This Pandemic Will Pass

Never in my imagination did it ever occur that I would experience a pandemic in my lifetime. The closest threat there was prior to COVID-19 was perhaps Sars and MersCov. But those were quite efficiently contained right were its epicenter was. This corona virus, however, went out of hand. In less than 3 months, our numbers of confirmed cases started to climb since it began in Wuhan, China. With social media rampantly spreading footage of the conditions of patients and the said lockdown in China, panic crept quite aggressively. 

Weeks passed since the first case and there was (and to this date) still no clear information about its real source or beginnings. There is also no clear cure. Worse is, our Philippine government was also unprepared on test kits and laboratories nationwide. All these got me hyperventilating one day. I told myself to calm down but the news about lockdown in Manila and enhanced community quarantine got me alarmed. I live alone in Cebu and if anything happened to me, I am not sure who to call for aid. It became apparent to me how fallible I am. These days, my faith in God is definitely shaky, hence, my vulnerability to fear.

Nonetheless, I tried to play it cool. When everybody was panic buying, I told myself, let them be. Stay different. 

First, the protective masks ran out -- I said, "Fine. A lot of people need it more -- let them have it. And for those who bought to hoard, shame on them." I was still denying my real emotions until came the news that bottles of alcohol disinfectants are becoming scarce too - in fact, already unavailable. And if they were, shops were selling them thrice the price. Now, I was disturbed. So I paid the pharmacies a visit to try my luck and there was certainly no more supplies left. The same was the situation in several more pharmacies too. I said, I'd be damned if I did not get one -- but there was none to find. Not even in shopping malls.

So, how dangerous is this disease really? Let's say, one could die if infected -- primarily those with existing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory issues, and hypertension. It impacts mostly elderly people whose immune system is weak. For the younger population and people with strong immune system, the virus can be transmitted too but they have greater chances of recovering. Normally an ailment is diagnosed following a number of symptoms but this virus was found to be asymptomatic in some occasions. The person is infected but not feeling any discomfort or showing any symptoms at all -- just a carrier of the virus but still capable to transmit the disease to others. On most occasions, however, the symptoms show but they are flu-like in nature: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc. Everyone is very familiar with them, therefore it is easily shrugged off by many as just the usual cough or fatigue. Yet, on times like now, it is highly recommended that people who show these signs must go to the doctor to be certain that it is not COVID-19.

It is uncertain as to when this plague will end. For now, let us do our part by staying at home and keeping ourselves healthy and clean. The following are the recommended practices (by CDC) to do to avoid infection:

1. Clean hands often

2. Avoid close contact (social distancing)

3. Stay at home (especially if you are sick)

4. Cover coughs and sneezes

5. Wear face mask (especially if sick)

6. Clean and disinfect

There are tons of information to learn about COVID-19 in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Furthermore, I pray that Psalm 91 will be every household's anthem in times like this. Be reminded that God is our refuge. He will rescue us from any pestilence or plague that threatens our existence. Only, be obedient to Him and to the rules of the land to be safe. May all our frontline workers be sustained and kept protected from the virus so that they can continue to do the essentials. This too, shall pass.

Rapid Cycles

I am watching clothes spin in rapid cycles now and I can't help but be lured into its hypnotic motion. Somehow, life's been like this. Years go by really fast and I've seen victories and defeat visit alternately. In retrospect, I can no longer tell which one I like better but certainly, each experience has taught me tons of lessons. Some, I've learned to apply. Others, I continue to ignore. It's a cycle of happy and sad, ups and downs, and successes and failures. Through it all, however, I know God's hand has been very gentle and kind. On circumstances that feel harsh, He guides with tender gestures making sure my steps go back to safety. On events that are light and happy, His still small voice become my conscience that keeps me grounded.

