I AM wary about what is going on in the country these days. All before leading to February it began with an end to many things.
First was a postponement of the 25th staging of the Panagbenga, which meant the budding or when flowers bloom. It was moved to another time and I hope that it is still what it meant to be.
This time of the year in February is the beginning of happy times for my family. It is at this time when we all gather altogether to celebrate various birthday celebrations just within the family. Too many to count.
We will find a way to celebrate life as it is together. Normally we, on a weekend would travel far for it. Previous was a cruise, Chinese New Year in Taiwan, hot springs in Pansol, island hopping in Coron, all alone in Anvaya Cove, a chartered Victory Liner bus to land trips far away from it all, far from the flower festival.
Don’t get me wrong, this is indeed the time when many will come to visit our city and what nature has to offer this February. Chilling climates to blue skies and beautiful flowers all at this time.
A time to share the city and bond as a family is what we always do. Family is February. Up until 2020. Today a hike up Mount Pulag was changed, a trip to Singapore and Indonesia was moved to June, PMA Homecoming among my Mistah in Class 88 changed, Sagada in question and this is our normal February. I am wary.
I, however, will still take the chance to visit Boracay with family. I haven’t done so after its rehab. I am excited. Whatever happens from here on, I will still go. From Clark, it will be. Microtel who will host my family this time. It is their second time to take us in but for this time they have to get our schedule and inform government authorities that we are coming. Without a list, even upon landing, there is no guarantee of entry to the island. They are that wary too.
The tourism department is so wary of what is going on. It is this time of the year when most businesses make up for all of last year. Quotas lost. Till next year and surely Juan can’t guarantee for next March or any other month.
As greedy at times as we Baguio folk are, I am happy to walk the streets and do normal stuff, something I can never do in February. No traffic, a walk to the park, restaurants all to ourselves, all locals. It is nice too, this way.
In one restaurant, three families all celebrating birthdays at the same time and place. Every Juan knows everyone. I am still wary though as to what will happen after. I worry a lot, and there’s a reason too for February, knowing all too well what the month brings.
All my weekends of February was scheduled, the 1st was a track day in Clark, the next was the birthday celebrations of many, the 15th was Mount Pulag, Singapore and Indonesia the next weekend but changed to Boracay instead, the last is Atok and Sagada. I don’t know yet what will be. It is Feb wary.