At home with Vanessa

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: ‘Health is wealth. It is truer now than ever. LIFE itself is great wealth.’

For two months and eight days, former beauty queen Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado is getting the hang of being quarantined at home with her family.

Although it took the virus to put an abrupt to Vanessa's breakneck schedule, she said there can be joy in being lockdowned.

 

Known as Bohol's Mommy Vlogger, Vanessa released her second video sharing powerful tips to declutter our homes. Dealing with the clutter elevated levels of moms' stress hormones. “So the less we have, the better for our health,’ she stressed.

 

As a Tiktoker, she shares her funny side. She can act and dance,too.

 

Yes, Vanessa is doing all that..and more!

 

How have you (Cong. Aris and kids)  been since the lockdown was imposed (March 16)? We are fine... I mean trying to be fine. Our world now is full of uncertainties, we could only hope & pray for the best.

 

How do you beat boredom? Keeping myself busy with some stuff like cooking, exercising, k-drama watching  and preparing relief goods for our frontliners. Aside from Tiktok, creating my YouTube channel as Mommy Vlogger of Bohol Van-van made me busier as i get excited of what's going to upload next.  By the way, please subscribe. 

 

How is (Bohol 2nd district) Cong. Aris doing? He is fine as well. But became more occupied nowadays since he is very hands on with the distribution of relief goods, medical kits and PPEs to the frontliners. He also attends session every Monday-Wednesday afternoon via teleconference thru zoom and constantly monitors all the towns in Second District of Bohol especially the coastal areas.

 

How does your day start and how does it end? I’m the nocturnal kind, so my day starts a bit late. So when I wake up, I make sure to monitor what's going on around us like checking the latest news about COVID. My day ends at around 1-2am after watching movies on Netflix and make sure to give thanks before sleeping to our LORD GOD who is our ultimate refuge.

 

How did you celebrate your birthday last May 21, 2020? I went home to Duero- my hometown. Had lunch by the beach with my family (Vlog #3 is all about that, kindly watch soon...)

 

How do you protect yourselves from possible COVID-19 infection? I take vitamins accompanied with proper diet and exercise. I made sure to boost my immune system as well as my family's. Wearing of mask when going out, using of alcohol when necessary and proper handwashing have been part of my daily routine. Well, this is the new normal as they say.

How does it feel people are calling you Bohol's Mommy VBlogger and Tiktoker? Wow! That's quite overwhelming! Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for watching  and subscribing. I'm just here doing what I love to do and hoping others will be inspired too. That's my little way of spreading positivity.

 

Tell us more about your VBlog? It's more on showing my personal side. It's all about health, beauty, food, travel and life in general. I have more possible topics to share with you so hope you get to check it soon.

 

Tell us more about your Tiktok? The funny side of me! Ha!Ha!Ha! I get to act which is by the way one of my favorite things to do when I was young. Casting modesty aside, best in declamation was one of my High School awards. Through Tiktok, I get to dance and yes it's an exercise too.

 

Has this crisis changed in any way you look at life and the future? Yes, a lot of realizations were made. One of the significant ones is the importance of Life. Health is wealth. It is truer now than ever. LIFE itself is great wealth.

 

How do you envision post-COVID life? Hopeful for a brighter day.  May all of us go back to our normal living. People can work, students get to school again, business opens normally and economy recovers.

 

* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

 

The power of a simple 'thank you'

Thank you.

These are two words that some of us take for granted especially in this age where we do multi-tasking and are preoccupied with so many activities in the world.

When I wrote a piece about Mother's Day last Sunday, a simple "thank you" from featured friends it melt the writer's heart. And if the subjects had received a positive write-up responds that was another bonus.

Of course, there is no law requiring people to do that. But saying "thank you"  is more than an act of courtesy, it’s a way of crossing frontiers on an emotional, personal and emotional level.

During the pandemic, some bashed our barangay, municipal and provincial  officials for being so slow... but mind you they are doing their best to protect and help us.  Why not recognize others for who they are, and for the qualities that cause us to love them?

