The pandemic is absolutely far from over. COVID-19 is still up, about and around.
A breathe of permanent relief will only happen when the deadly virus is gone and aground.
*****
Momentarily, all hands are regularly and persistently urged to go back to the basics.
Wash hands for at least 20 seconds more often.
Help prevent a viral spread and boost ways to contain the virus.
A water and soap dip is better than a COVID-19 droplet seep.
*****
Surfaces may be harmless; humans are not armless.
On guard and ready, watch your hands.
*****
Community members sorely missed the Season of Lent and the Holy Week.
It is uplifting to recall the day when Jesus washed the feet of His Apostles, a really rare act of humility.
How I’d like to get my mind off Poncio Pilato who washed his hands, not to apologize but to free himself from any involvement and responsibility for the impending passion and death of the Christ.
Analogy accepted.
*****
My wife likes it when I wash my hands.
She expects the washing to extend to dishes and the laundry.
Nasaan ang hustisya?
*****
It is becoming a habit – singing the Birthday Song twice while washing hands.
And not a soul is even moving to prepare a party?
*****
Being gregarious is being human. Everyone likes and enjoys mass gatherings.
For a change, how about embracing masked gatherings?
Why wait for Halloween to be in one?
Aside, learn from reading Edgar Allan Poe’s The Mask of the Red Death; seeing the film The Mask starring Jim Carrey; listening to Karen Carpenter’s version of The Masquerade; and enjoying The Masked Singer.
*****
Feeling like your face can use a cover?
Cracked mirrors may not work to your advantage.
*****
Huli man daw at magaling, late pa rin. Anyway, ipinaaabot po lamang sa Filipino-Canadian community ang aking malugod at taos-pusong pagbati ng Maligayang Araw ng Pambansang Kalayaan nitong nakaraang ika-12 ng Hunyo. Happy 122nd Freedom Day, kababayan!
Amid COVID-19 concerns, the usual Philippine flag-raising ceremonies were kept at a minimal.
But I did see small Philippine flags waving with the wind in some lawns, porches, windows and balconies.
*****
In the same light, Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal – one of the many credited for the fight to attain the country’s independence — would have turned 159 years old last June 19.
To all who commemorated his birth anniversary: All the best!
By the way, Dr. Rizal’s book Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), published in 1887, should be a reference for “physical distancing.” Why not?
Analogy accepted, again.
*****
About this time last year, the family enjoyed a park picnic and a leisurely walk at the nearby Edwards Gardens.
We shared smiles as we strolled along pathways amid fresh air or a cool breeze, the greenery and the colours of blooms, and the joyful tweets of birds.
Today, even a restricted garden walk seems to be wistful thinking.
I’ll just have to miss Mom Nature’s good and beautiful splendour.
Also to be missed are the smiles behind the masks of botanical visitors.
*****
It really is hard and bothersome to choose between hard fact and instinctive fear.
The information overload is too much to bear.
Besides COVID-19, the air also resonates with so many social, economic and political concerns.
Numbers are up, the numbers are down, ooops the numbers are up again.
It is closed, it is open, ooops it is closed again.
You are out, you are in, ooops sorry you are out again.
Stay home, go out and bask in the sun, ooops stay home again.
Ano ba talaga, Kuya?
*****
Ha! Reopening, here I come.
So, I went out, rode the transit bus, entered a retail store and bought a set of ear plugs and a pillow.
Of course, I wore a mask. But not when I stay home and nap in silence.
*****
Brave and strong comic book heroes have always been protectors of human life, limb and values.
Though often farfetched, the act and art of these figments of creative imagination drew inspiration from actual persons, events and experiences.
Except that …
*****
In a still unknown and uncertain future, we will continue to see real life heroes – the essential frontliners who move about and serve untiringly to protect and preserve lives and keep COVID-19 at bay.
Each time you meet any of them, give them a honk; nod in gratitude; fashion a heart from two hands.
Make them feel that the banging of tin pots and pans is a 21-gun salute, only reserved for them who risk doing epic tasks outdoors while we stay home.
*****
Seriously, around us is an army of kind, compassionate and responsible heroes.
Let us assist them in outfighting the evil, scary and dangerous herodes.
*****
Go, be a masked hero. Put on a cape if you so want.
But don’t forget you’re not a bat.
*****
Proms, barn and ballroom dancing and other terpsichorean modes may be momentarily sidelined.
Good! Booted SYTYCD bets can’t kill toenails nor toss a mate like burned pancake.
