Welcome back!. The atmosphere has shifted again. We just received the news that we are going back into a stricter lockdown—specifically a modified ECQ—for our area and Oslob. For those of you following our journey from outside the Philippines, this might sound like a minor inconvenience, but when you live in the province, a lockdown changes everything overnight.
In this video, I wanted to take you along as we navigate this new "old" reality. It’s a strange feeling of déjà vu. One day you’re starting to see life return to the streets, and the next, the checkpoints are back, the borders between municipalities are sealed, and the "quarantine pass" becomes your most important document.
We decided to head out for a quick run to stock up on essentials before the full weight of the restrictions kicked in. Driving through Ginatilan and down toward Oslob, you can see the immediate impact. The vibrant, bustling energy of the local markets and the small tourist spots that were just beginning to breathe again has been replaced by a heavy silence. It’s tough to watch because I know how much the local economy relies on that movement. In Oslob, especially, the lack of tourists is a massive blow to the community.
For Jessa and me, this lockdown is a moment of reflection. We chose to build our life here in the "bukid" (the mountains) because we wanted space and a connection to nature. In times like this, that decision feels like a blessing. While we are restricted in where we can go, we aren't "trapped" in a city apartment. We have the fresh air, the view of the mountains, and our little piece of paradise to keep us grounded. But it’s not without its challenges. There is a psychological toll to seeing your world shrink so suddenly.
I also spent some time in the video talking about the importance of following the local rules. As a foreigner here, you have to be extra mindful. You aren't just a visitor; you are a member of this community, and that means respecting the health protocols and the local government’s decisions, even when they are frustrating. The "checkpoints" aren't just barriers; they are part of the collective effort to keep people safe.
One of the things that always strikes me about the Philippines, even in the middle of a strict lockdown, is the resilience. You see the guys at the checkpoints, the people in the markets, and despite the masks and the stress, there is still that signature Filipino smile and a sense of "we will get through this." It’s a level of patience that I’ve really had to learn and adopt since moving here from Norway.
My message for this video is simple: stay safe and stay patient. If you’re a foreigner here with us, use this time to focus on your home, your family, and your mental health. If you’re watching from abroad, waiting for your chance to visit, just know that the Philippines will still be here when this passes. We’re going to keep our spirits high, use this time to work on the house, and keep sharing the real, unfiltered side of life in Cebu with you.
We are hunkering down, but we aren't stopping.
Stay safe out there, follow the guidelines, and I’ll see you in the next one.