We should also thank our frontliners (health-care workers, fish and vegetable vendors, cashiers, security guards, barangay officials, police, army, mediamen, et al) and countless other people, they also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

All of us are deeply grateful to all of them  who are working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

***

So how can you keep your sanity in the time of COVID-19? 

Most of us are in fear of anxiety and having sleepless nights and not eating properly being quarantined for two months. 

Psychology Today shared some tips in managing anxiety during this extraordinary time:

*Stay informed and updated on the news—but (important but) limit your exposure to TV images of pain and suffering so as not to become overwhelmed by grief. Consider reading the news online or in a “real” newspaper instead.

*Focus on the positive actions you can take to prevent exposure to the virus, including social distancing, hand-washing, and wearing a face mask while you’re around others in places like grocery and liquor stores.

*Don’t catastrophize or minimize the health crisis by exaggerating statistics or allowing loudly opinionated, under-informed public figures to influence you.

*Remind yourself “this too shall pass,” and when it does we will have changed, hopefully for the better if we learn from our experiences to be more resilient as we face future challenges.

*Reflect with gratitude on everything good and positive in your life and in the world.

*Think about your loved ones, your shared histories, things you’ve been through and survived together in the past.

*Make sure that voice in your head we refer to as “self-talk” directs your thoughts and actions from a place of information and positive action, not fear.

*Get outside (socially distanced as needed, of course) into the sunlight and nature. There is a beautiful springtime unfolding out there, and a walk or hike can do wonders for you.

*Have flowers and green plants in your home. Their beauty and "aliveness" are inspiring.
Listen to upbeat music. Dance! It’s incredibly therapeutic.

*Celebrate joyfully each positive step toward resolving the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front lines caring for the ill.

*Laugh. Regularly. Watch funny shows, movies, and stand-up comedy.

*And one final tip: Give yourself permission to cry as needed. It's healthy and a normal human compassionate response to suffering, and we are all suffering. Even the most resilient people need to vent the buildup of sadness at all we are living and witnessing. It's a hard time we are all going through together. But we can get through it together, while holding it together too.

* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Fiestas in Bohol in time of COVID-19

The bigger the inasal, the better. Contributed Photo

The community quarantine imposed in localities as a precaution against the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has snuffed out the fiesta atmosphere in Bohol.

May is a special month for Boholanos because it is during this month when every sitio, barangay, town and city in Bohol has a fiesta everyday.

But this year, the fiestas are being celebrated in isolation, as strict coronavirus lockdown measures remain in place around the province preventing social gatherings.

Tagbilaran City was silent on Friday, May 1 even as it celebrated its fiesta and transitioned to more relaxed measures against COVID-19.

The city was under a one-day “lockdown” to make sure there wouldn’t be too much merrymaking and to prevent people from converging.

In Tagbilaran City, residents have been advised to avoid gatherings with friends and family and are being told to celebrate in private.

May 1 marked the city’s fiesta in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, and starts the merry month of May, where there is a fiesta in every place in Bohol every day.

Fiestas in Bohol, which are very much embedded in the psyche of every Boholano,  are characterized by an abundance of food, plenty of beer and tuba and mass gathering. 

What made Bohol fiesta unique is that anyone can roam around the province for the entire month without having to pay money for food because everyone is putting up a feast to celebrate the fiesta.

Fiestas in Bohol are characterized by an abundance of food, plenty of beer and tuba and mass gathering.  File Photo

But since the city was placed on lockdown on Friday, all was silent when the mood was supposed to be festive, colorful, and bright.

There were few vehicles along its thoroughfares. There were also no banderitas and fanfare or any indications of the fiesta celebration.

“It doesn’t really feel like fiesta,” said Booy resident Nita Niluag who was looking forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating fiesta with her children. Then the coronavirus disrupted life.

"Normally, the stores are opened and crowded. The house is full with friends and family with the joy and excitement of fiesta," she added.

