The nationwide lockdown that was implemented within the months of March to May 2020 caused a significant disturbance in the lives of many people, as some of their daily routines were suddenly forced to a halt.

Last June 2020, the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila was lifted and replaced by a modified general community quarantine. More non-essential businesses were slowly permitted to re-open, allowing people to go out of their houses for other non-essential matters provided that they followed quarantine measures.

Life in San Juan City seems to be steadily recovering, as more and more people can be seen engaging in physical activities such as daily exercises and attending masses.

In November 2020, following the Inter-agency Task Force’s mandated 30 percent capacity in places of worship in the previous month, mayors in Metro Manila shortened the curfew hours from midnight to three o’clock AM starting December 1, 2020. This was done in order to give way to the tradition of Simbang Gabi, otherwise known as midnight mass.

The Simbang Gabi in Mary The Queen Parish was held in the football field of Xavier School San Juan to allow more space in between the mass goers.

Simbang Gabi isn’t the only reason for people to wake up early. Be it early mornings or even late afternoons, and despite the need to wear face masks even when engaging in aerobic activities, one can always find individuals and groups exercising along the streets of Mary the Queen Parish.

Through the resumption of these activities, it is evident that we have been gradually adapting to this “new normal.” This serves as a reminder that despite all the inconveniences and difficulties, we must still keep moving forward.

Safety should definitely always be our priority in the time of this pandemic. However, if it is possible to find a balance between keeping safe, practicing our faith, and maintaining regular exercises, it can be beneficial for both our physical and spiritual well-being during this pandemic.