Yesterday was Kathryn Bernardo’s birthday. Today is mine.

11am. I am lying on my bed (still) , wide awake but with no intent to get up anytime soon. This community lockdown indeed is taking its toll on me. It’s my birthday and I can’t go out to celebrate. Nor people can come and be with me today. HAPPY? BIRTHDAY, HUH, CORONA.

My mom is cooking downstairs. I assume its for me. I smell onions being sautéed and I heard there’s ice cream on the fridge. My sister is in the supermarket now, too. I knew since she just sent a message telling that the line to the store is already long. Hmm.. I wonder what she’ll get.

My niece and nephew are watching the Tagalized SpongeBob SquarePants in the living room. And now, I wanted to go down and play with them.

I can’t seem to find the words to connect these thoughts that I have but sincerely, I was just sad last night and this morning, I realized it is not that bad.

And thinking about it, it is not so 28 year oldish to be upset with having to celebrate your birthday at home.

Home. The only place which toilet seat I trust. The place where my most beloved reside. And this time, we are together the whole day. I wish there’d be cake but I’m 28 now so I’ll try my best to go along without it.

Besides, most families in our country now struggle to have anything on their plates. Who am I to ask for more? How selfish of me to question what I have while most people can only wish for a shelter in these trying times.

If there is anything I can wish now, it’s for the fast recovery of COVID-19 patients and COVID-19’s cure to be discovered as well.

For the frontliners to have more strength in battling this invicible enemy. For the elderly to feel secure and cared for. For the families in the streets to meet their comfort. I wish for the whole world to live a normal life again.

Every new day is a new beginning for everyone. Just as the sun rises after every night, hope soars with its every ray.

Yesterday I was sad. Today, I am hopeful.

As of this writing, the Philippines is under state of calamity due to the ongoing outbreak of corona virus.

Metro Manila is under community quarantine while other neighboring cities also take precautions in minimizing the spread of the disease.

Classes are suspended for a month and some business establishments declare temporary closure. Private workers are encouraged to stay at home as well. Some are granted work from home, while others are on forced leave.

But there are workers who just can not take a leave because their job directly involves treating the infected. They are the frontline health workers to whom we are very grateful.

During the beginning of the quarantine, many problems arised such as shortage in surgical masks, disinfectant hoarding etc. Making it hard for the frontliners to fulfill their job properly as well. But thanks to the Filipinos bayanihan, support for our hardworking healthworkers are pouring.

Now that our hardworking frontline health workers are receiving the support that they deserve, can we also turn our attention to another group of heroes who brave the very thing that we all fear most in this pandemic.
The unseen heroes not just during this time but actually every single day of our lives.

Garbage collectors risk their lives being exposed to can be free of it.
They work under the heat of the sun traveling with the trash that we discarded useless, even dangerous. Without PPE. 😢

Also under the possibilty of acquiring COVID-19 due to improperly disposed used surgical masks and many more other diseases.
All this for a below minimum salary.

I hope we can spare whatever we can to help those who might be needing it more.

They need hygiene kits too.
They need food too.
In this trying times, they need our support too.

In our current state however, where actions are limited during this community quarantine, let us help them by simply disposing our masks properly.

Designate a paper bag in your household to which you will dispose all your used face masks.
Put labels on it so our garbage collectors would know and could take more precaution in disposing it.
Cut the strings to make sure it can’t be used anymore.

I hope this post reaches those who can extend help to our ever hardworking garbage collectors, street sweeper, garbage truck mechanics and everyone who works for the maintaining of cleanliness in our country.

Kudos to everyone!

Mabuhay ang bayanihan.

Motorcycle riding gear is a huge part of motorcycle riding. Whether you are a female or male biker, you’ll need to ensure your motorcycle gear keeps you safe and comfortable during your rides. Riding in the cold, extreme heat or a downpour can distract your focus on the road. If you are not well prepared with appropriate biker accessories, it will surely make your ride an unpleasant one. The guidelines here on buying motorcycle gear will help you make the best choices for your particular riding lifestyle.

Each type of motorcycle activity has its own special range of gear. Whether you are riding off the trail or compete on a race track, you will need gear designed specifically for these styles of riding. The first buying decisions can be a challenge particularly today when there are more options than ever before, whether offline or online.

Consider your initial purchase as an investment that provides you safe riding and pleasure. The golden rule to follow is, you get what you pay. This is the same for most sporting goods. Some manufacturers such as BMW or Ducati are known for a higher end product, but as in their name alone, you can trust you’re getting top quality and design.

Motorcycle Rider Gear Essentials Include:

1 Helmet: There are many types of motorcycle helmet. Choose one that meets your type of riding.

2 Gloves: Leather is your best bet. Gloves should cover and extend beyond your wrist bone (gauntlet style). If not fully leather be sure at very minimum the palms are fully leather. Gloves should have no open areas exposing skin and be flexible enough for good use of levers/controls.

3 Motorcycle Jackets: armour in elbows, shoulders and an internal back protector.

4 Pants: sturdy material with armour in knees and hip area and allow for flexibility.

5 Sturdy Boots: boots which come above the ankle and cover the ankles for protection. A grippy sole and without laces if possible. Laces come undone and can catch on footpegs which can be hazardous.

Tip: Careful not to buy too small as it can be pretty uncomfortable wearing tight gear.