Churches were still closed and Holy Masses were still held in private.

Friday's Pontifical Mass, for example, tend to bring in more parishioners

This year, it’s just Bishop Abet Uy, some priests and a four-person camera crew.

The sermon was shorter, without the “amens” from the pews.

It was different when parishioners have to type “amen” in the comments of a livestreamed service or shout “Hallelujah!” alone at home.

Sister Precy was one of those who came to the cathedral on Friday to pray before the closed doors of the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in  to celebrate the saint’s feast day on May 1.

She said it was so different to watch Holy Mass online. She felt like she was just observing a show instead of participating in a worship.

“Here, you can feel the presence of the Lord. You can hear His voice through the bishop and priests who are officiating the mass,” said the 56-year-old visionary.

“It’s the music, it’s the people, it’s the Word that moves you,” she said. 

Sister Precy said she prayed for the end of the pandemic.

“It’s important to remember that a quarantined fiesta does not detract from the holiday. It strengthens its messages of G-d’s love, helping and praying for other people in this moment of darkness and doubt,” Sister Precy said.

Many residents hooked up with the online mass of the diocese because it is better that way than not having observed religious practices at all.

The good of the pandemic, it has renewed  spritual ties with the Lord with the nightly family rosary with special intention for protection against COVID-19, said Cogon resident Fiel Angeli Araoarao.

Sister Precy on quarantined fiesta: “It strengthens its messages of G-d’s love, helping and praying for other people in this moment of darkness and doubt.' LPU

The realities of the fiesta season, Boholanos really roll out the best for their visitors — at all cost to the point of borrowing money from " loan shark".

Pigs were bought a month and others raised a pig three months before the fiesta. The bigger the pig, the better.

Others would slaughter additional pig for "bring house."

Inasal (roasted pig) is the center piece of fiesta. Some have biggest "inasal" you’ll ever see - 80 to 90 kilos.

There is also a practice of "bandihay" wherein the "sangga" (partner) would support each other financially during fiesta. The first to celebrate the fiesta will be the first to use the money and return the favor in time he/she is celebrating fiesta.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fiesta celebrations in Bohol are going to look different for thousands of families.

Some residents still prepared food in their homes in thanksgiving to their patron and G-d.

“We have prepared a small feast just for the family,” said Hilda Vertulfo, 38, and a resident of Barangay Cogon.

“However, visitors and friends are not invited at this time," she said.

The world is changing, but fiesta is here to stay.

* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Jeycelle, Gerwin and friends spread love and kindness during COVID-19

Jeycelle Espejo: 'No one is invincible no matter how rich or powerful you may be.'

As the COVID-19 death toll continues to rise daily, and an increasing number of provinces extend lockdowns, it can be easy to feel discouraged, depressed, and uncertain of what the future holds.

But in the face of this crisis, people have come together to help other people and spread love and kindness.

Home-quarantined like the rest of the world, teacher and cultural worker Jeycelle Espejo has been preoccupied with packing rice, noodles and sardines which she distributes among the frontliners that include street sweepers, garbage collectors and security guards and, as she put it, “for those who need it the most."

Jeycelle and friends pooled resources to help fellow Tagbilaranons who are affected by the pandemic. Now, the beneficiaries cover those in need in other areas.

In her "libot pasalamat," another 15 relief packs were distributed to the most affected families yesterday, April 25, in the villages of Booy and Cogon.  Slippers were also given to the frontliners.

At home, Jeycelle is also helping friends selling avocado, calamansi, mango, dried fish and chicken at a very affordable price.

Asked what she had learned from this month-long quarantine, Jeycelle was direct to the point. "No one is invincible no matter how rich or powerful you may be. People get killed not because of this virus but because of people's stupidity and stubbornness. In the Philippines setting, the difficulties faced by our government and it's frontliners in controlling people is just a mirror of how damaged is the moral values of the people nowadays- blatant disregard of rules and disrespect for authority."

