THE NEW NORMAL
It seemed like it was only yesterday when my life was so different. My days were filled with meetings in the office, presentations, along with attending product launches and events— lots of it. On average I would go to at least three events before calling it a day. I would go home at night, sleep and repeat. Other days I would be traveling and would be gone for anywhere from three days to two weeks. This—or rather—that was my normal. My job entails a lot going out, interacting and socializing and has been for years and years. Little did I know that this routine was about to change. It has only been two weeks since the community quarantine has been announced and implemented because of the onslaught of COVID-19—the pandemic that has claimed countless lives, halted business operations, stopped air travel as well as caused major hysteria around the world. Nowadays my work life is still full and occupied, but the main difference is that I do it at home. The pace isn’t as rigorous or hectic—I was glad that I was able to quickly find the rhythm needed to accomplish things. Meetings still take place albeit remotely, and other forms of necessary communication and coordination occur through email, Viber and WhatsApp. It got to a point that it almost felt like business as usual, except when we discover something that require out-of-the-box solutions. One significant change has been our derailed plans for this issue—unable to shoot or get the material we needed because of the quarantine requirements, we had to re-think and get creative in terms of execution. But this was a small inconvenience, considering many of us have bigger challenges to face.
In the days that have passed, my respect for the individuals, establishments and companies who have stepped up and contributed to help alleviate other people’s sufferings—or at least to maintain a sense of normalcy—have increased exponentially. Whether it be food or monetary donations, providing masks or PPE uniforms, it is admirable to see people react and actually do something. In our world, which is privy to the glamour of celebrities and fashion, we were heartened to discover that many stars, along with designers and companies were also as keen to help out. This was what inspired us to create the cover of this issue. From Associate Creative Director Jann Pascua’s idea to turn the selfie on its head—meaning we would take this concept that marked a generation’s so-called narcissism and turn it into a barefaced plea to connect, inspire and empathize with the rest of society. The concept then grew as we reached out to the personalities.
As I question and navigate my role in this current situation, I realized that small contributions do count. And I do this by first, staying home and taking care of myself and my family and making sure that I am physically, emotionally and mentally sound. Secondly, I am contributing by doing my job, which is to continue creating content that is timely, appropriate and helpful to our readers. And lastly, it is to provide hope, a momentary laugh, a form of entertainment or even a temporary escape from this challenging and uncertain time. From the grandest gestures of generosity to the smallest acts of kindness, each of us have to give—so that in turn we too may receive. At this point in time, every little bit helps, so don’t hesitate to do it when you can.
Stay home (if you can), stay safe and please enjoy this issue.