Still, time flies like a fleeting aircraft. On some occasions, I watch it glide swiftly in grace. Sometimes, it disappears beyond thick clouds like a bullet shot in the air never to be seen again. It leaves me feeling hoodwinked by the sudden turn of events - the speed of which makes me wonder how much has changed within a short span. And then I look at where I stand only to find myself stuck not too far from where I started and still uncertain of where I am going. I well up thinking how much chances were lost in the process and then wallows in the misfortune long enough until I get tired of self-pity. One good thing I learned about myself, however, is that everytime I fall deep, I just need to hit the bottom because in the absence of options, I get enough motivation to climb out of the sinkhole.

Then again, this grief and relief cycle of life never leaves. I realize that if we focus too much trying to comprehend its nature, it can become our waterloo, a potential final setback. Instead, what I focus now is mastering my understanding of what a cycle really is. You see, when I think about the notion "In life, sometimes you are at the top, and then, you are at the bottom", my mental drawing of it is simple. It is just upward and downward arrows, or forward and backward, progress - regress. And drawing life that way is quite exhausting, it seems that there will never really be true "progress" if it means falling back to point zero time and again. Dropping to the beginning seems limiting and uninspiring which sucks out energy from anyone.

The reason it is a cycle is because it is a journey. It is a continuous uniflow process which has no reversals. It keeps moving forward until it completes a milestone. Now each milestone does not mean we are already living perfect lives, however, the character developed in the process strengthens our grit to get to "relief" after bouncing back from "grief". The more familiar we become of this process the more resilient we are.

No reversals. When we are done with one, then we move on for a new conquest or defeat. In manufacturing, a small defect on one item does not sabotage the whole production. It will keep running because time does not relent. Defects, much like defeat, give us insights of where the weak links for improvements are. Mind you, we have deadlines to meet and a few loss must not suffer it.

No exemptions. This reality needs no spectators. You and I will have to play our part.

The clothes are all dry. I gotta start folding. There should be enough clean clothes to wear for the week ahead. And when Friday starts stomping closer, then, a new cycle will begin.

In Memory of Dad

Perhaps the most difficult experience my family had recently was the passing away of my father.

I was seated at the back of the car looking out through the window and while the music played on -- "Hello darkness my old friend..." -- I felt the gush of emotions rising from my chest to my head. I was tearing up and was held captive by weakness and the feeling of sheer sadness. I guess the death of a parent or of any member of the family was something we intentionally barely speak about or think of. It's the awkwardness of the subject that makes it a matter seldom discussed within the household. So much so that when it came to visit us that fateful night of November 11, we barely had the time to fix ourselves to face the visitor. Death just stormed through the door robbing us empty and leaving us shocked thinking about the whys, what ifs, and whether we could have done something better to prevent, alter, or postpone the event.

My eldest sister and her nurse instincts play back the events thinking about what has gone wrong and whether we made the right decisions to let dad undergo the surgery. My mom bursts into tears every now and then at the memory of my dad's loving gestures for the family -- like bringing home bread for breakfast or when he buys her snacks in the afternoon. My other sibling who was with my dad from the first day of hospital confinement until the night my dad's last breath barely talks about her feelings but bleeds inside. People say that dad appeared to them in a dream and others claim my dad spoke to them through some sort of experience. Everyone's emotions were all over the place and I am enraged at the thought of dad being objectified like some sort of a ghost or element because my biblical stance opposes the premise --- but honestly, i held selfish hopes that he would appear to me... his eyes open, body moving, mind comprehending, and able to speak. I guess I just wanted to hear him say, "I'm okay. I have accepted the Lord, Jesus, in my heart." Then, I can be at rest knowing first hand that he is saved and that we can all reunite in the afterlife.

Nonetheless, I believe by faith that he did and that he is now in the arms of our Saviour. When he was in coma, I shared Jesus to him confident that hearing is the last sensor that gives up. My sister and Pastor Ebe also recalled having shared the same to him in the past. I trust that in those instances, he made both unspoken and/or spoken decisions to follow. On the door of his room months before he passed away he has written words of adoration to God which moved my spirit. Although the message was unclear but what stood out was his acknowledgement of God's existence.

