AN ANNUAL REVIEW 2020

(My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao und The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.)
 

Some of you, my dear readers, might think, may think that this is a little early. We are in the first week of December right now. A review of the year belongs to the end of the year, right?

Maybe you feel the same way. Somehow, we all want this year 2020 to end as soon as possible. Well, honestly, in my case, it really doesn't mean that everything was bad in my business- and family life in 2020. So really not. The personal and business success was really impressive. If it hadn't just been this virus... . 

Well, the 2020 annual review can be very short and precise. And so this annual review will be more of an annual outlook for 2021. Or should I say a wish list for next year? At the turn of the year, I always liked to write a wish list "between the years". I wrote about peace. I wrote about (more) blessings. I wrote how we can get a better grip on climate change in the following years. Yes, and I wrote about health.

What is, of course, first on this year's wish list 2021? Well guess what? Health, of course, health for the whole world! A world with this virus! And everything else then comes automatically as if by itself!

Let's wish and hope, and most importantly pray for this! Even now, although the year 2020 is far from from over!

Best Boracay Travel Guide

 By 

Gem Muzones

Verified Expert

Escape to one of the best islands in the world, Boracay in the Philippines! Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top things to do and see, where to eat, best hotels and resorts to stay in, and other travel tips with this ultimate travel guide. 

Boracay Island, one of the top beaches in the Philippines, is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand beach (called White Beach), crystal clear and azure waters, a stunning sunset and more. The island doesn’t fall short on adventures and activities for people of all ages.

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• Book Boracay vacation packages for a hassle-free trip to this island paradise

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You'll never run out of exciting things to do in Boracay, from swimming, island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, dining and parties. Because of these, Boracay has been cited multiple times as one of the best islands and beaches in the world according to reputable publications and travelers' choice lists. 

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If you’re planning a getaway to Boracay, here’s everything you need to know to experience what this world-renowned paradise has to offer fully.

Boracay Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal

Starting October 1, 2020, tourists from all over the Philippines can once again explore Boracay's clear waters and gorgeous stretches of white sand. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has released a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow and consider before you jump at the chance to book that ticket to Boracay.  

1. Who are allowed to go to Boracay?

Residents from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to traveling. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.  

2. What are the entry points in Boracay?

Godofredo Ramos Airport also known as Caticlan Airport is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially now that there is a daily tourist cap in place.

Travelers arriving at Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port Terminal should also expect strict monitoring as each port is mandated to have health declaration stations, body temperature checks, hand sanitation, staff in protective gear, and physical distancing.

3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?

Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Boracay: 

Secure a negative RT-PCR test result

The IATF has enacted a test-before-travel requirement. Travelers from GCQ or MCGQ areas must secure a negative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before the trip, so plan accordingly. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.

Observe strict quarantine

Travelers have to observe strict quarantine protocols until their travel date. This includes social distancing and proper, frequent handwashing.

Health declaration form 

Visitors have to register online at http://aklan.gov.ph to answer a health declaration form. A QR Code will be sent right after, which will be presented upon arrival at the airport as well as when entering establishments for contact tracing.

Pre-book accredited Boracay hotels or resorts

Travelers should already have pre-booked hotels or resorts to stay in Boracay. Once booked, they should register through Aklan’s mobile app. Check out the list of DOT-accredited accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Open here.

Travel authority from PNP and IATF is NOT required 

Tourists no longer need to secure travel authority, a negative RT-PCR test result will suffice.

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4. How do you get the Tourist QR Code?

STEP 1: Access http://aklan.gov.ph or https://bit.ly/2QzbUkZ and click Online Health Declaration. Choose Boracay on the "Where To?" page.

STEP 2: Fill out the required fields and click submit.

STEP 3: Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card (HDC) on your smartphone or have it printed.

STEP 4: Email touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC - Family Name, First Name (example: OHDC - Santos, John) and attach a copy of the following:

• 1) HDC together with a copy of RT-PCR Negative Result
• 2) Confirmed booking flight and booking details
• 3) Valid ID

Multiple tourists and documents can be sent in one email.

STEP 5: Wait for the email response within the day. If approved, a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code will be sent back to you. Present these to authorities at the borders for scanning.

5. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in Boracay?

Once you're in Boracay, make sure you follow these safety protocols:

Tourist QR code

Visitors should always have a copy of their QR code on their person, whether through their smartphone or a printed physical copy. This will be used to enter establishments like hotels, restaurants and other facilities for contact tracing.

Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield

Tourists are required to wear proper safety gear and practice social distancing. Proper safety gear is defined as a mask and face shield, in addition to frequent and proper handwashing.

Transport protocols

Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.

Passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be immediately transported to the nearest health facility. Drivers are provided with proper safety gear and the needed sanitization tools to disinfect the vehicle after every ride.

Dining protocols

Customers dining in have to log down details for contact tracing. Restaurants should have temperature checks, practice social distancing, and other sanitizing products. Self-service stations are barred from operating. 

6. What activities can you do in Boracay during quarantine?

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Boracay, but make sure to take note of the following protocols:

Swimming - with registration

Tourists have to register before swimming. There are designated beach stations where you can get your temperature checked before you go into the water. Areas are marked with red and yellow flags and you’re allowed to swim from 6 am to 6 pm.

Water sports - reduced capacity

Water sports or White Beach activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are permitted but at a reduced capacity.

Dining - with protocols

Restaurants are open for dine-in and take-out. Contactless payment is encouraged to lessen possible transmission.

I AM A RETIREE NOW

Yes, I am a German retiree in the Philippines. Well, actually I became a retiree in accordance with German law 2 years ago already. Being retired didn't mean for me to stop working or being active in daily life though I could already enjoy my German pensions. But that's not my lifestyle.

Of course, I stopped teaching after many years. And, my service as German Honorary Consul for the island of Mindanao will soon come to an end. Such are the laws.

Being retired has many meanings for me. Maybe, being free of any kind of constriction. Having time for all these things I have actually wanted to do for years. Don't get me wrong: I really enjoyed everything I was able to do in the Philippines: being a radio host, being a Rotary Club member, being a marketing director, being a professor teaching the German language, or being a Honorary Consul on service for Filipinos and German nationals.

At the age of almost 68, it's time to focus on all the other possibilities, life has still to offer me. And believe me, there are so many possibilities. 

One thing for sure is: writing. My biography, which I started 15 years ago, should be brought to an end. I am still looking for a publisher and printing press. "With Beethoven under Palms" - yes, my life takes place under palm trees for several decades. And with me was and is Ludwig van Beethoven - my favorite German classical composer and hero. Of course not only him. Try to read my biography if it is published soon.

I am a retiree now. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do anything anymore. After all accomplishments in my past life, I am happy and satisfied. I thank our good Lord for everything he has given to me.

It's really the time now for me to focus on other things. And I know, our good Lord will guide me - as he always did during the last 68 years, while I was travelling around the world and being able to meet so many different people and being able to learn from so many cultures up to the moment I settled down in the Philippines 22 years ago.

Mabuhay Philippines!

DdO strengthens info-dissemination against Covid-19

 

Davao de Oro Province--- Self-responsibility is the key in slowing down rates of Covid-19 transmission and is the most reliable way to fight this pandemic.

With the government’s effort in reminding everyone of the basic health protocols to ward-off the Covid-19 virus, people still gather in large in groups despite health warnings and may cause to elevate cases of local transmission.

To further remind and instill in the minds of every Dabawenyo, PLGU-Davao de Oro in partnership with Globe Telecommunications strengthens its anti-COVID campaign through various means. One of these is the traditional way of promotion through billboards, lamp post banner, and tarpaulins installed in places such as the center island lamp post, waiting sheds, and other strategic areas where the locals can easily get informed.

Among the materials posted were the digital innovations of the provincial government to continue serving its constituents through the use of technology such as the Serbisyo Oro Mismo, Call DdOc, One DdO Helpline System and DdO Bagsakan. Through these initiatives, Dabawenyos can access essential government services without risking lives by physically going outside to offices.

Every Dabawenyo’s self-leadership must go hand-in-hand with the government’s action. The more the people bind themselves with the rules imposed by the government the more chances they get to win against the unseen enemy. Still, it is through self-responsibility with consistent practice of proper hygiene that could save communities from the virus. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro)