Burnham Park, Baguio City

Burnham Park as we know is one of the most famous parks in the country and is also called the heart of Baguio City. It can easily be accessed and there's no entrance fee, hopefully it stays that way. Last year when Baguio was about to reopen borders for travel after months of lockdown, we took a stroll around Burnham park as we haven't really been out since March of 2020 due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. We only went to town if necessary, and that's once or twice a week only. Only few locals can be seen at the park. Boat rides and biking were open but no customers. I remember someone asked us if we would like to have boat ride, he would paddle for us for free, and and it's unlimited - no time limit! Photos below were taken September of 2020.

Bare - you can jog around the park with just your companion or your shadow.

Now, November 2021, Baguio has already opened its borders to tourists. If you'd like to visit Baguio City, refer to Public Information Office - City of Baguio's Facebook page for entry protocols. Economy is slowly booming up again. The threat of COVID-19 is still there but life must go on. As of now, tourist spots are on the go again with tourists and locals visiting places here and there. The city is alive again, although one must still practice common sense and observe health protocols being enforced to avoid being infected and/or infecting others. Here is Burnham now with people enjoying their day. It felt normal, except we still need to wear those facemasks.

It's nice to see picnickers, joggers, bikers, yes, even loiters - just regular people, young and old, who are around Burnham Park again. It's a sign that we can be back to normal soon, or new normal, as long as it's normal.

When Plastic Barriers or Dividers Inside Jeepneys are gone

Curtains are up!

Since around May last year, 2020, plastic dividers have been put up inside jeepneys to ensure social distancing due to COVID. It was somehow an added protection but if those plastic barriers/dividers were not regularly disinfected, you know how unsanitary they became and all that...

After more than a year, at long last these dividers were up in some jeepneys. They're just rolled up just in case someone changed his mind and asked for them to be used again.

We've been used to these barriers. Since the pandemic, about 50%, then 70% passengers were allowed - yeah, social distancing. There's allowance for the butt, they come in different shapes and sizes, as you know, a relief. Imagine when these barriers were up or removed and you're the last passenger to get in, you know what I mean...

But seeing these barriers removed meant something, that the threat of the COVID-19 - the numbers of positive cases, the surge - it's mellowing down. Please let's do pray that it will continually go down until there are zero cases in every corner of the world.

Still, aside from social distancing, facemasks, face shields still(?), and hand sanitizing, here are four things to remember:

1. Be safe.

2. Be alert.

3. Be prayerful.

4. Be ready.

 

One fine Sunday in the city of Baguio

 It's almost two years since the pandemic began. Oh, how we really missed the good old days before then! COVID cases have recently decreased and we hope that things will be back to normal soon. See the video below where the difference you can see is the wearing of facemasks and face shields. Social distancing?? Somewhat scary, the threat of virus infection is still there.

Stay safe!