Philippines, Manila, Joy, Filipino, 26, Lawyer, Married/Kids: N/A
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
It’s not the greatest, to be honest. We’re in the longest lockdown in the world, and we’re still far from flattening the curve (though there are confusions regarding that because government’s proclamation of “flattening the curve” is more “average number of cases are getting stable over a long period of time,” which doesn’t really tell you anything about the capacity of hospitals and stuff like that); initiative towards mass testing are devolved to the local government level, contract tracing isn’t aggressive, and many health workers and hospitals are getting overwhelmed.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
Manila is vibrant, especially at night; some spots are more loud and eclectic, and there’s always something new to look forward to, especially during the weekends. That all changed almost overnight, especially since we went into lockdown two days after its proclamation, and the lockdown hasn’t been lifted ever since, with some areas even implementing curfews. Some provinces are better off than others, but Metro Manila (or the National Capital Region) has seen an almost 180 degree shift, with most infections coming from the area.
How are you and your family?
I’m not in the greatest headspace, which I think is understandable, and I believe everyone is going through some difficulty one way or the other as we all wade into the “new normal.” My family is okay, though. My sister is a doctor, which means we’re constantly worried about her, my brother and his wife are doing well with their food business, my mum is tending to her plants, and my dad tries to keep himself busy by trying to get fit.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
The uncertainty of the pandemic has definitely been the biggest challenge — ways to move forward, worrying about friends and family, and similar concerns.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
A good chunk of my family (nuclear and immediate) work in the health sector, so I think I’ve always thought the situation was serious. I lived alone initially, and my parents sent me a health package; groceries started getting overwhelmed with the number of shoppers buying disinfectants and alcohol; buying something from the pharmacy meant waiting in lines that would last hours — those happened a few days into the lockdown.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
The Vice-President recommended the closure of borders as early as January, but it did not take place until mid-March, when the quarantine was first imposed. Since we live in an archipelago, ideally, it would be harder for infections to spread (found in other small island states), but the March lockdown was a little too late. A Senator also proposed that individuals go back to their provinces, presumably to avoid congestion in the city, but it instead led to infections being spread in other areas, many of which have little access to proper healthcare.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
No. The lockdown could have been done earlier and more efficiently; and efforts should have been made in place to give socio-economic assistance to those in need without sacrificing the health of the state. The fact that the response to the pandemic has been highly militarized in nature — and not medical — has also been disappointing at best, dangerous at worst.
What would you like to say to your government?
Listen to the health experts in the field.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
–
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes. In May this year I exhibited symptoms so I had myself tested just to be sure; it turned out to be seasonal flu exacerbated by my allergies, but I’m glad I went ahead and took it just so I don’t have to worry so much. I’ve self-quarantined thrice, once because I exhibited symptoms, and twice because I moved cities.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
Honestly, not really. Having no comorbidities (aside from allergies) and being a 20-something, I’m not afraid of the health consequences of the infection. It’s the stress that I’ll bring my family which worries me.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
We’ve been on lockdown for around 200 days now, starting in mid-March. Households had to have a quarantine pass in order for representatives to go out; only essentials were allowed; public transportation was halted. The lockdown has been eased the past few weeks, and recreational areas are slowly being opened, restaurants are accepting diners, and gatherings comprised of a few people are being allowed.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spent the first week of lockdown alone, but realised this wasn’t ideal if the lockdown would continue (which it did), so I moved in with my brother and his wife. I did (and taught) yoga, took up baking, played with the dogs, swam (or run) almost everyday, and got used to working from home. When the government shifted from enhanced community quarantine (the strictest) to modified ECQ, I went back to my place. I did most of the same things, except I shifted from running and swimming to biking. I’m currently at my parents’ for the meantime and I still do the same things.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
I’ve been cooking and baking a lot. I’ve also been working out, and getting as much sun as I can. I’ve been trying to get into writing and reading my unread books, but I usually just end up watching shows or movies. I also got a new dog, so playing with her and potty-training her has been taking up time. I’ve continued to work as well.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I do consultancies, and while I did work from home plenty of times pre-COVID, this time it became mandatory. It’s not so bad because I can still talk to clients and work on my own time. However, some stuff are hard: I sometimes do pro-bono work and it’s been hard to contact clients, so this has shown the difficulty of accessing justice (already difficult pre-pandemic). The concept of work-life balance has also officially deteroriated.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
I probably have met with friends in person a handful of times since the pandemic started, which is a far cry from regular night-outs with friends. To compensate, we do a lot of video calls, Zoom drinking sessions and games, etc.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
It hasn’t impacted it much, to be honest, though necessarily companies/groups need less consultants currently. I’ve been doing a lot of online shopping though, and that’s not always a good thing. Haha
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
Right now, my life revolves around my puppy and work (and the occasional yoga class I teach). I wake up at around 7, feed my puppy and play with her so she can go potty, then I fix myself a cup of tea and go to work. By noon I break my fast and feed my puppy again. I work for a couple of hours then I fit in a workout. I work late (I’m just more productive at night) so I do most things in the afternoon — run errands, read books, have a solo dance party. At night I play with my puppy and then my hedgehog, have dinner, grab a glass of wine (or bottle of beer), then I go back to work. Or sleep.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Health workers. Service workers. Cashiers. Security guards. Public transportation drivers.
What did the crisis show you?
The importance of an efficient government, the resiliency of the human spirit (and honestly, the fragiity of the human body), the need for green spaces, the fact that so much work can be done from home (therefore curbing the transportation, health, and environmental crisis brought about my vehicle congestion crisis), the importance of mental health and finding an employer who understands the pandemic and how it can affect you, the healing power of nature, etc.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Eating out, time with friends, good health, freedom of movement.
Which images will you never forget?
Overwhelmed health care workers asking for another lockdown just so they can keep the number of infections at bay. Jeepney drivers asking to be allowed to resume operations because they do not have sources of income and have resorted to begging. Police violently dispersing protesters demanding mass testing, among other things. The view from the top of the mountain the first time I finished my intermediate biking route. Seeing my entire family for the first time in June during my parents’ wedding anniversary.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
There’s this group on Facebook started by one of my friends, called Quarantine Tribute Tips. Initially the group was made so that people (mostly young adults) can ask tips on cooking, living alone, getting used to the lockdown, etc. Eventually it became a space where people can help each other out from supporting each other’s online businesses to pooling money together to help out someone in need (of medical services, medicines, a livelihood, etc.)
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
The uncertainty of everything.
What gives you hope?
That as a species, we’ve been through a lot. Community also gives me hope, and compassion, and my pets (who trust in me for their survival).
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Internationally, not really, no. I have had all my travel plans until March 2021 delayed for a later date. I have plans to travel around the country, though, but only after I’m sure it’s safe.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
Yes, as long as it’s been properly tested.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
That there are so many things we can do to ease the burden of employees, that we need to increase the pay of our service and health workers, that the government shouldn’t have to choose between economic growth and the health of its people (though of course, if it comes to that, its people should always come first), that it’s important to take care of your mental health, etc.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
Curveball.