Items

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  2020-07-04

  Our long distance relationship made even more distant with the pandemic

  The pandemic has made long-distance relationships even more difficult to maintain -- for lack of a better word. I'm sure a lot of other people in long-distance relationships will be able to [relate to] me and my S.O.'s story. I want these people to know that they are not alone in their struggle of longing for their loved ones; and that even if things seem very bleak right now, sometimes, the only thing we can do to feel better is to hope.
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  2020-03-16

  Sign of Things to Come

  The images were all taken in the morning of March 16, the first working day after the community quarantine was announced. Lots of people were shocked at the sudden scarcity of public vehicles, since they had to comply with physical distancing rules. This caused people to find various ways to get to their places of employment or for some (like me), just went back home. I waited three hours for a bus to take me from Coastal Mall to Philcoa in QC, but can't find any. I was supposed to go to my place of work at UP Diliman to fetch as much documents as I can before I start working from home. Tried waiting for a bus at PITX but seeing the long queues outside, I decided to tell my supervisor that I can't make it because of the public transport situation, then flagged down a minibus back to my home in Cavite. Then the conductor told me that I have to wear a mask, else I would have to get off. Luckily I had one. Later when I arrived home (note: I did not pass through the supposed-to-be checkpoints to and from Cavite), I saw at the news that the government was surprised that this would happen, as if they never expected that reduced passenger capacity due to physical distancing measures would cause longer waiting times for commuters. Similar chaos for commuters later that day (now returning to their homes from work) would happen since they had to get home before the start of the stricter ECQ at midnight of March 17. This lack of foresight and preparation in implementing rules and mitigation measures, as well as the difficulties of the people would be seen a lot later during the ECQ up to this day.
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  2020-06-28

  Distansya [Distance]

  Namatay yung tito ko during the pandemic. Pinayagang mauwi yung bangkay dahil di naman ito covid related, pero request niya na i-cremate siya. Dinala siya sa bahay para makita ng lahat sa huling pagkakataon. Isa-isa kung lumapit at di maaring magkalapit. Ang pinaka masakit pa dito, di man lang kami magkayakapan para magluksa para sa namayapa naming kapamilya. Ang eksena, umiiyak kami ng magkahiwalay sa loob ng iisang bahay dahil ilan sa mga kamag-anak ay dating positive sa virus at kasalukuyang naka-quarantine.
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  2020-03-21

  Alone Together

  Social distancing, self-quarantine, community lock down have all taken a toll on people's mental health one way or another. I wrote this short piece to remind people to connect with each other in a more meaningful way, at least virtually for now, and reach out to those who may be feeling alone.
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  2020-06-10

  Pandemic Panic

  The pandemic is a struggle for everyone, and [it's] also hard for me who also lost income sources. As much I can, I take photos whenever I go out to buy supplies. I also felt the frustration of government processes with long lines and unnecessary procedures. But at the end of the day, I am relieved to always come home which I can always feel secure.