Karla Tirol Magno does free eyebrow microblading for cancer survivors

Karla Tirol Magno, known as “Bohol's Kilay Doctor”, is doing free eyebrow microblading for cancer survivors in Bohol province as part of her advocacy "Brow Clinic's Brave Women".

When CM learned she had lymphoma, things came crashing down. She was in her 20s with a promising career when the terrible news of her health came. 

 

Then, her doctor told her to undergo chemotherapy. She conducted herself with maturity and displayed an immense amount of strength. 

 

CM beat the cancer, but she was left feeling incomplete. After chemotherapy, her eyebrows became thin. 

 

Wanting to do something for herself, CM heard of Karla Tirol Magno, known as Bohol’s “Kilay Doctor", doing free eyebrow microblading for cancer survivors who have lost their hair because of cancer or never had hair due to Alopecia, or spot baldness. 

 

It is part of Karla's "Brow Clinic's Brave Women" project. 

 

"I am focused on my advocacy to bring back the confidence and joy of beautiful eyebrows that look natural, like real hair. I have been so blessed with this skill, and I want to share it to those who need it the most," said Karla. 

 

"They've lost their hair, they've lost their eyebrows and eyelashes and you can give them a little piece of that to make them feel beautiful," she added.

 

Karla, a registered nurse, is the founder and CEO of Brow Clinic and Beauty Lounge (Contact Numbers: 038-502-1496, 09979406536) located at The Alley along J.A. Clarin Street in Tagbilaran City.

 

Trained abroad, Karla is an international certified permanent makeup artist who specializes in microblading tattoos to bring dignity back to people. 

 

The candidates should be healthy enough for the procedure upon their doctor's approval. 

 

Last week, CM availed the free service, and hopes this option becomes more known for cancer survivors in Bohol. 

 

CM was satisfied with the result. She is happier and more confident now.

Karla said, "I gave her the glam back, it makes me so happy because it’s giving her confidence again."

 

On lockdown like everybody else, Karla is trying her best to cope with COVID-19, a great equalizer. It has put most of the world’s population behind closed doors regardless of social or economic standing, whether young or old.

 

How are you doing during this extended lockdown; how does your day start and how does it end? It's still the same, I have coffee in the morning and “manghaplas” before I sleep.

 

What are your usual daily activities and how do you spend your spare time (if you have any)?

I used to be so busy everyday at the clinic and now that I have spare time, I have been trying to learn more about farming and aquaculture. I have been visiting towns in Bohol looking for other ventures to do. I also help moderate #BBCo - Bohol Barter Community. I visit and call loved ones to check on them. I try to stay busy to stay sane. 

 

Aside from your brush, what do you miss most about the “outside” world?

The simple joys of hanging out with friends, having coffee, eating out, chilling at the beach, the gym, and even traveling for work or vacation. Being normal. 

 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?

I have been following all protocols with masks and always washing my hands & keeping alcohol in my bag and car. I try to boost my immune system with supplements and vitamins too!

 

Has this crisis changed in any way the way you look at life and the future?

In so many ways. This pandemic brings out the good and bad in people. I try to focus on the good, and it has magnified with all this time we all have to reflect on life and what we all have been doing because whatever I thought was really important, is humbled down to basics. I see the world differently now knowing it can all change so fast.

 

How would the Karla “new normal” be like? 

When this pandemic ends, and I hope soon, I hope to instill what I learned to focus more on the positive and being more resilient to problems that you never saw coming and I may have developed a new germophobe habit. 

 

 

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'Lockdowned' at home

Being on lockdown doesn't have to be boring, not if you keep yourself occupied. If you've pretty much completed all of Netflix, you can change up your routine and look for other things to do. You can let those creative juices flowing.

 

You can learn how these aspiring models are coping with being cooped-up at home.

 

"The first thing that starts my day is through a prayer. I do jogging and walking 3 times a week. I do household chores then if I have time I used to play guitar and make some dance covers daily. And my day ends with a workout because I don't have time to do it in the morning or afternoon," said Arnel Corbita, 19, who was the grand finalist of Mr. Teen ICM Cycle 3 2017. He was also Mister BISU Calape 2019 and Mister  BISU SCUAA 2019.

 

Jack Green, 17, from Loon town, said that the extended lockdown he cannot help it not to be concerned about our surroundings.

 

"I’m doing well that’s why I always start my day by praying to God and then doing the household chores like fixing the bed, cooking, cleaning the house and still ending the day with a prayer," said Jack who was 4th runner-up in Mr and Miss UB Personality 2019, 1st runner-up in Mr. Loon Campus Personality and Top 6 in Mr Teen ICM Cycle 3 2017.

 

Sean Rey Tupas admitted he gets bored for the same routine at home.