Today, I fly back overseas and I remember dad saying in one of our last few conversations how proud he was of my accomplishments  -- although small, he perceived them huge. He was happy of us, his children, for having the determination to make something out of ourselves. I guess he considered us one of his most treasured personal achievements -- rearing a family he was happy to have despite our unit's imperfections.

Tomorrow, is a brand new day and I don't expect the pain to disappear but be more manageable as the days go by. I pray for the family, especially for mom, to find the solace of good memories to carry us through lonely times. May dad's advocacy on integrity and hard work resonate in us and through us so dad can live through and in those whom these attributes positively impact. May God be more real than the death that comes one day to each one.

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Isaiah 55:6

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

The Mountains Call

The Mountains Call

- Isaiah 40:9 -

Life is a talk of mountains

Sometimes, a struggle to overcome;

Or big, overwhelming burdens -

In a season or some.

But mountains aren't always bad

They're a happy pill for wanderers

A solace for them feeling sad

A quiet home for each sojourner.

As I sat amidst the tumult

I heard the faint mountain call

My heart beat to catapult

Away from the noise of it all.

I sounded the alarm

My friends heard the uproar

So off we went like a swarm --

The mountains - they call!

Mountains are lofty.

A footstool for all to see

Beyond the horizon-concealed beauty

Displays God's creativity.

Take the mountains as pedestals.

On each setup a milestone.

Every achievement - monumental

Per promotion, a reminding stone.

At the peak, speak aloud with fervor

Shout til your lungs grow tired

Say "I am more than a conqueror.

In Jesus - I feel inspired."

The mountains call

And I shall hearken

I will stand tall

Until comes heaven.

Foodscape: Chronicling Food Escapes (1)

Wanderlust takes you not only to spectacular sights and places but it certainly introduces you to new food. Oftentimes, food creates a deeper insight of the culture (diverse or pure) that resides in the town you visit. Couple the experience with a bit of history and you gain a different level of respect for the creators and hands that birthed the name and fame they have today.

PAT'S KING OF STEAK

I'm not a huge fan of sandwiches but the original Philly Cheese Steak at Pat's King of Steak certainly made an impression. The name is derived from its creator, Pat Oliveri, who discovered the recipe back in 1930. He began by selling hotdogs on a stand near the Italian market in South Philadelphia until one day he decided he'd do something new. Instead of hotdog, he filled the bread with sliced grill steaks which were first patronized by taxi drivers. Not too long after, news spread making it a big hit that got restaurants to start selling their version of the same thing. Today, the place is frequented by tourists and has become a go-to stop in most Philadelphia tour itineraries.

Their huge hoagie roll is generously filled with thinly sliced grilled beef steaks and topped with melted cheese. At the side of the store, a stainless steel cart stands full of grilled cherry bell peppers and dried dark chili for anyone who'd like them for sandwich toppings. Calorie is certainly one thing but making a pass on a deliciously juicy treat would be awful.

MR BEEF

Mr. Beef's Italian Combo

Chicago has a similar version in Mr. Beef. Their Italian Combo Sandwich has both sausage and cooked rib-eye meat. The beef flavor is unmistakable. While you chew the chopped steak the smokey cow fat aroma enters your nostrils. This sandwich tasted fresh and excellently seasoned. The bits of cooked celery as toppings made quite a distinction but the overall taste is certainly reminiscent of Pat's King of Steak without the cheese.  You may want to eat it fast though cause I think the steak juice can wet the bread quite a bit making it hard to keep the filling intact. Thanks to The Jimmy Fallon Show for making a buzz of it in one of its episodes last year, a follow-up to the first one he did back in 2013 where he called it a "killer deal". This sandwich has smitten both him, Gabrielle Union and Jay Leno.

REVIVAL FOOD HALL

Four blocks away from the my office stands The National which is home of the Revival Food Hall that shelters 15 restaurants constantly flocked with people of every type and ethnicity -- mostly employees from offices around downtown Chicago. I remember the first time it opened. The line was long and extending outside the building. People did not mind the cold. All wore excitement on their faces even as they stood in front of a staff who stood (arms folded) looking like an intimidating bouncer in a nightclub making sure the crowd inside has room enough to move around.

