The Covid-19 pandemic drastically altered how Filipinos celebrate Christmas for the past two years.
For the year 2022, Christmas is a lot merrier as families are now allowed to physically get together and celebrate after two years.
But for some who are at the frontlines, have to make sacrifices.
Jojo Olajes, who hails from Zamboanga del Sur, will be separated from his family for the third year in a row.
As an employee of a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm, working on Christmas is very special for him as it means additional pay to help finance the medical treatment of his brother.
Olajes, 30, had recently been promoted to a managerial position. Thus, taking a leave on Christmas and New Year would be a huge loss on his earnings.
“It's quite sad that when ‘bisperas’ comes, you get to see your family sharing photos on Facebook without me,” he said.
“Sometimes, I get emotional but when you’re reminded that you’re doing this for your family, it becomes worth it,” he added.
After work, he always makes sure to greet them through video chat.
He has not returned to his hometown despite the lifting of the restrictions since the Covid-19 cases all over the country had dwindled down.
Erik also had to miss the annual Noche Buena as he is tasked to roam around his jurisdiction as a police officer.
“Samtang anaa sila tanan sa ilang tagsa-tagsang panimalay, anaa ta sa dalan ga-monitor aron i-secure ang katawhan ug dakpon ang mga buot maghasik og kagubot anang adlawa (While everyone else is merrymaking with families in their homes, we are out in the streets to patrol and secure the public. We are on the lookout to the bad guys who can potentially ruin the celebration),” he said.
He was emotional when asked what he will miss this year's Christmas as he won't get to celebrate it with his wife and his one-year-old daughter.
Erik's family is in Mati City, Davao Oriental. Since they are not allowed to take a leave until the Christmas period, he had no choice but to fulfill his sworn duty.
“Duty man nato as police nga i-secure ang siyudad ana nga adlaw. Kutob video chat na lang gyud ta ani usa (Duty calls, as a policeman, it is my duty to protect the public, especially on that day. There is no way to celebrate with my family but through video chat only),” he said.
He can't wait to go back home and catch up with the celebration with his family after the holidays.
For doctor Anggie Hope, this year was a blessing not only for her but for the entire medical frontliners.
“Di lalim mag-Pasko nga naa sa Covid-19 facilities. Imbes mag-celebrate ka with your family, naa ka sa ospital gaalaga sa pasyente (It is not easy to spend your Christmas within Covid-19 facilities. You are attending to these patients instead of being with your family),” Anggie said.
She recalled how, during her shift last year’s Christmas, two of her patients succumbed to Covid-19.
“It wasn’t Christmas at all. I was on the verge of quitting already because I felt things were going to get worse,” Anggie said.
It was a prayer answered that the entire world was slowly recovering from the pandemic.
Anggie is currently assigned, not to the Covid-19 ward, but to the emergency department.
Despite being away from her family, she doesn’t feel alone as she still gets to celebrate Christmas with her co-workers.
If there is one Christmas wish she hopes would be answered, she said “I hope nga kaning mga pasyente nga kasagarang na-admit will be discharged before Christmas.” RGL
