celebrating new year: then and now

The holidays are a special part of our lives where we celebrate with our loved ones. A sudden shift took place as COVID-19 changed the world. The last two years where our great memories should have laid, were changed into disconnection and fear, and now that restrictions are easing, we try to make up for those lost moments.

Written by: Sean Aldrich Siruno

Layout by: Bernadette Ojo

January 1, 2022 | 5:07 P.M.

When lockdown was implemented, it was announced that everyone would be quarantined for only two weeks. Little did they know that two weeks would turn into a year. Lockdown started in March of 2020 and has been on and off due to the constant rise of COVID19 cases and deaths. This only slightly decreased in late 2021. Since large social gatherings were strictly prohibited, many weren’t able to see their families during Christmas and New Year. Families’ media noche feasts weren’t as grand as they used to be due to many people losing their sources of income, and people not being permitted to leave their homes to visit malls and other places they wish to go during these holidays.

This year is different; we are now able to freely go outside without the fear of COVID19. We can properly meet people in person, especially at gatherings to celebrate the holiday season for the first time in two years without heavy restrictions. 

On December 22, I traveled to SM Manila and Intramuros to interview people about how they’ve celebrated the new year in the year 2021, and what their plans are for the same celebration this 2022, coming 2023.

The pandemic has affected not just people’s personal lives, but their livelihoods as well. I met Rowena while I was strolling through Intramuros. She was seated in front of a house when I came up to her. Upon initiating a conversation (before we started filming,) I discovered that she has more than two children (she didn’t give a specific number,) and that she has a business—a small sari-sari store usually with her neighbors seated out front.

According to her, she and her family have suffered the brunt of the ill effects of the pandemic. They have struggled in the past two years to keep themselves on their feet. As time passed, the year 2022 got much better, but definitely, it wasn’t perfect and still had uphill times. "Last year kahit papaano during the pandemic maraming nagbibigay, this year not much, wala talaga, pwede nating sabahin zero," she stated. (Last year even with the pandemic at least there were people who gave (money and ayuda), although this year, there aren’t much, we can say it is zero.)

From what I’ve gathered, I can say that many are still struggling to start over even as the pandemic is approaching a slow stop. Rowena explained to me how she and her family were struggling financially in the pandemic—even as of now—and how she would accept any form of financial aid given by other people just to keep her family afloat. Although, there are still limitations to her expecting help from others due to many families experiencing the same financial turmoil as well; "kumbaga yung mga tao nag uumpisa pa lang eh, kaya hindi mo sila ma-aano, kumbaga kung meron man siguro, sapat na para sa sarili at sa pamilya." (People are just starting over again, which is why you can’t ask (for financial aid), if there are ever any blessings that come our way, it would be enough for me and my family.)

For Rowena, she would be more than satisfied to welcome the new year with her family; this goes to show a loving mother who will endure anything as long as she is surrounded by her family and loved ones. “Gusto ko kasama ang mga anak ko, tapos magbigyan ng konting aguinaldo sapat na’ayun, okay na’yun, ang importante ang mga anak ko.” (I want to spend my time with my children and then give them gifts, that will be enough, that’s okay, what’s important are my children.) 

Even if Rowena and her family are still picking up the pieces of their lives that were shattered by COVID, she has chosen to stay hopeful for herself and for her family as they welcome the new year. As long as she is celebrating with her family, money or any other material thing will not matter greatly to her. What’s important is their love for each other and that they are together as a family.

“Siguro mag-cecelebrate kasama nalang ang pamilya, kung ano man mangyari, kung ano ma-ipon-ipon yun na’yun,” she explained. (I’m most probably going to celebrate with my family, whatever happens, whatever I save, that’s it.)

After I have conducted interviews, I traveled to Tarlac, Camiling, where my grandmother resides and celebrated both Christmas and New Year there. As I reflected on the answers of the interviewees, I realized that they all had one thing in common, they have stuck by their families' and loved ones’ side. As I write, I think to myself that it is a wonderful and special thing to witness that whatever may happen, the spirit of traditional Filipino values still carry on.

As the world slowly recovers from the damage COVID19 has inflicted on our society, we also recover from the damage it has done to our personal lives as well. We repair our health, our livelihoods, and our losses. Nothing will ever be the same after what hit us and frankly, continue to hit us, but it is important to keep one thing in mind: hold your head high. Things may not be the same as they used to be post-pandemic, but things will get better, and more opportunities will come. With the help of our family, friends, and loved ones, we will be motivated, and we will surpass this devastating time.