Thank You 2021! Hello, 2022!
To those who made it past 2021, you still have a God-ordained purpose in your life! Yep, that includes me!
If I have to describe 2021 in one word, it would be: "HOPEFUL".
It was during last year when my husband and my brother were hit with the Coronavirus in separate months. My spouse had it severe, while my brother had it mild. Nonetheless, both instances were nerve-wracking, especially the part when my partner's health started the decline.
It was supposed to be a year of celebration because it marked the tenth (10th) year anniversary of our Events business but it was at the beginning of 2020 when Covid hit our country and it affected the Events industry big time! There were a lot of postponements and refunds that ultimately brought the business to crumbles. Although I could not speak for the other event planner, it was all my experience.
The Transition
So, I did what every prudent person would do - seek other opportunities to earn which led me to full-time online writing. I got hired as a Software Technology Copywriter, Website Content Writer, and Editor thru a talent acquisition agency and I currently work for a software technology company based in the US.
My Event staff also went searching for ways to earn a living despite the pandemic.
We all had to find any type of job that could put food on the table and feed our families.
Expectations in 2022
Now that the first quarter is coming to its conclusion, a lot of world events affected the policies of the government regarding hosting parties and conducting events. The entire Philippines is under Alert Level 1 which means very minimal risk of COVID cases is recorded daily.
Businesses, events, schools, and offices are now allowed to operate on full capacity and pre-pandemic activities provided MASKS remain and HAND Hygiene practices are in place.
Have vaccines worked?
There are no concrete answers to this question. The fact of the matter is that the Coronavirus mutates every few months to create another version of more potent or easily transmissible variants. Hence, lurking on the horizon is the Omicron variant that poses threat to the world once more. This will put us back into remote working, lockdowns, and limited to zero social events.
But we are all hoping that while there's no guarantee of not getting infected or reinfection when getting the COVID jabs, studies have shown that vaccinated people have a lesser chance to experience life-threatening symptoms.
Small to Large Business Activities will resume
Since the government reverted back to the pre-pandemic situation, expect that the economy will jump back to its feet. Businesses will be bustling and people will be spending. Money will circulate and the economy will recover slowly.
With the elections looming in May, the candidates will also shower money on the electorate in the hopes of winning a seat in the government. More money in the system, more spending activities will result in increased economic gains.
Travelers will surge around the country
The hotel and travel industry will probably liven up as more airports and flights open up to the public. Vaccine and COVID tests policies have been suspended allowing travelers to freely roam in and out of the country just like before the pandemic, but keeping the MASK ON.
For two years, people have stayed within the boundaries of their homes and communities. The unfolding of the events will boost tourism as people will want to experience travel without restrictions once more.
Meetings, Conventions, Seminar, Weddings, and Events
This year will favor the events industry once more. Celebrations will spike up. The gathering of friends and family will resume to pre-pandemic modes. There will be national meetings, conventions, and incentives all around the country and it will definitely open up a lot of businesses - small to large scales.
This year is the perfect time to plan for weddings, birthdays, and other life milestones. The government has also lifted the event permit requirements freeing many event organizers to easily conduct events in the open.
In addition, business investments will also increase as the country opens up to foreign investors easing up business processing and registration.
Workplace and School Transitions
As offices open up, some workers who got used to the home setup will have to adjust to the office set up once more. No more working in pajamas kind of workday and no more binge-eating in front of the computer while performing tasks.
The hybrid work will probably stay. Some day people will be in the office and other days, they will be working from home.
Of course, students will be back in the classrooms soon. Time for gadgets will be reduced which will be beneficial to the child's mental health.
Traffic
Who loves traffic? No one! But traffic is a sign of progress. It means people are going out, spending their money, and can afford car loans! ha!
Kidding aside, we should embrace traffic because it is already a part of life. The way to counter traffic situations is planning ahead and time management.
The Takeaway
Exciting things are happening as more people finally get a taste of freedom after being held hostage by the COVID 19 pandemic. Despite the wars and other crises on the other side of the world, Filipinos continue to improve, boost, and start all over again.
The economy will recover, business establishments will open up, start-up businesses will sprout everywhere and soon we will all be occupied with many outside-the-house activities once more. Social connections will be beyond the cellphones, and meaningful relationships will strengthen along the way.
There are so many possibilities waiting for us and I sure hope we all learned a thing or two about being at home with our families during the pandemic!
Thus, may we all stay safe and keep the minimum health practices while we go out into the world and engage with our passion projects!
Stay Safe Everyone!
Finally Freedom at last!
