Originally written and published as separate articles on read.cash. Click/tap on the following links below to read more.
Enhanced Community Quarantine / Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine
Everything was running smoothly on the first 2 months of 2020, I was able to cover my friend's wedding last February 8, and so pumped up to cover other events like the Inside Racing Bike Fest, the Manila International Auto Show, Makina Motor Show, ToyCon, Asia Pop Comic-Con, as the list goes on until the Coronavirus came in to our country. On March 12, 2020 our government declared the lockdown starting March 15 throughout Metro Manila (the National Capital Region), and all other provinces to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
I was at our previous residence at General Trias, Cavite (we moved out last Sunday and now living at Imus, Cavite) along with my Mom and her colleague. My previous job was affected and no means of transportation of going there from General Trias to Pasay City. What I did was self -quarantine making sure I'm not affected, washed my hands frequently, and use my essentials if I'll go out within the next 14 days, My mom's job is also affected and all of her clients cancelled their appointments and resume their projects once things are safe. She's a master cutter and she is very passionate with her craft for years now. I have no choice but to report to work on-site from March 30 to November 16, 2020. I was the only one who is currently working at that time. On that day, I have to muster my courage and face that fear of not getting infected by the virus.
The moment I came on-site, only a few cars are driving by and only a few people are outside who were tasked to buy everything they need to survive. On April 3, I decided before my shift starts at 9:00 pm, I have to take photos on what happened here. It became a ghost town. After the government's declaration until May 31, 2020 - everybody was affected: millions of people lost their jobs, most businesses were closed down. Others remained operational but to ensure that safety guidelines must be followed. All of the events I've mentioned were postponed and moved to a later date. Even churches and other places of worship were closed so I can pray, reflect & meditate. No transportation, ranging from public vehicles (Jeeps, Taxis, Buses, Trains, Tricycles) except for delivered goods mostly essentials for us to survive, and checkpoints were positioned every entry & exit point those who were coming in & out of the region.
SM Mall of Asia
I took the liberty of taking photos again throughout the community quarantine, and took the most busiest parts of the city. I miss the noisy environment, the howling sounds of the engine, endless honking on the horn, the traffic. Our lives were changed - we now get conscious of our bodies, how we eat and how we live right now during this pandemic.
On Top Left to Right: Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Bottom Left to Right: Roxas Blvd. Southbound (to Parañaque, Cavite) & Roxas Blvd. Northbound (to Manila)
On June 1, 2020, the Capital Region and other provinces shifted from the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) / Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) making lesser restrictions - but only limited access to the following below. 9 months later, most parts of the country are under General Community Quarantine, others are free of the coronavirus having no added cases in some provinces around the Philippine Islands.
SM Mall of Asia x By the Bay
- Malls (not in full capacity - Amusement Centers, Movie Theaters are closed.)
- Public Transportation (Taxis, Buses, Jeeps & Tricycles are back on the road with social distancing. For OFWs & stranded individuals abroad are the only ones who can go back in the country - Immigrants (Tourists or other intentions visiting the Philippines) are not allowed to enter yet).
-Restaurants (now allowed for dine-in with social distancing).
-Churches and other places of worship.
-Hotels.
All establishments are advised to all of their patrons to wear their face mask and face shield. No such protection will be denied to enter the premises. As you enter any of these listed above, answer the declaration form first and be honest if you experience any symptoms. Most of the forms are in paper, others, you need to scan a QR code to answer their form. Quarantine restrictions were lessen to a few, like the time of Curfew from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am, since it's Christmas: Children are now allowed to go outside with their family, Senior Citizens (of which they are vulnerable to the virus) are now allowed to go outside (only 60 to 65 years old).
During GCQ, I continued my work just to help out my mom for the monthly rent, including our small business. Then started doing my side line by writing articles first at read.cash, then here on Steemit since I am overwhelmed with my salary every payout. That is why I dedicated my time first as a side line for these platforms until I left the company 3 weeks ago. On my day off I would roam around the city and take a look on their current situation. As our medical staff are working around the clock for finding a cure. Here's my simple tribute to all keyworkers who are fighting on the same line in celebration of National Heroes Day last August 31.
After Microsoft Office at Teleperformance Philippines was dissolved and moved to Jaipur, India. We were transferred to Microsoft Xbox, which the training lasted only for 2 weeks. For me, it will not last for 2 weeks, but anyways, let's move on to it. The moment I left the company, I decided to go full-time with the platforms I'm currently using (read.cash & Steemit), took photos around the City of Makati, and Pasay City.
As of today, the numbers are still increasing, but now the curve is about to be flattened. This means that it is not finished yet, it is still out there. Always remember:
- Wear a mask / face shield (if applicable to your location)
- Maintain your distance
- Use your essentials (alcohol / sanitizing gel)
- Exercise
- Eat healthy
- Drink your Vitamins, and lastly...
- Pray.
This is not the end of the world. Things are gradually coming back, and I'm hopeful that everything will be back to normal.
All images taken from my Pentax Q7 and Nokia 3.2.
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Last year was interesting for many of us. I love to experience cities, empty of cars and people. Something I saw before. Surreal, for sure. Fortunately, you kept your job and got into blogging.
You posted in the HIVE here, but you seem to have written this post for Steemit. No problem in posting in both networks, but please adjust your post accordingly.