LA LIVES
Our previous cover personalities share personal reflections and inspiring messages as the country experiences a global crisis
The world is currently in a state of emergency. In the onslaught of the novel coronavirus pandemic, 208 countries and territories have been affected, placing 20% of the world’s population—or an estimated 1.7 billion people—on lockdown. Never has this generation seen a health crisis of this magnitude, with many predicting this to be the next global recession. While the lives of the Baby Boomers and the Gen X-ers were greatly shaped by the impact of World War II, an economic crisis, and other life-changing world events, millennials and Gen Z will forever be changed by the COVID-19 pandemic (for millennials, this will be the second global recession their adult lifetime). Paradigms are shifting, and our way of life is evolving. Life, as we know it will be different moving forward and our values will have to be revisited.
The alarming circumstances have made us move what was supposed to be our April issue, and instead create a special edition about COVID-19: Service, Sacrifice, Survival.
The challenges humanity is currently facing are so profound that it has awakened our sense of community greatly. Companies— big or small—and individuals are all trying to help however they can. No one will be spared. This affects us all. Together, we are faced with moral dilemmas: how much can we give and how much do we need for ourselves? No matter how polarizing the choices are, the preservation of human life shall take precedence above all. Rightfully so, large corporations have taken the lead and have set an example by helping thousands of their employees as well as our frontliners to prevent this virus from spreading, saving more lives as a result. In this issue, we would like to highlight some of the huge enterprises, namely the Ayala Group, the SM Group, PLDT, the Aboitiz Group, and the San Miguel Corporation for the care of their workforce's welfare and the safety of our frontliners. Workforce welfare is perhaps as important as protecting our frontliners, because without them, companies may not be able to survive the economic problems that lie ahead. The more people consume, the better investments there are. They cannot be left behind.
The Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ, while forcing everyone to stay at home, also reinvigorated our spirit of goodwill. With malls closed, offices shut down, curfews everywhere, and most businesses halted, the circumstances have empowered everyone to do genuine acts of kindness. It has proven that anyone is capable of charity. This is a test of our resilience as a nation. And I believe that we Filipinos are one of the most resilient people in the world. We salute the individuals who have used theirs and their company’s resources to help in the best way they can. They have joined the continuing fight against COVID-19. Doctors Z and Aivee Teo have put to life bayanihan in the purest way as their workers and them—as a family—have made face shields, donated masks and PPEs suits, and turned their café to provide food for the frontliners. Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho, with their genuine hearts of service, donated their very own supplies of masks, PPEs, mobilized their people to help the frontliners, and donated food. Dennis Uy with his group of companies used the full potential of his resources to be of help. These great individuals, together with Kevin Tan, Ben Chan, and Camille Villar, have put a significant amount of effort into assisting their employees and donated huge sums of money for the fight against COVID-19.
We are all affected, one way or the other. In this pandemic, where no one knows how to adapt or survive, our sense of community and appreciation of life has been renewed. This includes our time, friends, family and more importantly, God. It has truly redefined the new normal. We have asked our cover personalities from last year up to the present about how this has made an impact on their lives, how they are adapting, and their reflections on how the virus has changed them forever.
What we are going through now is the truest test of our human spirit. How we respond will show our character and test us as human beings. Will we become better stewards of our planet? Will we be more kind, generous, and compassionate to one another? Will we be more grateful for what we have? Will we unite for the common good? In one way or the other, we will all learn greater lessons coming out of this.
Let’s have courage, hope, and a greater value for life. Let us take this chance to look at ourselves and see who we have become and be thankful for our blessings. Lastly, let us all trust that the world and mankind will be better as humanity has come together for our survival.