019). Not because I dislike religious rites (it doesn't mean I am agnostic; I just dislike rituals, okay?), but because this period is when most HR activities are minimal. If I took a long vacation outside of Lent, detaching from my job would be exceedingly difficult. I'd be bombarded with emails, calls, inquiries, and other HR matters, making it impossible to enjoy. A vacation means truly disconnecting from everything, and Lent has been the ideal time to do so.

This is the fourth week, and the numbers are rising. Let's be honest; no one is taking social distancing seriously. Barangays have already imposed a No Entry policy at their entrances, meaning you cannot pass if you're not a resident. People either don't understand or ignore the concept of distance and space.

Regarding the 8P and social improvement issues, I won't delve into it here as it has been extensively discussed over the past week. The government needs to reassess how to identify those truly in need versus those who are merely "pabigat," meaning those capable of supporting themselves but overly reliant on handouts (and who have the nerve to complain!). Encouraging individuals who wish to pursue a livelihood without becoming a burden to the government is important.

We must prepare for the new normal from now until 30 April 2020. It won't be like what we were used to before COVID. This involves practicing social distancing for the next seven months until a vaccine is available. Face masks should be worn not only outdoors but also inside workplaces. This situation has taught everyone the importance of saving money for times like these, reassessing core values and beliefs, and living with only what is essential, embracing minimalism.

Let's make the most of these remaining weeks, folks. Happy Easter Monday to all.

About the Author:

Joseline M. Alosbaños, known as the HR Carousel Ringmistress, is a Certified HR Practitioner with over twenty years of experience in Human Resources Management. Her extensive career spans various sectors, including corporate, freelancing, and consulting, equipping her with a wide range of skills. Joseline excels in employee relations, talent acquisition, total rewards management, HR operations, and organizational development, successfully implementing HR strategies that align with business objectives and promote a positive workplace atmosphere. If you require my services, feel free to contact me at joyce.alosbanos@gmail.com