TO A CERTAIN degree, birthdays during the ECQ and GCQ have their own share of lustre. Celebrations were still held sans the usual trappings and crowd. Perhaps a much simpler menu selection was prepared; perhaps the crowd consisted only of family members and closest relatives in compliance with health protocol; perhaps even the simplest commemoration of all: just a regular meal except for one special dish or cake to mark the occasion; or perhaps a solitary birthday is preferred with only the spouse present. After all, a birthday is already a celebration, party or no party.
Like anything else, COVID-19 gave us a first taste of everything! Truly unprecedented! For instance, we were all locked down. That’s a first! For students, no physical graduation ceremonies happened; for industries and businesses, only essential workers went to work; healthcare workers are pushed into the limelight as heroes much like soldiers during battles and wars; transportation on the ground, sea, and air halted; relief goods was for everyone; communication suddenly obtained a profound importance, correct information, that is; and everybody seemed to have one enemy – the virus.
That said, even birthdays I think, obtained a new significance. Mine does. For instance, because of COVID-19, a No-Flight Policy is implemented by government. As a result, I can’t travel on my birthday. For the past four years, my birthday activity had always been to go on a trip. These trips involved driving, dining, and visiting museums and other unique places. I enjoyed these activities tremendously most especially since a visit to any museum sparks my creative writing juices.
As a story teller, you bring your reader to a vicarious journey with you. And if your imagination is vivid, you can illustrate the details articulately to the satisfaction of your reader. But alas! COVID-19 is such a killjoy! There’s no birthday travel this time via plane; there’s no new museum or place to visit; and nothing to write. Blast this virus!
And so this birthday will be unique as the nation is still on quarantine and I don’t want to exempt myself from the health and safety protocols.
On birthday gifts, I think that my greatest birthday gift this year is being offered a co-hosting stint on the radio program “Kwentas Klaras” over Radio Station DYTR in my city of birth, Tagbilaran. Tagbilaran is capital city of the beautiful island-province of Bohol.
Co-hosting the program via phone patch – since the country is still on quarantine – together with expert broadcaster Ted Ayeng and my father’s first political campaign jingle lyricist, another long-time broadcaster Pedy Bolanio, is such a joy since it brings me back to my home city.
On a final note, my warmest birthday greetings, as well, to everyone who shares my birthday month: Grace and hubby Joebel Solis – my extended family in Iloilo City, also on the same day, June 6th; Engr. Ipe Galia – former Dean of the College of Engineering, Mindanao State University-General Santos City, June 6th; former power industry colleague and inaanak sa kasal Emer Lapiz, June 6th; former power industry colleague and fellow corporate communicator Milfrance “Bambi Girl” Capulong, June 6th; college friend and crush ng bayan Engr. Luis Ytol, June 5th; indefatigable Barangay Kagawad Rodner Espinosa of Compania, Iloilo City, June 4th; good friend Catherine Pedregosa Velasco, June 1st; the ever-kind Ate Nyng Lungay Libot, June 2nd, and the rest of the June celebrators!
***
I want to thank the Poet who composed this for me:
Bravery she wields
in the midst of turmoil and troubles and yet
Elegant melodies follow
her ways, her speech, her words, and her songs.
Life has been generous and giving
to her gentle kind soul and fiery-willed spirit
Inspiring her heart to tell vivid stories, share warm memories,
and nurture unwavering integrity.
Never has she lost her impassioned idealism
nor has she left her faithful prayers behind
Despite the undulating passing of the years
and the constant changing of the times.
All she has she is ever so grateful and in celebration
she will always offer her utmost, her thanks, and her praise.
***
For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com.
