LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

Just #QuaranThings

Quarantine things that keep us sane

words by JASELE MAE PRIOLO illustration by RUER TORCULAS

The pandemic forced us to stay inside the comfort of our homes. It is a disadvantage for others, but Filipinos always tend to turn every disadvantage into an opportunity to have fun, generate income, and even to cope with stress. While essential workers keep the country functioning, the rest of us are stuck doing nothing. That was when the biggest trends took-off during the quarantine.

QUARANFLING

Aside from long distance relationships (literally because of the lockdown), online dating also prevailed especially for the hopeless romantics. From Tinder, Bumble, Telegram, Omegle, and even on Facebook Messenger, singles looking for a fling have started to increase in number.

This surge in online dating and online “fling” during the quarantine was also brought by the lack of physical social interaction and the absence of physical dating. THE RISE OF PLANTITOS AND PLANTITAS

The new wave of plant enthusiasts called themselves "plantitos" and "plantitas”. Succulents, cacti, caladiums— you name it, and rest assured that they have it in their garden. People keep themselves busy in finding, buying, and planting ornamentals that they could add up to their collection.

A therapeutic hobby for some, this trend also became an opportunity to people who lost their jobs. Just remember to be fair with your pricing. And buyers should be cautious, too.

But don’t hoard! You’re not going to build a forest in your home, are you?

photo courtesy by UNSPLASH

photo courtesy by TIKTOK/ @lady_pizza_hug; @tradang904; @daryltufekci

SIPPIN' DALGONA COFFEE

Netizens have gone crazy over Dalgona, a whipped coffee drink named for a type of Korean candy.

It is made with four simple ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk. By whisking equal proportions of coffee, sugar, and hot water until it reaches its creamy and frothy texture— you can now enjoy your beverage by dolloping it on top of cold or warm milk.

The spike in interest during the quarantine period has been attributed to the effects of watching online do-it-yourself (DIY) videos. The trend has jumped over the internet, and everyone actively participates. TIKTOK VIRUS

Bet you tried to resist downloading this app, right? Still, you gave in.

There is no doubt that TikTok is dominating the social landscape in 2020. It keeps booming around the world as people keep creating and sharing fun videos. The pandemic has fueled the rise of an app that makes it easy for anyone to lip-sync their favorite tune or dance to the music of the latest hit. The content on the platform is fun, relatable, and presented in an easily digestible format. The accessible and friendly nature of the application is also perfect for everyone. Reports have suggested that TikTok can be positive for mental well-being, especially if it is lighthearted and fun.

Having something to work on like the viral TikTok dances and fitness challenges can be a positive and fun way to stay engaged with people on social media.

photo courtesy by NHK TV

CONTAGIOUS BARTERING

The challenge and difficulty in transporting goods from one place to another during the lockdown was the reason why the old trading system called “barter” is practiced more in the provinces. This was seen as an alternative option for Filipinos whose livelihoods were affected during the duration of the quarantine.

Bartering is the exchange of one commodity for another without the use of money. Facebook groups have been the perfect avenue for those people who wish to swap items. Those partaking in the trade says it keeps them out of crowded shops and saves them some money. But just as important, it is a way to feel helpful during the pandemic. Indeed, bartering has paved the way for people to get closer to one another but be careful during meet-ups, everyone is still advised to observe social distancing.

photo courtesy by GETTY IMAGES

ORDER UP!

Citizens can no longer avail the luxury of going out and eating their favorite food in fast-food joints and fancy restaurants. But that doesn’t stop the people to quench their thirst and cravings— that is why food delivery is on their way.

While some are busy baking and cooking the new recipes they found online, others are wasting their time browsing food to order on the internet. You can see it on social media that people started to install various kinds of food delivery applications such as Food Panda, Grab Food, Tapao, and many more. Miss the spicy fried chicken you like but can’t get out? Tap your phone and order now!

E-PARTIES

This challenging moment tested our real bond with each other since physical socialization is out of the options. But social distancing only restricts physical interaction and some find their ways on how to communicate with each other and celebrate significant events virtually. Netflix parties and zoom meetings create a new platform they call “E-Parties”. There are also “E-numan” sessions by a group of friends, families and relatives to reunite and catch-up with each other.

Virtual party responsibly!

photo courtesy by NETFLIX PARTY THANK YOU, ONLINE SHOPPING

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People are getting bored and weary every single day of the quarantine period. As a way of coping, some resorts to doing excessive online shopping with the help of Shopee, Lazada, and other online shops. From trendy clothes, planting tools, make-ups— you name it. It is just a matter of choice whether you have the courage to click another purchase of random things that you don’t actually need or to get swayed by the temptations brought by discounts, vouchers, and compliments of online shopping.

Hold it! You don’t need to order anything online right now.

photo courtesy by UNSPLASH

COVID-19 left us no choice but to innovate with whatever we have and to recalibrate our old ways in order to stay sane and survive. The struggle each day, especially when the lockdowns were implemented worldwide— was no joke to anyone. The pandemic has become the biggest reality check of our lives. It made us discover new things we never had the time to do before because of busy schedules. It opened our minds and realized how significant each moment was and why we should never take things for granted.