Isolation became the norm; lockdowns became frequent; and the economy suffered as the masses of our people stayed home and had to depend on government assistance for food. Fatalities ran into more than 60,000 in my country, with families so heartbroken for not even seeing their deceased loved ones because they were cremated right away. The pandemic was the worst occurrence ever to happen in our lifetime, I think. It was from 2020 to 2021, and gradually faded away in 2022. Governments relaxed restrictions since then.

Thus in 2023, traditions began to be practiced again, and families gathered as before, as often as they can. The pandemic made people realize that life is uncertain, so we just have to get together more often, enjoy life, because tomorrow is not promised.

People began to congregate in churches not only on Sundays and special holidays but most especially during the Christmas and Lenten seasons. It was such an incredible, indescribable feeling to feel alive once we were able to get out and be together with all the rest, as if we just survived the most devastating calamity ever to hit this earth.

For the first time I was able to visit my family in Metro Manila, and vice versa. Like us, families got together as often as possible, because now we believe that nothing is more important than family.

Last February 11, my high school batch (Pedro Guevara Memorial High School Batch ‘68) held our 55^th Reunion, and despite the absence of those classmates we lost during the pandemic, we tried to enjoy the company of those present.

This past Black Saturday, I got the chance to see a popular local waterway in my province, just to observe how big a crowd of visitors —mostly families — this place has now that COVID-19 has “receded” even though not completely gone. The place is called Balanac River Control in Magdalena, Laguna. I am ecstatic to feel the happiness of everyone in attendance therein, and to share the same with you, our readers.