Dondake! / Karen Sanchez

The New Normal

For almost 2 years, we have been suffering and we are still facing this Covid-19 Pandemic which continue to mutate and create new viruses that we can not totally stop nor ignore. And what we can do is to accept and embrace the fact that we will live with it. Boosting our immune system, changing our lifestyles, and following the procedures and protocols of what we call "the new normal" could save us and the whole world.

By boosting our immune system, we need to watch what we are eating, drinking and doing in our everyday lives. Taking vitamins and exercising can help maintain or enhance physical fitness and overall health and wellness.

Our lifestyles depends on what we earn for a living but due to this Covid-19, most of the people in this world have changed their lifestyles and learned how to deal with this Pandemic. Some people went to their provinces and started farming. They left the luxurious living in the city for more simple and productive way of living. People started to be a Plantito and Plantita which they could earn by selling their plants online. Some learned to bake, to cook and started the new system which they call "work from home". By this, family has more time to bond and help each other's needs even in a very simple way. Most people learn how to be independent and find techniques and strategy on how to cope up in this kind of situation. Some discovered their hidden talent and did it to make a living while their company was closed due to this Pandemic. And from abundance to simple but deeply thankful living, some people remembered God and regained their faith in Him. Truly, this pandemic has taught us lessons in every aspect of our lives and measured our strength.

Being distant may not be normal but this is to keep ourselves and our love ones safe. We must follow the social distancing and avoid PDA (Public Displays of Affection) to encourage everyone to keep the distance to avoid spreading the virus. It is also a mandate to wear our mask when we are outside. And in most places, there are postings on the walls or signage to remind us to wash our hands or disinfect ourselves from time to time.

For Filipinos in Japan, it is our culture that when we meet someone in any place, we automatically ask them "Firipin jin desu ka? Kabayan? Or are you a Filipino? And start talking louder and louder which is not allowed at this time. Filipinos also like a "salo‐salo" or creating a small group and get together which also is not allowed at this moment. Being far from our loved ones especially to all the front liners is the saddest part. Aside from living far away, they are risking their lives to help others. Hospitals and all the establishments that required to be open for the people despite of this fatal viruses are giving up, but still continue to serve as long as they can. For that, we must be thankful for them and salute them for their dedication to help others.

New normal is our current situation that everybody knows. This is far or different from what we have experienced or done before but now

has become usual or typical. Limiting our outside exposure and getting information from reliable sources can help us understand our risk and take the recommended precautions. Some of these are:

*Wearing mask and face shields at all times when we are outside our home. *Only APOR Authorized Persons Outside Residents are allowed to go out or travel. *Face to face classes are not yet allowed in our country (online or modular only). *Have your travel pass, S-pass or QR code ready when entering some establishments like groceries or traveling outside your city. *Presenting your swab negative test result before entering or being con ned to the hospitals or airports. *Keeping at least 1 meter distance to anyone. *Holding hands or shaking hands are not allowed in public. *Talking inside the bus or train is not allowed. *Taking a bath when you return home from work or shopping. *And many more.

We must cooperate to save ourselves, our family, our society, our country and the world. We must heal as one. We need to pray that this Pandemic may end soon and we will rise again and start new normal living. This Pandemic will become a memory and history.

Until next issue mga kababayan. GOD bless us all.

I Miss You

by Karen Sanchez

Since the day we had this Covid-19 I miss a lot in normal life – living Here I am still holding on and fighting And everyday I keep myself on dreaming

Maybe this is not a good day But we must see it in other way Be glad that we are here still to stay And have a healthy life everyday

Life, I really, really miss you I am longing to feel and live it, too Free from the people that surrounds you What should I do, I’m just missing you

So beautiful, lovely and lively I feel alive when I see a sunny day Whisper ‘thank you’ when I pray I will be good and live today And today will be my yesterday

Karen Sanchez

Jeepney Press