Reconnect and rediscover

The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities,” said Pope Francis during his special Urbi et Orbi blessing last March 27, as he compared the gospel story of the storm to the pandemic.

“We have allowed to become dull and feeble the very things that nourish, sustain and strengthen our lives and communities. The tempest lays bare all our prepackaged ideas and forgetfulness of what nourishes our people’s souls; all those attempts that anesthetize us with ways of thinking and acting that supposedly save us, but instead prove incapable of putting us in touch with our roots and keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us. We deprive ourselves of the antibodies we need to confront adversity,” he added.

Gary Faustino and his team at the Ateneo de Manila College Office of Guidance and Counseling say the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) challenges our mind-set.

“It follows our pace. If we go rapid, massive and global, it does the same. If we slow down, stop and localize, it runs parallel to where we are and the virus eventually dies. The speed of spreading and intensity of the virus may be an indication of what is wrong with the world. We’re too fast, unable to stop, and nebulous in our thought processes. Ultimately, it is about appreciating the wonderful but simple things we have taken for granted.”It is in the family where we find these, they add.

Used to jampacked workdays prelockdown, business families have adjusted their pace. While still working from home, they are reconnecting with loved ones.

“We took out old photo albums, fixed them up a bit and catalogued them while reminiscing about our travels,” says Catherine “Cathy” Tiu-Tan of Akari Lighting and Technology Corp. (See “Akari siblings work in harmony,” Feb. 6, 2014).Cathy and the Tiu family used to take annual breaks by traveling and learning about different cultures.They recently compiled digital photos, which were then edited to create a short film. The final product was sent to all family members for keepsake.

“The best part was reminiscing about our experiences,” Cathy says. “Even if we cannot visit each other, we have plenty of pleasant memories to share and make as well.”

Joseph Tay of Casa Bella Home and Living Furniture continues to work via Zoom calls. (See “Power couple sells furniture,” Aug. 29, 2019, and “When love is work, literally,” Sept. 5, 2019).

His wife Stephanie “Stenie” Coyiuto-Tay helps him, but they also find time to brainstorm on short stories and features.

Joseph and Stephanie’s children exercise to workout videos on YouTube and do online math and English classes.

University of the Philippines business administration and accounting senior Nathan Oranga, whose family manages a textile enterprise, recounts how they help in bringing the materials to those making masks.

“We want to make materials available to customers who can then make personal protective equipment or donate them for use,” he says.

The family also gathered together to make plastic face shields, a practical bonding activity.

On his own, Nathan continues to learn. He studies data science online, reads books and immerses himself in instructional shows, such as Master Class videos.

Reconnect to and redisco­ver each other during this time of quarantine.

To my readers: What activi­ties are you engaging in these days of lockdown? Send me an email so I can share your stories. INQQueena N. Lee-Chua is with the board of directors of Ateneo’s Family Business Center. Get her book “All in the Family Business” at www.lazada.com.ph or call National’s Jennie Garcia at 0915-421-2276. Contact the author at [email protected].