On the other hand, she said the crisis is a blessing in disguise for Mother Earth as she heals and recovers.

When quarantine is over, Jeycelle wants to go to church.

"A thanksgiving that G-d keep me healthy in this time of pandemic considering that I am among those who are highly susceptible to infection due to weak lungs and immune system. Pasalamat kay I have been given the opportunity to be of help to other, to be of service," she said.

In Cebu, Gerwin Yudelmo is busy organizing relief goods for stranded Boholanos who are appealing to be brought back home after Cebu and Bohol provinces have implemented lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Gerwin, who works as a call center agent in Cebu City, volunteered to list down the names of the stranded passengers in a group chat on Facebook that they created to make it easier for officials to track down in case help would come.

Most of them did not have food, water, and place to stay since they had lost their jobs after the enhanced community quarantine was implemented.

"I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring," Gerwin said.

He and his friends organized "Project HOPE" campaign to help fellow Boholanos stranded in Cebu. They have distributed cash, relief packs, canned goods and even a wheelchair.

"Usahay mahadlok nalang ko mag-open sa akoa filtered messages kay magsakit gyud akoa dughan ug makahilak sa mga nagka-lain lain storya sa kinabuhi diri sa mga stranded sa Cebu," he said.

"Diyos ko tagai pakog dugang kusog para daghan pa ta matabangan na mga stranded nga grabe gyud nagkinahanglan ug tabang," he added.

Gerwin Yudelmo: ' I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring.'

Gerwin, a former youth leader, shared that he felt how to be helpless away from family.

"It was never easy when I started my life here in Cebu 10 years ago, I won't forget gyud katong I only have 5 pesos left in my pocket ug ang akoa gihuwat na mo help nako wala mopatim-aw. I ended up buying 1 peso candy and the rest is tubig na. Helpless kaayo ko and galuya gyud ko," he shared. 

Incidentally, he shared this article he read on Twitter. He said he didn't know the author but it’s very timely and meaningful.

“We’ve all been exposed.
Not necessarily to the virus.
We’ve all been exposed BY the virus.

"Corona is exposing us.
Exposing our weak sides.
Exposing our dark sides.
Exposing what normally lays far beneath the surface of our souls hidden by the invisible masks we wear.
Now exposed by the paper masks we can’t hide far enough behind.

"Corona is exposing our addiction to comfort.
Our obsession with control.
Our compulsion to hoard.
Our protection of self.

"Corona is peeling back our layers. 
Tearing down our walls.
Revealing our illusions.
Leveling our best-laid plans.

"Corona is exposing the Gods we worship:
Our health
Our hurry
Our sense of security
Our favorite lies
Our secret lusts
Our misplaced trusts.

"Corona is calling everything into question?
What is the church without a building?
What is my worth without an income?
How do we plan without certainty?
How do we love despite  risk?

"Corona is exposing me.
My mindless numbing
My endless scrolling
My careless words
My fragile nerves.

"We’ve all been exposed.
Our junk laid bare.
Our fears made known.
The band-aid torn.
The masquerade done.

"So what now?  What’s left?
Clean hands
Clear eyes
Tender hearts

What corona reveals, G-d can heal.
Come Lord Jesus.
Have mercy on us."

Spread love. Spread kindness. 

* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Easter Sunday in the age of coronavirus

Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone, but churches have largely canceled their Easter Sunday celebrations or moved masses online due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed the landscape for all of us and continues to evolve.

This year, it prevents us from gathering Sunday for church services including the Easter. But still the message is the same: Christ is risen from the dead. We are one with Him again.

Easter is about victory --and we hope we become victorious in arresting the virus.

What better way to honor the sacrifice Jesus made, and celebrate the hope He offered to us through His sacrifice, than with songs of praise and love!

Your VRS has 4 favorite Easter songs and hymns. You can read alongside the Psalms and the Gospels "to feel" the spirit of the Easter. Many streaming Easter services will lack choirs. But if you yearn for uplifting religious music it’s easy to access.

