Co-existing with the invisible enemy
LIFE is a balance between what we can con trol and what we cannot. For almost nine months, I am boxed in a shell contemplating on how this entire pandemic has shaken the entire world in all aspects. Life was put on a stand still. Isolation became a household term and virtual meetings synonymous to human interactions. But life must go on. It’s about time that we must take control.
I am scared of Covid-19 and I share the sentiments of our front liners who risk their lives every single day attending to mounting cases God knows when it will end. I fear for my family and friends for I think everyone is vulnerable to this virus. Together with this fear, however, is a mindset that this is a war that can be tackled, an invisible enemy that must be faced.
This mindset has kept me physically active over the months to boost my immune system. I have shifted my diet from eating anything to eating healthy. The same mindset led to the first Hoka Brew Music Festival, an intimate night filled with wonderful music and good dinner featuring three of Baguio’s esteemed performers, Ingrid Payaket, On Call Vocals and The Edralins.
Are we ready to host small events and to convene people in one event venue without fear of transmission or spreading the virus? As one of the organizers, together with ace fashion photographer Eros Goze and mental health advocate, Ricky Ducas, we took the necessary permit required strictly implementing the standard health protocol mandated by the city for gathering and events in close coordination with the city health officers.
First things first. All staff and volunteers were given proper orientation. A safety health officer was assigned to make sure someone is readily available to handle suspected case/s. The ticket price was pegged affordably at P650 per pax inclusive of dinner in consideration of our spending capacity. Tickets were pre-ordered online to ensure that only the maximum capacity of attendees be allowed in the venue including dinner preference to minimize physical contact.
During the event, everyone was encouraged to come in early for the mandatory body temperature check and health declaration form signup right at the hotel entrance. A holding room was assigned specifically for a guest who may manifest some symptoms. Markers and arrows were distinctly placed to facilitate the traffic flow within the establishment and hotel staff on PPEs were designated strategically to usher guests to their respective pre-assigned seats with each table arranged significantly apart plus safety reminder cards visibly posted everywhere.
The preparation for this small event may seem exaggerated. But looking forward, safety, security and flexibility will be top priorities for event organizers. After a successful first performance night with our Cordillera’s nightingale Ingrid Payaket held on Nov. 21, 2020, we are hopeful that the same support be given to the next two performances, On Call Vocals on Nov. 28, 2020 and The Edralins on Dec. 5, 2020 respectively. Registration opens at 5:00 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
All proceeds of the Hoka Brew Music Festival will be given to the Anxiety and Depression Support Baguio for the trainings of non-medical individuals who wish to be trained for Psychosocial First Aid and Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients.
For ticket inquiries, you may contact Hoka Brew or The Podium Boutique Hotel at 09178528006 or 09999928006.
Eroz Goze
MELAN KU MARQUEZ File Under Every Weekend