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FEATURE

BEYOND COMMEMORATIONS

Words: John Ivan Arangoso and Artagnan Liszt Biason

Ever since the world was hit by the Coronavirus pandemic, everything changed. 

We were forced to modify the things we used to do to avoid getting infected by the virus. We adjusted to the health and safety protocols released by the government in hopes to contain the infection.  

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Celebrating occasions were not exempted to these efforts. Yet, in this new normal set up nowadays, we still look forward to finding ways of commemorating special events during the pandemic.

 

All Saints Day and All Souls Day

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During the start of November, we Filipinos have a tradition of visiting our departed loved ones in cemeteries and spend time with them at least. But with this year’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day, things were different from what we are accustomed to. 

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Last year, the government restricted the public from visiting the tombs of their loved ones as part of an effort to flatten the curve. Because of this, all cemeteries were locked down to avoid mass gathering.  

  

But for those who wanted to visit the cemetery, they came before and after the dates of the closure which was on October 29 and November 03. People who did so wore face masks and observed social distancing when they visited.

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Despite the strict lockdowns, people still honored the spirits of their loved ones by praying for them at the safety of their homes. They also lighted candles in memory of them and cooked traditional food to celebrate their presence in the family. 

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Halloween parties were discouraged to avoid spike in cases. But some still dressed up for the occasion and posted them on social media. In that way, they still felt the ambience of Halloween. 

 

Christmas and New Year

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As a country that is known to celebrate Christmas for the longest period of time, which we call the “ber-months” starting from the month of September up until December, it is truly the most wonderful time of the year for us Filipinos. During these times, we plan to organize travels and reunions with our families to enjoy the spirit of holidays. 

 

But with the deadly COVID-19 that is still creeping upon us, many predicted that Christmas will not be the same as what we have experienced in the previous years. All our plans for the holidays have been scrapped and we are forced to make new ones that are aligned with the imposed protocols.     

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Because of travel restrictions, family members who were away, stayed in their places to celebrate the holidays. But with the use of online platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, somehow, people still connected to them virtually. They still felt their presence despite not being there with them physically.

   

With the order of age restrictions, children were not allowed to sing their Christmas carols at the doors of your home. To compensate for this, people played Christmas songs through media players to cheer themselves up in the cold nights of the holidays.   

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The annual tradition of Simbang Gabi was not the same as it was. Limited number of goers were allowed inside the chapels. Wearing of face masks were necessities and physical distancing was observed. 

Simbang Gabi were broadcasted in the television for those who were not able to go to church physically.

 

Valentine’s Day

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We all know that this day would be the most important day for the lovers. It is all about being with them and spending quality time with them. But what happens if there is a virus just outside your home and social distancing is being practiced? 

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Too bad for couples that were not near to each other as they spent their Valentine’s day separated. The only way to be connected was to communicate through social media apps. 

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For couples who were together during the heart's day or living together, cooked dishes to suffice their appetites or ordered from restaurants and fast-food chains. Boys bought bouquets on the nearest stalls of flowers or also ordered them through delivery apps. 

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Travelling to different places is more than risky nowadays since it is our lives that are depending on it. Restrictions are everywhere which prevented lovers from visiting different towns and countries. 

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Truly, occasions are important matters to us since it is a celebration of life but even though it is, our safety is more important than these occasions for now. We must be responsible citizens and know that our safety should be our main priority. By keeping ourselves safe, we can also keep everyone near us safe. With that, we can still celebrate the special occasions when all of this is over.

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