Reminiscing Truths ⚓

          I started week 2 of ECQ (that rhymes!) with a mental bargain. Or more like, brace-yourself-if-this-happens kind of thought process. If the cases rise to a thousand at week 2, I told myself I need to prepare for the possibility that this enhanced community quarantine would stretch for more than just. a month. Needless to say, there is already in me a heart that is almost ready to throw the towel and give up even before the real situation comes. As of today, PH's COVID-19 cases have gone up to 1546. And statistics predict that so far, this trend is only going upward. I'm bracing myself that this extremely abnormal, immensely uncomfortable, and, in many ways, painful situation will stretch on indefinitely.        And indeed, when one focuses on all the things that seem wrong and out of place, the heart suddenly has a wide space for complaints and grumblings. On the other hand, if we truly tune in our hearts to the word of God and actively ponder upon all the bless

      So, it happened. Three months into just hearing about the much-dreaded COVID-19, it finally reached Philippine shores and, just a few days ago, has been declared as a locally transmitted disease. This announcement means that it's not only those who had travel history overseas could acquire the virus. It could now be anyone  in the local community. The government's response? Community quarantine. Only people with work and official business must be seen out of their cities. And as the number of positive cases continues to rise (230 cases as of March 20, 12NN), this community quarantine is even made stricter. Now with the whole of Luzon under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), no one had been able to get out of their houses. Cities are locked down, and no one goes in or out aside from the food and essential services providers and medical workers.         My first seven days being "stuck" at my parents' place sure felt like at least thrice as long. I h