Jesus took the sting for us so that we wouldn’t have too, so join with me in singing, “Hallelujah!”

 

1. Amazing Grace. A beautiful hymn written by John Newton in 1779.

Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

 

2. Because He Lives.  It is not just popular around Easter or on Resurrection Sunday but all year long because the lyrics are timeless truth that comforts the believers.

 

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

 

Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone, but churches have largely canceled their Easter Sunday celebrations or moved masses online due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

3.  Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The hymn perfectly fits the Easter Gospel of the Lord's resurrection.

 

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

4. My Redeemer Lives. This brings us to the cross and to the grave, and the one is found empty because the Redeemer lives.

I know He rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe, I believe

My shame He's taken away
My pain is healed in His name
I believe, I believe

I'll raise a banner
My Lord Has conquered the grave

My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives

 

4. I Serve a Risen Savior.  The miraculous lesson of Easter is that through Jesus' death on the Cross, we have been granted a second chance—permission to leave our old lives behind and stand before the pristine, unmarred canvas of a new day, with all its potential for joy and choices that honor God.

 

I serve a risen Savior,

He's in the world today;

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him

He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and He talks with me

Along life's narrow way.

He lives, He live, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives:

He lives within my heart.

 

***
Passover traditions change
as the coronavirus spreads

 

While the original Passover took place over 3,000 years ago, its story is just as relevant today as it was back then. It is a testament to Israel’s survival of the Ten Plagues and the Exodus from Egypt.

 

Since the pandemic is affecting all of us, we are encouraged to spend more time at home to be saved. It is also a great opportunity to remember the Passover and G-d's everlasting love for those who believed in Him either Jew or Gentile. .

 

We hope and pray that every person in need of healing be healed, and all the other burdens be removed, and we wish for a healthy, liberating  and kosher Passover!

 

While times are trying now, this too shall pass! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

 

* * *

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Bohol residents make reusable face masks to help people during pandemic

Hilda Bangalao wore a reusable face mask when she went to Cogon public market in Tagbilaran City on Thursday to buy fish.

Bangalao, 43, said she made her home-made mask since there was no available surgical mask in pharmacies and malls.

A vegetable vendor wears a washable mask as a self- protection and community protection from the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Photo: Leo Udtohan

"It's expensive to buy outside," she said referring to reusable or improvised face masks sold outside for P50-P150.

"Practical lang ko kay para protektahan akong kaugalingon sa virus," she added.

Bangalao and other 1.3 million residents in Bohol were mandated to wear masks after Bohol Governor Arthur Yap in his executive order No. 15 last March required all residents to wear masks upon leaving their homes to fight the coronavirus disease.

Face mask means anything from the reusable, washable or improvised to the disposable masks to be worn at all times, in all public places. 

Now, everyone is wearing face masks amid the outbreak. On streets, in office lobbies, and aboard public transportation, people sport pale-hued surgical and home-made masks.

Although health officials emphasized N95 masks are the only ones known to properly provide real protection, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

While the health front liners are exposed to risk,
there are some residents who are making efforts to sew and give do-it-yourself (DIY) face masks to first responders and healthcare workers who try to arrest the virus.

They are hoping their efforts will bring a small layer of protection to all healthcare workers lacking supplies.

Those who answered the call were fashion designers, couturiers and housewives.

Couple Paul and Rose Ranara (of Rose Paul Silhouette) produce multi-layered face masks and improvised personal protective equipments for free to front-liners.

Fashion designer EJ Relampagos of EJ Relampagos Couture created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

Relampagos donated 500 reusable masks to frontliners at hospitals,  barangay health workers and quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran airport.

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Another fashion designers, couple Paul and Rose Ranara of Rose Paul Silhouette, also produced multi-layered masks made from non-woven fabric material like taffeta cloth to the frontliners.

They gave these masks for free to hospitals, provincial Capitol and health centers, and well, neighbors.

