A 2020 Year-Ender of Sorts
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The Covid-19 pandemic pretty much took over 2020, changing the way we live, do business and how we interact with each other (Photo by Jordi Play/Creative Commons)
Many understandably choose to focus on the trauma; the term “annus horribilis” came up multiple times. But some choose a more nuanced reflection, sifting chaff from grain, seeking the silver lining from the bleakness.
And then there are some who choose to forget the entire year altogether.
However you want to reprise the past year, here are some interesting responses to our question, How will you remember 2020?:
Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music
I will always remember that 2020 as the year that emphasized that we should be more suspect and prudent about where our data-newsfeed is coming from, and that we should trust and rely on our scientists more. I will also remember that 2020, more than any other year past, was the year of the family and the home where we live.
Criselda Yabes, Author/Journalist
It's been a year of clarity. I was so in touch with myself that I let each day unfold as it should.
It was also a breather, not of fresh air but away from thinking too much, doing too much. But I also missed the outdoors and being away from this godawful city; but even then, being away for me did not really affect my solitude.
The quarantine made me feel like I was one of those prisoners who got used to being imprisoned that they'd rather stay in than go out there. But when I think of going out there, I think of the near future, the first place I'd like to go to, and what I'd like to do. Still it's a step-by-step process in my thoughts instead of lumping them all in. No point making a bucket list. The trick is to ask the universe to make that list for you.
The airline industry was grounded with empty flights.
Ceres Doyo, Journalist/Opinion Writer
That many, I among them, refused to be cowed and silenced. That God's presence was so intensely real in my life. The cries for help of OFWs and LSIs (locally stranded individuals). Ang sakit (It hurts)!
Cecilia Brainard, Author/Publisher
I will remember 2020 as the most mind-boggling, challenging year that I have ever experienced.
Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, Columnist/Reading Advocate
As the year when I finally knew every item I had in the freezer, when I truly enjoyed staying home, when I caught up with files from previous lifetimes to throw out, when I realized the many blessings to be thankful for—all these with the guilt of being too comfortable.
Marites D. Vitug, Journalist/Author
I don't want to be grim about my memories of 2020. So here goes:
• It was the year of the Zoom daster (housedress), my fashion statement for 2020, the one in tropical colors with Chinese collar or sports collar, because your Zoom-mates would think you were wearing a smart outdoor dress.
• It was the year when everyone was suspect, when all my friendly instincts were put on hold, when smiles were hidden behind masks and "Keep Distance" was no longer just for cars.
• It was the year I obsessed about washing hands. Never before had I used up so many bars of soap--and I ordered a lot online!
• It was the year of vicarious travel and ramping up of my imagination: reading books that transported me to various parts of the world; recreating a fraction of a breakfast in a boutique hotel in Den Haag (by adding a plain or chocolate croissant to the usual sourdough bread) and drinking different kinds of black tea; thinking I was in different parks and woods like those in Kyoto, London, Berkeley, doing my daily morning walks.
• It was the year that made me grateful for my good health and that of my family. Despite all the fear, uncertainty and gloom, I am thankful that we rode out this epic storm.
Web-conferencing software Zoom kept everyone in touch, like this virtual class reunion of Ateneo Grade School ‘81 and High School ‘85. (Image courtesy of Ateneo Grade School ‘81 and High School ‘85)
Bella Bonner, Blogger
This pandemic made me realize it’s possible not to feel a human touch for several months, maybe even a year or more. When this is over, do we have to re-learn how to shake hands, give welcome kisses, hold a baby? How very sad this is, to be disengaged from our sense of touch.
Myles Garcia, PF Correspondent
A pivotal year. A normal life has been curtailed as the planet resets. But the Spartan self-discipline has been worth the sacrifices since the US electorate got rid of a tyrant-in-the-making. Also, discretion has been the better part of valor.
Laurel Fantauzzo, Author/Teacher
As the year that took too much.
Elena Buensalido Mangahas, Community Leader
In April I packed a suitcase (like a pregnant woman would do on her 9th month) in case I was rushed to the hospital due to COVID-19. As we learn more about the virus and the surging pandemic I realized I will not need that packed robe and cheek rouge. The new word “intubation” came to being, in media and in my worst fear. It hasn’t left me yet. The year 2020 is marked in my memory this visual, fearful way.
Tony Ramos, Retiree
The thought and the feeling of losing the financial savings of 30 years not only once but twice this 2020, yet maintaining the will to recover. It will end thankfully with hope that it will be better in 2021, and the stock market starts better, like what happened in 2009.
“And then there are some who choose to forget the entire year altogether.”
Maripi Leynes, Community Advocate for Seniors
I will remember that COVID became up close and personal when my priest-friend-advisor, Fr. Peter Larisey, S.J., died of the virus. And I will also remember that seven of the residents and staff of their order's small, exclusive, non-profit retirement home in an isolated community with lots of open space and greenery tested positive and three died. Seemed almost impossible that there'd be an outbreak there, but it happened.
And I'll remember too that my late mother once lived in a bigger, densely populated long-term care home and the fear I had that one day this will be my only option.
Telly Almendral Sacramento, Retiree
This was the year when our priorities and values were put to the test.
Mina Saha, Artist
The unbelievable selfishness of people and the unbelievable selflessness of people.
Bert Quibuyen, Retiree
I'd rather not remember 2020. Remembering it will only bring back unpleasant experiences. Better to forget 2020 and just look ahead to a better tomorrow. Like it was a bad dream.
Maria Veronica Tayag, Author
With pain and great sadness.
Paulynn Sicam, Editor/Writer
Too many losses. But a stronger spiritual life attending daily masses. The weekly Zoom meets with my siblings are more togetherness than we’ve had since we were children. I live for them from week to week.
From different cities around the world, relatives can gather together on Zoom for special events (Screen capture by Raymond Virata)
Rochit Tañedo, Writer
Zoom overload; too many wakes online.
Alex Fabros, Writer/US Military veteran
2020 has seen the loss of many friends because of COVID-19 brought on by family members who wanted to keep in touch with their parents/grandparents. Taught me never to get stuck in a nursing home.
Many lost opportunities to travel in 2020 but if I make it to 2022 when this pandemic is supposed to be over, it means I can upgrade my accommodations from sleeping on park benches and the beaches of places I want to visit to now being able to afford to sleep in 5-star hotels because of money not spent during this period.
Daniel Javier, Singer/songwriter
When was that?!? Sorry. I have no recollection...