SMOQUE BBQ

I did not join the crowd that day but returned 3 months after when the hype has gone down. One restaurant queuing heavily was SMOQUE BBQ. Five guys formed it out of pure passion on food, particularly barbecue. Their specialty is the barbecue-seasoned beef -- smoked until tender. They pride the use of hardwood smoke and pungent (sour) sauce which makes the balance on taste leaving customers feeling as if they are in "BBQ heaven". Meats (steaks) are most American's staple food.

Sliced Brisket Sandwich

Curious of the American palate, I brought along an American colleague on a second visit to sample their sliced brisket sandwich. I asked if that was the taste he'd describe "distinctly American" but it turned out he shares my similar impression. The food was great - meat was tender, juicy, and the barbecue flavor is confirmed in taste and smell. The black surface of the meat initially scared me a bit as it looked charred but the pinkish color behind the thin dark layer overcame my worry. It was surprising that the fat blackened by long exposure to hardwood smoke did not taste bitter at all. The only thing we hoped it had more of was flavor inside as it seemed concentrated only outside. Also, cheese and vegetables would be nice in BBQ heaven too.

BUDLONG

Classic Fried Chicken

This stall in the hall sold spicy fried chicken. I like the fact that it was perfectly cooked inside and not dry outside. The spicy rub gave its crispy fried skin the color and flavor you see when served. I find it very difficult to make comments on fried chicken as I am biased for Korea's soy garlic fried ones but this is certainly not bad. The chicken is served with pickles, beans, a Texas toast, and coleslaw.

FURIOUS SPOON

Furious Spoon Ramen

Probably the only Asian shop of the 15 stalls inside. The adjective on its name is quite catchy and it encourages an appetite. It being the only asian store kinda has its advantage. It pulled me in among Thai, Chinese, and Japanese customers in a line. Americans who've learned to love the taste of Asia wait in the queue as well. Ramen was its specialty, so I bought myself a bowl and delightfully worked my spoon and sticks in it. The mushrooms were fresh and for some reasons I preferred it more than the sliced pork belly. The soup turned creamy after the egg was cut and mixed, but, slightly bitter.

375 Miles: The Rest of Florida

The Miami to Inverness drive the day before demanded rest for our tired bodies and so we woke up late. There were still plenty of food from Gavin's birthday party last night so we just heated some of the food in the microwave. Mayette and Mayet (coincidental twinning) came out to join us for breakfast. Ace will be in-charge of Gavin the whole day while Gloricel drives us to the Kennedy Space Center which once launched Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle. It will be a quick visit since we needed to hit other stops in Florida and hours were dwindling since starting late at 10am.

First we paid Gloricel's former home a visit. They moved out not too long ago and purchased the one we came to last night. And then tall, stately trees along the road didn't go unnoticed. We got off the car and started taking photographs.

Finally, we made it to NASA. We realized that if we went in, we'd be spending the whole day so we settled with pictures outside the visitor entrance. Not too long after, we headaed towards the famed Daytona Drive-In Church. The photographs online just looked mystical and odd. On regular services, cars drive into the property to park at the church front which bore the Portate Cross (slanted to refer to a carried cross). At the Friendship Hall, the church attendees get the chance to socialize with everyone over a Krispy Kreme donut before going back to the car to tune in for the broadcast at 88.5FM. After the service, all cars parade towards the exit. We came at a deserted hour and so we found none of the above descriptions in sight. On the other hand, we lobbied without competition at the parking area. Just as I finished taking the pictures and began heading towards the car, the girls were in the mood to play. I moved a meter closer and the car moved a meter away. I dashed to it and it sped further. Gloricel just drives you nuts. She's the same playful soul I know back in high school. It was hilarious.

The beach was just around the area, therefore, we decided to stop by. Daytona Beach is known for it's hard-packed sands making it possible for motorized vehicles to drive into the certain areas in the shore. It regularly hosts Daytona 500 where 200,000 fans gather for the season opening. We arrived at a crowded sea shore and everybody where minding their own business in bikinis and shorts and we went on with ours unperturbed. The girls took a spot at a nearby bay watchtower and got me trigger-happy with my camera.

The afternoon was getting late and Orlando, Florida is about 70 miles away. The scorching sun was getting us all lazy but we were motivated by the thought of dining at Boston Lobster Feast, their famous all-you-can-eat lobster restaurant. We arrived to find it fully-booked but we we didn't give up. While Glo and Mayet waited for admission, I and Mayette decided to walk around the area to see the eye of Orlando and Rippley's Believe it Or not, stopping also outside the Pirate's Cove. There is always amusement at every block and the town was so alive -- streets, brightly lit. We came back to the restaurant and found our friends digging in on a plateful of lobster. A joke cracked that got everyone boisterous enough to gain attention from customers. Eyes glared at us, some tried to mimic Gloricel infectious laugh, and others didn't look very happy at all. The laughter continued like screams inside Gloricel's car as Mayet sounded lobster-drunk saying loudly "I lobster you". It was crazy and fun. Everyone was generous of themselves and not holding back.

Finally, we were back at the house and Gloricel went straight to nurse Gab who vomited hours ago as reported by Ace. It was a little late so we just drank water and went to our respective nooks. I must have slept very soundly that night that the next thing I know was hearing the squeaking sound of door opening the next morning.

"Gab, Gab!", I said, while reaching out for Ace and Glo's baby after the mother and son woke me up the next day. I looked out the window and felt peaceful seeing the green grass carpeting the backyard. I must've done really well holding Gavin that he started leaning on me as if he knew me well. Then, I started enjoying the so-called feeling of borrowed paternal bliss. It was like that for quite a while until I took him outside the room and showed him his gifts. We opened some of them and showed them off to his parents while he drove his mini car around the living room. The neighborhood was very quiet and so did the house as if it knew we were leaving back to Chicago that day. Ace played the slideshow that showed pictures of him and the family while we watched closely. After we ate our breakfast, the doctor wrote me a prescription for a year-long supply of my hypertension medication (lol). We prayed and took some more pictures outside the house until the Filipino driver, contacted by Gloricel, gave us a ride to our last destination in Tampa, Florida.

Mayette met with her friend who chose Florida over Chicago for career and personal reasons a couple of years ago. We were welcomed into their home with fried chicken and Pizza. Soon after we were done, they fixed us a short trip to Tampa bay which was hands down marvelous! The white sand is real deal white and soft on the feet. It was surprisingly a little bit more appealing than Miami in my opinion. Sadly, we had to leave. Off we went chasing for the flight back. We came at the airport on time but not early enough to get through the lines and security inspection easily without dashing one stop to the other. We were literally running around since it was getting past boarding time. That was in my recollection the only instance I ran as I simultaneously unbuckled and dug for my wallet to surrender them for scanning. Mayette was doing a good job herself and finally we got on the plane, eyes on us, hyperventilating, sweats trickling down our faces, and man --- did I stink!

This ends my Florida trip. Dare to read the complete itinerary here:

Day 1. 418 Miles - Destination: Key West through Tamiami Trail
Day 2. 5 Miles - Around the Southernmost Point of USA (Key West, Florida)
Day 3. 654 Miles: Hello Everglades. I Heart ♥ Miami
Day 4: 375 Miles: The Rest of Florida

654 Miles: Hello Everglades. I Heart ♥ Miami

By 9AM, we were up and ready for yet another joy ride but first, a stop at Pier House's restaurant to ask for disposable spoons for our yoghurt breakfast. Then, we headed to the Southernmost Point Buoy since Mayette was not able to see it yesterday. While on the way, we stopped by the Mile 0 (zero) signage that marks the Key West start of US Route 1 highway which extends 2,369 miles to Maine, USA.

