Let’s start at the very beginning. This week marks the first anniversary of the imposition of lockdown and community quarantines to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

It’s been a year since this pandemic and its subsequent restrictions first started to gravely affect many aspects of our lives. Our invisible enemy has claimed thousands of Filipino lives, impacted the health and well-being of our people, and put our front-liners in danger. This tremendous stress has not diminished and, in fact, has escalated these past few weeks.

Let’s go back to basics and repeat over and over the necessary safety protocols. While the vaccines are coming in the near future, right now we still don’t have total protection. We cannot afford to be complacent, or else, local transmission will surge once again. I highly recommend BactaKleen Cleaning Solutions (@bactakleenph on Instagram).

House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda shared her comprehensive list of health and safety protocols:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.

• Cover one’s mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing.

• Dispose of tissue in a waste can.

• Maintain distance of at least three meters from individuals manifesting flu-like symptoms.

• Adhere to local advisories and cooperate with the local public health authorities.

• Disinfect home and work equipment daily.

• If one exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough, cold, fever and sore throat, seek appropriate medical care immediately and stay at home. Avoid close contact with other people.

• If one or any family members living within the same residence has traveled and visited countries afflicted by the disease, go on a 14-day self-quarantine

• Municipal mayors shall direct the punong barangay to ensure that the functions of barangay health workers are properly implemented, especially in terms of monitoring clustering pneumonia/flu-like cases in their respective barangays and report immediately to the health office.

• All barangays shall conduct daily clean up and disinfection of their barangay halls.

The best islands

While we need to continue to follow these important guidelines, don’t lose sight of all the good things in our lives. We are blessed with a gorgeous country, and summer is definitely here! It may be the most gloomy summer vibe yet, but I am sure our beautiful local beaches will help brighten the mood. In trying to help promote local tourism, I will soon plan a trip to Boracay or Palawan.

I can’t wait to breathe in the refreshing ocean breeze, soak up the rejuvenating rays of the sun, and dive into the turquoise waters of two of the best islands in the Philippines: picturesque Palawan and breathtaking Boracay. These two beautiful travel destinations were recently recognized as among the World’s Best Island Beaches in the Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Discovery Shores Boracay (tel. 77208888; discoveryshoresboracay.com) and Club Paradise Palawan (tel. 77196971; clubparadisepalawan.com) launched their Happy Summer program, which includes irresistible accommodation packages and mouthwatering culinary offers. A stay at Discovery Shores Boracay starts at P13,700++ per night in a Junior Suite.

It is inclusive of daily breakfast for two at Sands Restaurant, round-trip land and boat airport transfers from Caticlan Airport, a round of complimentary cocktails per person per night paired with your choice of bar chow or gourmet pizza, 10-percent savings when you dine at the resort’s Italian restaurant Forno Osteria, plus a free 60-minute massage for two at Terra Wellness Spa.

Similarly, Club Paradise Palawan’s rates start at P12,800++ per night in a Garden Suite which comes with daily breakfast at Firefish Restaurant for two people, round-trip land and boat airport transfers from Busuanga Airport for two, a round of complimentary cocktails or nonalcoholic beverage per person per night accompanied with your choice of gourmet pizza or barbecued meats, complimentary 60-minute spa treatment at Glow Spa for two people, plus access to resort facilities and activities such as snorkeling, hiking, kayaking and freediving.

Both these destinations have good protocols in place to ensure that local travelers maintain their safety while still enjoying their vacations.

Their reservations team will assist you with your requirements.

Artists’ perspectives

Boracay’s Crimson Resort and Spa recently hosted an event that brought the creativity of the island’s artists to the fore, serving to cement its growing reputation as one of the most culture-savvy and creativity-driven properties in the Chroma Hospitality portfolio.

Last week, Crimson Boracay hosted a portrait reveal featuring five artists’ different perspectives of actress/style influencer Anne Curtis. The event was done in collaboration with the organization Island Artists Boracay and Curtis’ beauty brand BLK Cosmetics.

Participating artists included veteran musician and painter Boy Ignacio, broadcaster and contemporary artist Alan C. Palma, Angono-born arts educator Eric Egualada, Mindoro-born visual artist Japs Avelino, and, much to the surprise and delight of guests, Crimson Boracay’s new general manager Patrick Manthe.

In lieu of flying, travels by car around Luzon are also wonderful to enjoy. I am excited to be going to The Farm At San Benito (thefarmatsanbenito.com) to enjoy a weekend of self-care. This pandemic has traumatized many both physically and emotionally. It is crucial to have some dedicated “me” time to have wellness checks with ourselves.

With COVID cases rising and the future so uncertain, we should make sure we are physically healthy with a strong immune system by taking supplements like Usana—and that we keep a calm and peaceful disposition.