*****
Embrace novel keep-your-distance social events as well!
Line dancing, with a few minor physical distancing modifications, may actually work.
*****
Medical professionals and scientists are busy lately looking for models.
They prefer flat ones; however, they admit that curves can’t be avoided.
*****
Aren’t politicians sort of like scientists too?
Perhaps. Why then are schools offering a subject called political science?
*****
Did you hear that COVID-19 is up for sale?
The deal is: NO RETURN, NO EXCHANGE.
*****
The pandemic is absolutely far from over. COVID-19 is still up, about and around.
A breathe of permanent relief will only happen when the deadly virus is gone and aground. #####
Thank You, Canada!
Hello, July! Hello, summer! Hello, fellow citizens of the True North, Strong and Free. Let’s celebrate!
July 1 is Canada Day. On this occasion, let us all look back to why we regard Canada as a great country, a home we have vowed to stand on guard for and defend.
Following are quotes from members of the Filipino-Canadian community who are one in thanking Canada and in proudly professing themselves as Canadians.
“Proudly Canadian, I will always appreciate Canada for opening its doors to people from other lands.”
“Canada looks at diversity and equality as its greatest virtue.”
“There is total regard for human equality in Canada. Everyone enjoys the same privileges and rights.”
“I am proud to be Canadian. Canada may be an imperfect democracy, but its citizens try daily to make it better. Its leaders endeavour to correct historical injustices. Taxation may be silently scorned at, but this pays for many of the free educational, health, labour protection, infrastructure and many other services people enjoy and benefit from. We can speak freely but responsibly. Canada is a tolerant society and it values the diversity of its people.”
“Multi-cultural Canada, by giving me the chance to stay and live in this country, has broadened my insight about a global village where all are equal.”
“Canada allowed me to keep my Filipino heritage and be proud of it. As a Canadian, I was exposed to a wealth of positive opportunities and experiences that fulfilled mine and my family’s dreams. The quality of life we have is unmatched and I look forward to the future!”
“Canada’s quite complex cultural milieu helped me understand why the country and its people try even harder to imbibe the need for all – regardless of race, creed, color – to work for harmony and peace.”
“Canada has afforded me the opportunities and lifestyle most people could only dream of. It is a place where I have the freedom and luxury to be myself, in every sense of the word. Canada helps me celebrate my ethnicity.”
“Despite the taxes and the snow, I have grown as a person. Canada gave me all the chances to overcome my struggles in life. Although resentful at first, I had to shift careers to later find out my new line of work was more fulfilling.”
“Most, if not all, immigrants went through a transition. The courageous ones who took on the challenges of living in Canada have proven that they, too, can get over hurdles and succeed.”
“Canada’s equal opportunity policy was the gateway for me to do what I loved to do.”
“Canada is like heaven to me. It is a family-oriented country. Its people are honest and straightforward. The opportunities are available and limitless. Innovations and new ideas are within reach and affordable.”
“Education in Canada opens a lot of ground for the young ones; thus, their aspiration of who they want to be is not impossible to achieve.”
“I have been here for 13 years. My children are educated and cultured here. We owe our successes and maturity to Canada, which molded our destiny.”
“Canada’s efficient educational system has given all my children a good perspective. They are living their own lives, blessed with honest means of living.”
“Canada has a huge support program that promotes the education of its people.”
“Canada is appreciated for its splendid health care system.”
“Canada has high regard for the welfare of its seniors.”
“I thank Canada for its stable political system that had steered the country to be one of the best in the world.”
“Canada is very much respected globally. It is a peace-loving nation, the home of peacekeepers.”
“I’m a proud Canadian enjoying freedom and peace that no other country can possibly give me.”
“Canada has a world vision of peace and fellow Canadians strive to share and make Canada their field of dreams, their life and their home.”
The following are the top two responses
“Canada “taught me about life … that there are no guarantees in life. It taught me how to cook, how to clean, how to file my own income tax. I have had a great career and have had deep friendships with many different people from all walks of life. Thanks to Canada, my dreams have come true.”
“Being Canadian means being the most polite, unassuming, and peace-loving person in the world. But most of all, we have been known to use the words “thank you, please, excuse me, and I’m sorry” in our daily conversations without guilt or shame.”
Maraming salamat, Canada, the True North, Strong and Free.
Happy Canada Day for always. (Reprinted and re-edited from Throwback, July 1-15, 2018 issue of Balita) #####