By the time we arrived at the spot, a line of people have already built up for an orderly photo opportunity of the Southernmost Point of USA. As soon as our picture was taken, we went to the Key West state line -- our final stop before we hit the 113-mile Overseas Highway.

It was going to be another long drive back to the Everglades. Adrenaline is pumping glee as we anticipated the airboat experience at Wooten Everglades Airboat Tour. On our way to the venue, we stopped for yet another delay - a farm of tomatoes by the roadside. The fruits were mostly rotten and the dried twines looked golden brown under the heat of the scorching sun. We stopped and quickly took a photograph.

Finally, we arrived at Wooten's and learned that we just made it in time for the last schedule that day. The ticket included access to their mini zoo. We ran from one cage to another to see the captive animals. We saw otters, panther, alligators and tigers. As soon as we heard the trainer bark, we quit sightseeing and joined the group as Charlie, the huge gator, was being rubbed on the neck. We watched in fear as the trainer sat his chin at the tip of the gator's mouth while he educated us about the animal. It was a quick 15-minute talk ending where everyone had the chance to hold a baby gator which weight wasn't to be underestimated. I struggled to keep my cool while holding the gator for a picture. Soon after that, we moved to the swamp side and got boarded onto an airboat. Noticeably, a huge fan at the back powered the engine that moved the boat. The moment the boat started speeding away, we held tightly on the rails to prevent getting thrown out. The wind was against our face as the captain sped through the water jungle with airy confidence. His words faded against the whirring fan behind us as he spoke about alligators and their habitat. He careens here and there and every turn was a thrill that made the tour feel like a roller coaster ride. We spotted a number of alligators but they were so few that if you only came for them you would feel disappointed by the time the tour ends. I wasn't, however, because I came with little expectation, although, with great excitement. My satisfaction was already at the brim just having experienced criss-crossing Florida's Everglades.

It didn't take us long and we got back en route to Miami. We were constantly checking our watch aiming to beat the time to see the sunset at the beach. It started setting while we drove over the elevated highway where the palm trees are nothing but beautiful silhouettes over the warm sunlight. There was no way I could've captured the scene in photographs since we were speeding through -- eyes locked at the scenery. We found ourselves a parking space and then headed out to the beach without delay. Mayette took as much time she could to enjoy the sky canvass as it gradually changed colors from dark red to light pink while sitting down on the shore -- the sand powdering her skin. I walked further away to get a wider perspective of the beach. I climbed up to the guard house and aimed my camera everywhere feasting on the serenity and stillness of it all despite the scatter of people busy with their own agenda. It is crazy how moments like this emanates the feeling of seclusion or solitude in the company of many - beauty amidst chaos. Alone, yet not, totally.

After an hour, we went back to the car and resumed the remainder of the long drive to Tampa Airport to return the rented car. We drove through almost pitch dark highways where only the road signs glared. A few cars passed by but they were petty consolation to the spooky darkness. Nonetheless, we made it intact and whole. From the airport, we called for an Uber ride to Gloricel's house. Finally -- the absence of news and the distance in separation is going to end into a reunion and in a country remote from our common home.

The conversation with the driver went from politics in Cuba and Philippines to IT and technology. Apparently the guy was an IT enthusiast who grew up in Cuba and saw how communism brought fear among his countrymen and pressed them deep into poverty. Their tunnel light lay on a continent across through Florida.

He drove the car to a stop at the front yard of a house in Inverness -- the neighborhood was already asleep at 1:55 AM.

"Glo,.. naa na mi.", I messaged.

Slowly and very quietly, the door opened, her petite frame in pajamas stood before us, and then she let us into their home.



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654 Miles: Key West - Everglades - Miami - Tampa - Inverness


Day 1. 418 Miles - Destination: Key West through Tamiami Trail
Day 2. 5 Miles - Around the Southernmost Point of USA (Key West, Florida)
Day 3. 654 Miles: Hello Everglades. I Heart ♥ Miami

Day 4: 375 Miles: The Rest of Florida