Reunions

The airports and the seaports in Cebu are now slowly filling up as the holiday season kicks in. Relatives from different parts of the country and the world even, are back. Parties that turn into reunions are being held left and right. All the possible venues for events as these are booked until the end of the year. Others call the gathering a Christmas party while there are some who want to use the term year-end party. Either way, it is a great way to celebrate.

There are a lot of things to be elated about this year. First, is the loosening of restrictions from the ongoing pandemic. The government finally gave in to the clamor of the public to address the virus fatigue. Not to mention, a lot of countries have also already lifted restrictions. It's good to finally enjoy the season as it was years back.

My friends on social media who used to work for the creative industry are also now getting their groove back. They are being booked left and right. Every night is a grind day for them, because events are also back. From fashion to stage design to providing lighting and sound. One way or another, we are slowly slipping into the world that we know.

But reunions, they tell a different story. Some of which are very unconventional. There are many hopefuls who have finally met their foreign partners. Now that travel restrictions are also lifted, they can enter the country and be with their loved ones whom they have only met online. That comes with the increase in prices of places whose main market is the tourism industry.

My only fear about reunions is the culture shock that comes with it. After years of disallowing hugging and beso-beso, will we be able to do it again? Or will it be too awkward? Will it open up to a door of many opportunities? Or open up wounds of the past instead? It's all such a blur; a risky move for those who have been on home quarantine because of the pandemic.

This should be one of the things HR companies could look into. Now that the concept of mental wellness is no longer taboo, we can also talk about coping with the anxiety of returning to the way we were. Most, if not all, have been engrossed in solitude and working from home. The traveling conditions going back and forth to the office or school is not even helping.

Either way, the presence of reunions today would lead us to appreciate the things that we have lost over time. And that time, as it is, is also very special. As we beat traffic, rush to buy gifts and last-minute food presents to make it to the gatherings, we need to go back to gratitude. The busy season may take a toll on us, but it is better than just preparing for a virtual party.