VERN ENCISO
This pandemic is uncharted territory for everyone. I’m definitely overwhelmed and in a state of limbo as I feel normal but there are so many changes happening too fast around me. I’m coping by trying to help within the confines of my home as self-quarantine will not only save me but the people I love as well. I help through donations, spreading only credible news and being a good human being by following what trusted institutions are instructing everyone to do.—VE
“EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE JUST LIKE THAT. NO ONE WANTED THIS TO HAPPEN AND ALL THE THINGS WE TOOK FOR GRANTED BEFORE THIS PANDEMIC ARE NOW SO IMPORTANT”
It’s been weeks since the outbreak and I‘ll be lying if I say I’m not scared but I’m trying my best to keep calm and optimistic. I’m doing my part by staying home, using my voice to help and donate to foundations that are in need.
I’ve realized how we only have one life and we shouldn’t take it for granted. You never know what tomorrow may bring so we better live fully and appreciate what we have. —VE
“WE CAN ALL GET THROUGH THIS AND CONTINUE TO TOGETHER WORK”
Ihave to admit and say that it is a struggle for me mentally. On top of my own fears about this virus, having traveled to the epicenter of it [Italy], I’m also dealing with the helpless and restless feeling of not being able to do much for my family, community and even myself, as I am on a strict quarantine to avoid possibly exposing it to my family if I do have it.
What’s really helping me cope with the pandemic is positive thinking and the support of my loved ones. Through all this, my relationships have gotten stronger. I’m usually bad at keeping in touch with friends but lately I have been doing daily video calls, either just to catch up or do workouts together. Another thing is that it also brought my family together after not being complete for two years.
I think the biggest lesson to learn from all of this is patience, understanding, mindfulness and cooperation. Because of how this virus affects everyone, we need to become more aware of our community and make compromises for the betterment of everyone. I know it’s a scary time now but we’re going to get through this.
To our frontliners, our heroes, I can’t thank you enough for your bravery. I hope you know that we are behind you 100%.
Sending out love and prayers to everyone. Kapit lang, Pilipinas.—HL
“ALONE. YOU’RE NOT STAY HOME, STAY SAFE, STAY WELL, AND KIND STAY”
It’s been really overwhelming both online and IRL. But you have to work with what God wants us to do in this time. Family time, prayers, working out, conversations with friends online, my pets and the passion projects I can continue at home help keep me going. Also doing what I can to help spread news about donation drives in this time of need for our less fortunate friends in the community.
Sometimes we tend to take for granted how blessed we truly are to have each other— to interact with, learn from, be inspired by, get good energy from and enjoy life with. You really don’t know how good you have it until it’s “taken away” from you.
Hold on to hope. There’s so much to look forward to. And
I’m sure there’s so much growth we’ve experienced through the slowness and stillness of community quarantine life amidst the chaos of this pandemic worldwide. Let’s apply what we’ve learned, appreciate each other even more and learn to really live life uninhibited, full of drive and a reignited sense of purpose.—JC
“HOLD ON TO HOPE. THERE’S SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO "
Iasked my dad and he told me that he hasn’t seen anything like this in his lifetime. This is a first for all of us, and the changes in our day to day lives have been drastic. I’ve been able to find creative ways to be social, to stay fit and to keep my mind occupied in the midst of a global health crisis, as most people have. If anything, it’s allowed me to reset my priorities and put everything into perspective. It’s allowed me to spend time on personal creative projects that I’ve put on hold and reconnect with friends and family on a deeper level.
I think this is a huge wake-up call not just for me but for the rest of the world. Everything that would stress me out before pales in comparison now that we are facing a pandemic. It’s made me rethink what’s important in life, and what deserves my energy. Taking care of my health, and looking out for those I care about are now on top of my list. The biggest lesson here is: take care of yourself, so you can take care of those you love.—MG
“FILIPINOS ARE RESILIENT. WE HAVE FACED MANY BATTLES BEFORE, WHETHER THEY’RE CHALLENGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY POLITICS OR MOTHER NATURE, WE’VE MANAGED TO COME TOGETHER AND FACE EVERYTHING WITH OPTIMISM"