Rose said making their mask is painstaking, time-consuming, since aside it is a multi-layered mask, it have pocket for filter and another non-woven layer.

"Just because you're wearing one does not mean you're in the clear... that's why we put together three layers of breathable polyester, non-woven fabric, and waterproof non-woven fabric with an opening to place filters in small, medium and large sizes," explained Rose.

They explained they want to make a difference, even if from their own small ways.

The Ranara couple said they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," said Rose.

Jen and dozens of her fellow nurses in a government hospital are pleading for more personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves and gowns as they continue to grapple with the critical PPE shortages.

Responding to the concerns of the nurses, Rose and Paul made makeshift PPEs for free.

"We work very hard to be of service to you in the midst of this global pandemic. We get dead tired every day because we lack the manpower as many of our sewers couldn't report to work anymore. Thank God we are still left with a few very dedicated employees who never fail us. We feel emotional seeing today's output: PPE COVERALL for our frontliners," Rose said.

Nang Inday, a sewer from Barangay Booy, also made reusable, hand-sewn masks for frontliners for free. But for non-health workers who buy her mask, she sells it for P30.

Bohol-based surgeon April Lumuthang-Froilan said washable mask has limited protection compared to N95 mask.

"These are not N95 masks, but in this time they are better than nothing," said Lumuthang-Froilan who is one of the frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.

She also said masks could be helpful in another sense to remind people to protect themselves in this pandemic.

She said homemade masks maybe the last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

The Bohol Island State University and its Fabrication Laboratory (Fablab) also turned over face shields made from laser-cut acrylic plastic and acetate to resident physicians of Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) which the state university put up to help the medical professionals in the front-lines get the much needed protection from the virus.

Bohol province was first to issue a stay-at-home order and mandatory wearing of mask,  the safest ways to avoid the infection.

Please stay at home to protect the community! 

* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Bohol designers donate reusable face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, barangay health workers and  quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran  airport

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

* * *

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Let us help each other

 

Bohol Capitol

The province of Bohol will temporarily close its borders as part of its "preventive measure" against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Governor Arthur Yap signed executive order (EO) No. 8 declaring "community quarantine" all over the province effective March 16 until March 20.

 

Yap said that since health is a primary public concern, it is within his mandate to protect the people.

 

“We need this (community quarantine) so we can have a direction on how to beat this problem and how to take care each of other,” Yap added.

 

We will be partially, conditionally quarantined or locked down (whichever term you prefer) for four days. It's a bitter pill but necessary.

 

Last week, I decided to cancel my trips outside Bohol because it is time for us to follow and observe community quarantine and social distancing measures to avoid overwhelming our hospitals with persons under investigation (PUIs) and confirmed cases. The more patients we send in, the greater number of doctors and nurses will be quarantined. I don't want their operations will be disrupted.

 

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School shared a relevant article on her Facebook about social distancing.

 

"It might be a very alien concept to Filipinos but this will be crucial in the next few days and weeks.

 

"DO YOUR PART as a good Filipino citizen by staying at home, avoiding social gatherings, meetings and crowded places. You never know whether the person you stood next to or spoke to or sat with was exposed or not. Especially since we cannot test everybody at the moment and we are still waiting for more test kits. Social Distancing is infinitely more productive than insisting on going to a crowded place and using a mask meant for use by HCW healthcare workers(!)"

 

"Just think about this: The moment you get sick, you put your entire household at risk (risk particularly increases if you happen to live with your older relatives, parents.

 

"It is NOT business as usual. This is the reason why schools have been suspended and companies have allowed employees to work from home. Large gatherings, conferences and meetings have been postponed. Travelling might not be a good idea right now.

 

"Maintain good hygiene, take care of yourself to boost your immune system, practice cough etiquette and proper hand washing.

 

"If you are ordered to self-quarantine for two weeks, do it properly (no cheating!)
Monitor for symptoms, do NOT panic.

