Metro Manila has already been locked down because of the Coronapocalypse, and while it isn’t confirmed yet, many feel like Iloilo would follow suit. Indeed, while people aren’t as concerned about the virus as I thought they should, many individuals have taken precautions.
Walking around the city, I saw people wearing facemasks, and diligently utilizing the free hand sanitizers and alcohol provided by various establishments. The most notable “change”, however, are the empty basketball courts.
Today is March 14th, a Saturday, and basketball courts are usually filled with dudes hooping until there’s no sunlight left to illuminate the baskets. If their court has street lamps, then these same dudes would hoop the night away. Not tonight. Courts are empty — which is a crazy sight to see considering how the Philippines is a basketball-obsessed country. Hecc, people even hoop during Holy Week, which is supposedly a no-no if one is to observe Lent tradition properly. Religion couldn’t stop hoopers from hooping, but a virus did.
That said, I’m glad that basketball-loving Ilonggos are aware that sports require contact in order for one to fully enjoy it, thus risking transmission of the corona virus in the process. So they avoid it. They understand that. They don’t let their usually stubborn selves from being careful.
That is a good thing.
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