 

"I admit that sometimes it gets boring because I fell for the same routine every single day. But it's okay as long as I'm breathing, then it's fine with me. The fact is, I know everyone of us gets bored due to this pandemic but what I mean is we just have to stay positive, stay safe and follow what the government tells us to do," said the 20-year-old Mr. UB Personality 2018.

 

John Anthony Migallon, 18, said the lockdown gives him more time with his family.

 

"Since lockdown, I did learn a lot of things by simply taking my time more useful specially in surfing the internet and exploring social media. I just spend a lot of time with my family," said John who became 2nd runner-up in Mr Teen ICM Cycle 4 2019.

 

Aside from your barber, what do you miss most about the “outside” world?
Arnel: The most thing that I miss in the outside world is playing basketball because  I like to play basketball the most and it gives enjoyment and happiness to me. And if I can't play basketball my day is not complete.
Jack: I miss hanging out with my friends and co- models and enjoying life like how it used to be.
Sean: Everything! I miss how normal it was before.
John:  A lot of things!  But for me, what I've missed the most is traveling. I am this kind of person that I wanted to travel anywhere and anytime even I don't have intentions on where to go. I just want to meet a lot of people and seeing a lot of beautiful places.

 

How do you protect yourself from COVID-19?
Arnel: I protect myself by always washing my hands and put disinfectant regularly. Every time I go outside I used to wear face mask and If I'm back home I wash my hands before I touch every part of my face and body.

Jack:  I protect myself from COVID-19 by staying at home as much as I can, washing my hands often, and following the directions of our local health authority. It’s really necessary for us to keep our hands clean all the time, keeping a safe distance and wearing mask every time we go outside.

Sean: Aside from wearing a face mask, washing my hands, observe social distancing, follow everything what the government says etc, I also make sure that I'm physically fit that's why I do my home workout everyday and balance my diet. And I also haven't go outside our house yet starting the very first day of quarantine. I don't even know how the outside world looks like.

John: We always make this as a habit to disinfect ourselves and as well the things that we brought from the outside. Since three of my siblings are nurses,  they always taught us on how to be responsible of everything, from ourselves and also when entering our house. I always take my vitamins...and I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

 

How do you envision post-COVID life?
Arnel: I see bad because it stops us on what we usually do but in the good side is it teaches to be more responsible and always observe cleanliness in our body. And I believe is the most important--to stay at home and spend some time with our family.

Jack: For a typical Filipino, it would be challenging since it's the time to make up for all the losses brought by the crisis. But eventually, we are strong, God-centered individuals who live by faith that God would always provide. Eventually, we can get through it.

Sean: Like they say, this is now the "New Normal". I'll be expecting that some people might be struggling because we're not used to this situation. Some people have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 so it means they don't have money and if they don't have money, then they don’t have something to eat or to sustain their needs. But there many ways to solve that problem. Like for instance, if we don't have something to eat because we don't have money, we can also do alternatives like planting and harvesting and more. I'll be expecting that it's not that fun and enjoyable as it was before. As many of us shelter in place with no end in sight, all we can do is to imagine how life will resume, even if the unfamiliar and unpredictable behavior of the virus has made it difficult to know with any certainty. What matter the most is to make sure that we're safe, we survive, have faith in God and keep moving forward.

John: For me, we really don't know what life is. Like I mean, we don't know the future world or future generation. But for me it will serve as a memory that the next generation will be more fighter and more knowledgeable if only if this pandemic would happen again.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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Mother’s Day in the time of Coronavirus

You taught me everything

Everything you've given me
I'll always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah...

There isn't anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me.

And no one else can be
What you have been to me you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times.

— Excerpts from A Song for Mama of Boyz II Men's 1997 album, Evolution, and on the soundtrack for the '97 film, Soul Food. The '90s R&B group waxes on about a mother's nourishing and unconditional love.

 

Mother’s Day is going to be a little different this year.

 

It is usually celebrated with family outings to dinner, spas or family get-togethers in beaches and homes—and accompanied by plenty of hugs and kisses!

‘To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.’ —Maya Angelou

 

But as the coronavirus pandemic restricts where we can go, and makes social distancing a new norm, many of these traditions will have to be cancelled.

 

This doesn’t mean Mother’s Day has to be canceled this year, protested my friends-Helen, Inday Charity and Jessa.

 

They said there are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day when you need to keep your distance.

 

"You can still get close on Mother’s Day," said fellow mediaman Inday Charity.

 

"Gifts are great, but with everything so uncertain these days, a chunk of your time is the best and most comforting gift of all," Helen shared.

 

Your VRS asked some of our friends the question: How do you honor Mom on Mother's Day when you can't get close enough to give her a hug?

 

Here are their answers:

Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx: My mom has always been willing to go above and beyond to care for me and help me. In the current situation, not being able to celebrate mother's day like we used to, I can just be an emotional strong hold my mom can count on instead. Perhaps more than before, this is what she needs the most. A daughter who can calm her worries, and help her through emotionally so we can work on brighter days ahead. I got you, mama. Love you.