 

"The concept is to LOWER and DELAY the EPIDEMIC PEAK. This will ensure that our hospitals are not overwhelmed and those most vulnerable (60 and up) are protected with adequate resources."

 

Here's another article shared to us by reader Jocelyn Peñaflor (address unknown):

 

*QUIET CHINA*
Written by a Chinese Pastor sent to a brother in Istanbul via friends in Singapore

 

The hustle and bustle of China finally quiets down, the restless society comes to a still, and the restless Chinese people gradually calm down.

 

The wild animals that were once held by humans in cages finally managed to keep humans in cages.

 

Humans finally lower their proud head and have begun to think quietly: are we still the king of the earth?

 

Mankind finally feels the power of nature once again.

 

In the face of the threat of death, human beings have only begun to reflect seriously, only to realize that a lack of awe-inspiring social atmosphere will lead to more harm and more risks.

The greedy heart is being purified by the virus, and the mouth that loves to eat is being punished by the virus. The people who have been soaking in the bright red and green places all day have been driven home by the virus, saying.... "Go home!"

 

There are fewer and fewer people on the street, few cars on the road.

 

The air is getting fresher...., the haze is gone..., the sky is getting bluer...., the sun is getting brighter...., family lives are getting warmer, harmonial, and cordial.  People's hearts have become more and more calm.

 

People who haven’t read for years have picked up books at home. Parents and children who had no communication, couples who couldn’t speak few words a year have opened up the conversation box.  Children who do not know how to respect the elderly have began to be filial.

The virus teaches human beings a vivid and profound lesson. It makes us understand awe. It also lets us know what is called "good times".

It also makes us feel true love on earth. It makes us gradually fall in love  "Return to the Road", we really should be grateful for this "enemy", we need such an enemy to give us a "reminder" and give us  "empowerment".

 

The virus will not leave so quickly. It needs to see the CULTIVATION of human good habits. The virus will not continue to rag, because human love will gather more power to keep the virus away. Time will tell us everything. time will also prove what is right.

 

The virus reminds us that THERE IS AN ALMIGHTY.  And humans are just humans.

 

And an anonymous letter forwarded to us by our readers, I think worthy to be shared:

 

To All Boholanos,

 

I know how hard it is to absorb the economic downturn due to Ncov19. Some employees were forced leave for a month or indefinitely. In short, jobless.

 

Bohol is strongly dependent in tourism; no tourist, no income.  And this does not stop there.  The multiplier effect is very evident. Tours and events turn out so low, flights are cancelled, Hotel reservation almost zero, restos, small time and big-time business owners are now worried how to sustain the business in the next few months(rent, utilities and salaries).Van owners too are hardly hit. No tour means no money to pay the monthy car loans.

 

Let us help this Govt manage and overcome the spread of this virus by exercising due deligence and be responsible on our own actions. Keep all Elders and kids away from people with travel history. Avoid socializing for the meantime (Distance Socializing muna).

 

Sa mga tourist van drivers, receptionist sa mga resorts and hotel, if you feel you were exposed with the virus, do a self qurantine and get yourself tested.

 

Sa mga seaman, please lang gyud do, malooy mo sa Bohol, let us keep the stat. You know what to do.

 

LET US AVOID COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION, HOPE and PRAY FOR THE BEST.

 

KEEP BOHOL a COVID19 FREE.

 

My prayer: "Our G-d and G-d of all generations, in our great need we pour out our hearts to You. The days and weeks of suffering are hard to endure. In our struggle, let us feel that You are near, a presence whose care enfolds us. Rouse in us the strength to overcome fear and anxiety, and brighten our spirits with the assurance of Your love."

 

We can draw strength from the 2013 earthquake. It was kindness at its finest.

Thank you to all our leaders, doctors, nurses, police, army, Coast Guard, emergency responders
and volunteers.

 

Let us help each other. Shame on those who think only of themselves in times of crisis.

 

*   *   *

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.