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Who’s singing this song?

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Twinkling with Ninfa R. Leonardia

What is the themesong of OFWs and LSIs? I bet it is: Frank Sinatra’s hit “I’ll be home for Christmas”, because many of those who had saved for years for a homecoming this year, are frustrated and disappointed because Mr. COVID has disturbed their plans. Now that we are nearing Christmas, longing for home has become stronger and I bet a lot of those still outside the country will be weeping instead of rejoicing this time, Well, they can have some consolation with the availability of modern communication means.

***

          Unlike a few years back when the telephone was the only – but expensive – means for contacting one’s friends and kin on momentuous occasions, we now have many gadgets that can connect us with anyone around the world in the quickest and cheapest ways. So let us be thankful for the invention of these gadgets that have eased contact with anyone anywhere in the world, be it for business or family matters. Ah, the world is really marching on, and one of its accomplishments is in the area of communication!

***

          As advanced as we may be in the field of communication, it seems that little has been accomplished as far as politics is concerned. Look at the United States, admittedly one of the most, it not the most advanced countries in the world. Until now several weeks after the election, the defeated one has not yet conceded and his followers keep insisting that they were cheated! And we thought that happens only in the Philippines! Incumbent President Donald Trump, who was seeking reelection, failed to make it and refuses to concede claiming irregularities in the process.

***

          But maybe he will be distracted now that his son, Donald, Jr. has been reported to be a COVID victim. Trump, Sr. has himself gone through the disease and survived, so he must not be unduly worried about Junior. But he must remember that this new virus is no respecter of rank or wealth. He was lucky to get well himself, but can he be sire about Donald Junior? If he were a superstitious Pinoy, he would take that as a sign that he should give up now. The Presidency or his son?

***

          Online, online! That has now become a byword, not only in  offices and in business, but even for housewives who have resorted to it for their daily shopping and marketing. In a certain subdivision, even vegetables, fish, meat and fruit are being ordered online. Not only does this method save the housewife time and transportation money, it also protects against encountering some COVID positive person while in the public markets or even supermarkets. So, for a lot of families I know, “online” is the word of the day, I mean months.

***

How can we help mentioning COVID when it is still raging in pandemic numbers. We in Bacolod and Negros Occidental could be thankful that the disease has not hit us as viciously as it had done other regions and countries, but it is not time to let our guard down yet. There may be news about several vaccines having been approved, but, as the old folks say, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”. So, by the same measure, the effectivity of the vaccine cannot be immediately recommended. Or can it? Let’s hope so.

***

          But one of the best news as far as government is concerned is the plan of the city of Bacolod to set up its own hospital. This current pandemic has given all government units the lesson that the more hospitals there are in an area, the healthier its people will be. There are now six, or is it seven, hospitals in Bacolod, but this pandemic has strongly proven the need for more, or at least, another. And I am sure the one owned by the city itself will include wards for destitute patients. I hope this will come up soon. The COVID has stressed the lesson.

***

          But one of the most amazing reports to come out recently, is that about a war veteran in Ozamis City who celebrated his 100th birthday recently. Unfortunately the report on TV did not mention his name, but shouldn’t the government acknowledge him and give him special benefits to further prolong his life? Not only is he an ordinary citizen, he is a war veteran – I don’t know if he is one of the World War I or II, or even both – but he surely deserves recognition. Oh, but a study must be held first to confirm that this man had indeed fought for his country and was not only on standby status then, to be fair.*

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