 

Scarlet ‘Lailette’ Geulen-Boiser: It has always been an open book that my mom and I are just   like sisters. We technically don't share the same interests in some things. We are very opposite in so many things yet our love for each other tends to bridge that gap because  our love for each other always  win over any squabbles. I may not appreciate  her unique way of showing how she loves me but I am  pretty sure that she loves me so much and my sister too. Inspite of her old school type sarcasm at times I'm so happy to have her as my mom and can't imagine myself having another mom other than my mommy. She is strict but loving and persevering.  Thank God for such blessing.

 

Mikee Andrei:  I've been close to my mom since childhood. I was always with her helping the family business and when I went far to work, it was hard but we gotta do what we gotta do, for the family.

 

Because of this pandemic, I haven't really been designing nor make clothes but instead, I cook and bake and we sell them. (Send me a message to order *winks). I learned this another skill from her and we're cooking together now, as family. It feels good despite this circumstances we all are going thru.

 

This year, Mother’s Day is double extra for us because it is also her birthday! As much as we wanted to hug her, social distancing has to be applied even inside our home. This time, I'd be making a special cake for her together with the kids.

 

My mom has been my rock and my best friend. Mothers day is always special to me because it always reminds me how incredible she is and what she has been giving us unselfishly. Happy Mother’s Day my Mama Lina! I love you so much and thank you for everything!!!

 

‘A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.’ —Unknown

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin:  In this time of social and physical distancing measures, when no hugs are allowed, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, I will post photos of Mama Wincie’s significant moments with an accompanying greeting on Facebook - my simple way of manifesting my sincere appreciation and profound gratitude to her for all the love she has shown and the sacrifices she has made for Ondoy, Bibby, Coeli, me, Honey Jerome, Cielo, and Renji. She is, indeed, a wonderful blessing from God.

 

Joy Bonita Sevilla: Mothers should also be our best friends. They will always look after us no matter what and we shall also look after them in return. We can never be who we are without them. Since I got married, I see to it that we have our own time, we hang out together by just going to the Mall or having dinner. I see to it that she’s happy and above all healthy. At this time, I see to it that I call her over the phone and check if she’s okay. I'm praying that this virus has to end, I miss our bonding moments. To My mommy Inday...Happy Mother's Day.Love you!

 

Liezl Lim -Gregorio:  I will give her a call first thing in the morning. Nothing beats hearing your Mother’s sweet and happy voice on Mother’s Day. Cooking her favorite chicharon and kinilaw would be the next task, we are all food lovers and burpers, after all. Hopefully, we get the chance to make a food delivery and see her in person and give her an air kiss.

 

Jesseth Nez Pasagad: My brothers and I came up with a plan to surprise my mom with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt message. They did the planning and buying, I financed (lol). We’ve always made her feel loved and appreciated so Mother’s Day is nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado:  Mother’s Day is a special day for me because this is the day I get to shout to the whole world expressing my love and sincerest appreciation to my Mother whom we call Mama V. Though, she knows how much I love her, it’s kind of extraordinary when I do it on Mother’s Day.

 

I’ve always admired my Mama. She is amazing in so many ways raising all 6 of us her children. She’s loving, kind, firm yet there’s always gentleness in her own unique ways. She’s truly a beauty inside-out. Now, that I’m a mom myself, my admiration to her as a Mother just keeps getting stronger each day. She’s a part of me being a mom to my kids. Her dedication, commitment and caring ways are instilled in me. The values that I teach my children are the values that I hold true and beautiful because of my Mom. Today, that it’s Mother’s Day, I wish I could give her the tightest hug, kiss her, thank her and wish her a blessed day but due to our present situation, Covid, that’s  not going to be possible.

 

So for today, I’ve managed to send her flowers and a Mother’s day card. Then, greet her through video call. That’s the closest thing to being physically together. When this covid is over, I’d treat my mama to a wonderful lunch or dinner. We usually go out and have a Mother-Daughter bonding. That’s part of our routine.

 

Once again, a very happy Mother’s Day to my Mama V. Wish you an amazingly blessed day. I love you. And To all the mothers out there, cheers to us all!

 

Maria Fe Evasco- Everyday is Mom's Day for me. Living with my Mama Nita is a great blessing for me since I can see, kiss and talk to her everyday. Having a mother like her makes life easier for me and my family since even at 85 years old, she still manages to showcase her talents and abilities. During this quarantine time, she has sewn almost a hundred face masks for our family's use. She also takes time out to bake our fave breads and pastries. Life with Mom is simply amazing. Happy Mom's Day, Ma Nitz!

 

Dr. Joyce C. Castillo: My mom likes to eat all things pork (even if it’s not exactly very healthy for her). On Mother’s Day this year, she’s getting her favorite pork dishes. No bawal!

 

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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.

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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. 

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