THE pandemic has either brought out the best in us or the worst. For those who are lucky enough to have savings, and not rely on hand to mouth existence, they just did not survive the 80-day lockdown but actually thrived during the lockdown.
Here are some of my favorite thrivers who have created beautiful moments for them in the lockdown. Daphne Osena Paez gives us a poignant reflection on her lockdown experience with her family, while fashion designer Rajo Laurel, who retreated to their highly enviable beach house in Batangas, has been discovering a lot about his domestic abilities -- from planting vegetables, to creating delicious dishes during the lockdown.
Daphne Oseña Paez
TV Host, Producer
Unicef Goodwill Ambassador
We had a headstart with quarantine. Our daughters’ school cancelled classes and went online two weeks before ECQ was declared. I focused on getting the girls comfortable with online classes. We set up their work space that would be conducive to learning and productivity. I believe children need structure. Having online school throughout ECQ was a blessing. It gave them a sense of responsibility and duty.
We all worked within a routine and established new ones. We get up and go to sleep at regular times. We have breakfast together in a properly set table. There is a time, or a deadline, for morning showers. Everyone gets dressed for the day. Sometimes we put on outside clothes and pretty dresses, weather-permitting. No one is allowed to stay in pajamas all day. It’s just been that way in our home ever since. I believe it helps one’s mindset and outlook when you face the day in proper clothes and grooming.
I continued what was already part of my normal life -- vegetable gardening, doing Pilates, cooking, and working on my spirituality. We logged on to online masses. I listened to Pope Francis regularly. I have to say that faith and spirituality have really helped me try figure things out. Trust and humility play a big role in how I approach my days. I have kept myself busy and creative but I feel like I have nothing tangible to show for it. I am satisfied that we can sleep deeper and not feel so panicky anymore. In the first two months I couldn’t concentrate or sit still enough to watch K-drama or other Netflix shows. I felt too distracted. So I filled my afternoons with a sewing project. I started sewing cotton face masks that I donate to my community. I am still sewing up to now. I just like the repetitiveness of manual labor. Eventually I think I’ll stop sewing masks and probably sew clothes for me and my daughters. I’m happy I rediscovered sewing.
Though I am technically in media, I stopped monitoring the daily news from feeds. I also avoided group chats that were hotbeds of false news and hysteria. Instead I would deliberately tune in to direct sources at my own time. I only got facts from the Department of Health, World Health Organization, and Unicef. Early on, even before ECQ was declared, I encouraged my social media community to get only verified information and limit it to keeping safe, staying hopeful, and helping each other. There is no need to argue and debate over government policies as those are being led by public health professionals.
It took me a few weeks to be ok about this situation. Like many, I still have so many fears. But I combine facts and faith and just take each day as it comes. We pray together as a family. And I make sure that each day counts. Most of our prayers now are for others who are feeling the emotional and mental effects of having been in confinement for so long, and those whose livelihoods have been so affected.
I don’t think I can say that I am thriving. But I am definitely seeing the silver lining in what we are going through. And I am grateful. I just wish the day would come that all countries and communities will get a handle on managing this crisis. And that economic activity, education, health services can all be restored without putting people in danger.
Rajo Laurel
Fashion designer
I am thriving creatively. Doing the best we can in our given situation. Isolated in nature. Appreciating the true new luxuries. Fresh clean air, song birds and sunshine. Yes Nix and I cook regularly it’s our way to relax and bond. This is oven roasted talakitok brined in calamansi and patis. Stuffed with local aromatics. Like Lemon grass and young onions.
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