• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Blog

4 Ways to Cope with Enhanced Community Quarantine

We are living in extreme circumstances. With the recent extension of our enhanced community quarantine to May 15th, we will be welcoming May in a way that will forever documented in history. This is the “new normal.”  COVID19 has given us the opportunity to reassess what is important. Lockdown has taught us how to make the most of our time, not just with our families, but also in our work, and most especially in our faith. That being said, I thought it would be helpful if I shared 4 ways to cope with ECQ and COVID19. 

Since the lockdown, our only option of attending worship, is through the live stream sessions that CCF offers through out different times of day on Sundays. We have attended worship (on more than one occasion) this way, and because we don’t have a yaya who is solely devoted to caring for Gelli, this is a wonderful alternative for us. 

More than a few weeks ago, Pastor Peter Tanchi shared 4 tips to help cope with these uncertain times. He shared ways for us to be mindful. We have discussed these coping skills with our children on more than one occasion, and we find them extremely helpful. We also covered these pointers, in our small group, and because I found them so helpful, I would like to share them with all of you.

Nino and I are so grateful for this group. We have learned so much in our walk with Jesus through their experiences, and their sharing of their faith.

Here are 4 ways to cope with ECQ suggested by Pastor Peter, as we strengthen our faith in the time of COVID19:

Be Grateful

COVID19 has reminded all of us to count our blessings. 

From something as simple as being able to breathe freely without a mask on, to something even as mundane as going to the grocery store when I please, nothing is to be taken for granted anymore. While I cannot speak for anyone else but myself, I can also share that even being able to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables to keep our immunity up, is something I appreciate and value more than ever.

I’m grateful for the health of my family. For the roof over our heads. For the food we have on the table, and the meals I am able to prepare with that food, quite easily. I am grateful for the sun, the cool breeze that enters through our window, and the frontliners who are keeping the city running smoothly. I am grateful for my sister and my parents, whose help and love have been paramount not just during quarantine, but in the past year.

Admittedly, it’s been a little rough on our family since 2016, but by God’s GRACE, we are still here, still coping with the challenges, and thanking Him every step of the way. SO much learning. SO many angels sent our way. So much support from people near and far, in both kindness and spirit…

Meditate on His Purpose

There are two ways to look at finding purpose in these times of COVID19. 

In many of the Viber groups that I am part of, I am seeing that many of my friends and acquaintances are finding comfort in sharing good vibes and laughter, but it is also difficult if you do not discern and sift through what will be purposeful and helpful as we navigate these trying times.

I do believe that we should use this time that we are given to take a step back and assess.

What is our responsibility in this crisis to ourselves?
What is our responsibility in this crisis to others?
What is our responsibility in this crisis to our loved ones?

AND perhaps even more importantly:
What is God’s purpose in allowing the series of events to take place, exactly as they are?

I cannot answer these questions for you, but I have certainly pondered these thoughts for myself.

I have realized that in my busy-ness of making things happen for all the different projects that I am blessed with, I have had less time to take care of the house and the kids’ everyday activities. They have always had what they needed (Praise God!) but there are definitely times, where I have gotten the feeling like I forgot something that fell through the cracks and needed my attention. 

So what has the Enhanced Community Quarantine given me?
I have so much more time to devote to my kids! 

What if HIS purpose in allowing me to spend all this time in lockdown with my children and my husband was to also allow me to invest all this time in getting to know them again?  What if this was exactly the reminder I needed to enjoy these conversations or teachable moments? What if the time I have asked my children to research verses on RESPECT and LOVE was also part of His grand plan? (I asked the boys to both research verse on these value recently because of a conversation that we had.)

I guess, what I mean to say, is that while I know the immediate purpose for us, is of course, to #StayHome so we can #FlattenTheCurve. But what if the benefits and purpose to this exercise, can also lend itself to a shift in perspective, or the idea that we need to refocus our sights on what is truly important? 

Trust in God

Trust the process.

I have friends who have suffered great loss during this time.
I have Best Buddies who have lost parents and grandparents. 
I have friends who have passed, due to complications while they were treating cancer.
I have a cousin who passed suddenly from a heart attack.

Having trust and faithfulness in God, to deal with such heart breaking losses is what I will continue to hold onto. It’s not easy by any means. Not for any one of us. Most especially by the families that all of these beautiful people have left behind. 

I continue to pray for the families who have suffered great losses. I continue to pray for those who don’t have what they need during a time when non-essential work is suspended. I continue to pray that God will give His people the reassurance that He is there. Ever-present. Ever loving.

Be Kind and Respectful to Others

Even our Best Buddies Philippines Ambassador, Andie Cruz was able to share his snacks that he would have used for going to school with the frontliners his momma contacted. Once school was cancelled, he decided to donate his snacks right away.

Gosh. I have seen so many instances where I feel like our humanity is being saved.

I have seen ripples of kindness move through our society and give us the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. To thank our essential workers who commit to going to work in the grocery stores. To buy lunch for our essential delivery people who have made sure that we are getting goods, groceries, or products we order online.

This heartwarming story of a school teacher who shared Baliwag Lechon Manok with her Grab driver who is a single dad is still making headlines. To see the full post click here.

I have seen the fashion industry come together to provide PPE’s for hospitals in need.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

We are strong. We are resilient. We will overcome! 🇵🇭 In support of our selfless Filipino frontliners who put their lives on the line everyday for us in the face of COVID-19, Suit It Up Manila is donating Php100,000.00 to the Philippine General Hospital Foundation for meals and personal protective equipment. These past few days have been trying for everyone. Our first priority was to take care of our local tailors and staff which we have done in the interim. As a Filipino Brand, there are many uncertainties that lie ahead however we believe that together we will overcome! #frontlinersph #suititupmanilacares #thesuitituplife #suititupmanila

A post shared by Suit it Up Manila (@suititupmanila) on Mar 23, 2020 at 10:31pm PDT

I have seen foodies come together to feed frontliners.

By coming together, so many of the foodies I know are helping with snacks, meals, and more. Photo Credit: Frontline Feeders Facebook page.

I have seen mommas band together to make a difference through their social media presence.

Brand Buzz Helps has been coordinating their relief efforts through Clara Alegria. Mommy KOL’s have been donating their time, resources, and service to making a difference for frontliners and families that need it most.

 

I have seen entrepreneurs donate to make sure hygiene kits are available to those who need it.

To purchase Clean Care Sets for frontliners and for those in need, click here.

I have seen the GOOD come out of all these people who KNOW, innately, that we must help one another.

And it humbles me to know that so many of us are doing all we can to make a small difference in this world.

Because every little bit helps. 

As we persevere and continue to care for one another (and ourselves) through these uncertain times, I hope that you find these four ways of coping, as helpful and reassuring as I did.

Looking forward to the other side of this quarantine. We will adjust to our new normal, together, by God’s Grace.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Ube Pancakes with Pandan Coconut Cream
Matcha Pancakes »

Comments

  1. Marycor Valencia says

    April 27, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Such a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing this mommy Michelle. I feel grateful for my everyday life and this ECQ because it made me connect to people like you who blessed me with so much learnings,u spiritually & mentally. Also, with this ECQ I was able to use my skill to reach out and bless other.
    The best part of this ECQ, I came to seek more of God and trust His faithfulness.

    • michelle says

      April 28, 2020 at 8:21 am

      Thanks Marycor! I appreciate you stopping by to visit. Our experience is the same. So many gifts and opportunities to share! I too, have had more time to invest in His word and up my level of the understanding of His Love.

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Our Dental Experience at Affinity Dental, One Bonifacio High Street
  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...