Covid-Aware Gatherings

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

Even if I was vaccinated for COVID 19, the daily news of infected numbers rising again is present in my mind, especially since we have my two year old grandson, who I am helping to take care of, at home. Because of this, and the fact that there is no vaccine for children under 12 ( the approval for vaccinations for 12 year olds was still pending as of press time) makes me wary of big gatherings unless it is held outside. I believe my masks are now a part of my wardrobe like shoes and purses. With that being said, human interaction is still as important as breathing, and so I said yes to several outings that included friends and family. It has become important to me and my son to make life as normal as possible for little Kenzo and my son’s close knit community of friends and their kids make it possible for their children to enjoy summer in the safest way possible. There have been camping weekends, swimming parties, at home get togethers, while for me, short weekend trips, golf and outdoor concerts have helped me decompress from our still busy lives. I still follow the science and am hoping that more unvaccinated people will really research the benefit and comply for the sake of our loved ones. If not for yourselves, do it for them. Please enjoy my album of recent activities and I pray that our loved ones, friends, family, co-workers will continue to mask up, social distance, and wash their hands frequently. Let’s all enjoy the last days of summer and continue to pray for worldwide healing and safety.

Outside gatherings seem to be the safer way to interact with others

Manila-Chicago resident at the center Tony Garcia with his children Jake and Yanni, Adrian Del Rosario on the left, Manila visitor Rochelle Romero on the right

The future of air travel with the future traveler

The AAGI Golf League going strong since 1984

My constant travel companion James DC

Enjoying a meal al fresco with friends and family

Food, fun and music at Ravinia with Elbert & Elizabeth Regacho and Jan Paul Ferrer

Our camping crew at an outdoor bar in Galena with my brother Brent, son Miki, Jay and Mae Mendoza with kids Miles & Avery, Zubair with daughter Nala, James DC

Watching at Ravinia with (L-R) Jan Paul Ferrer, James DC, Garcia brothers Jake and Anthony and Adrian Del Rosario

Great friends with my son Kristoffer- Neil Roldan, AJ Barlan, Nino Noriega and Ralph

Kids enjoying the pool (L-R) Kenzo Wildoer, Miles & Avery Mendoza, Nala Hussein and Brayden Ponte

Father and son on the jet ski

Fun on the lake with family & friends

More high school memories where dining OUT-Side is the safer bet – dinner with my classmates Suzanne Pagulayan-Sy, Pate Mariano-Casim and Kitos Olano with their hubbies

Check out the half empty indoor dining with my LA family – (L-R) Kim Lorenzo, Tita Pett Roxas, my cousin Reyda and Kenzo

Thank you classmates until next time

Mini Holy Spirit classmates’ reunion in Las Vegas was a blast with Maricel Martinez-Tengco and Geraldine Gigi Mopera -Eyrich

The power of human connection

Cheers to our CHS Alma Mater with Gigi and Maricel at Resorts World in Las Vegas

 

Met up with my California classmates Kitos Olano and Chacha Sanchez-Reisner in Pasadena

Philippine Polo player Anthony in great form in South Barrington

Polo game afficionados with Girlie and Elizabeth Regacho