Returning to normal?

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

“COVID-19 cases drop by 45%–prov’l IATF.” That’s the headline of this paper last week.

I have to believe it. Based on my own observation for the past many days, I think the situation in the province on this deadly disease is gradually but surely on course towards normalcy. In fact, during the interment of my late niece Vivian last November 22 who died due to tuberculosis, I noticed that some people who joined the funeral procession didn’t care to wear face masks or face shields anymore. But, of course, I didn’t dare to come close to them even if the infection has decreased by 45 percent. I believe the  deadly virus is still roaming freely in our communities. “Walang mananalo sa sigurado,” as the saying goes by Filipinos. I agree.

In sports, especially in basketball, the NBA defied the threat after suspending the tournament for at least six months. NBA finished its 2019-2020 season through the ‘bubble system’ and it was successful because no one was infected and the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers reclaimed the crown by beating the Miami Heat 4-2 in the best-of-seven-series. Same is happening in this year’s PBA: Barangay Ginebra vs. Meralco and Phoenix vs. TNT are already in the best-of-five-series in the semifinals. The four with identical slates of two wins and two losses, rumble with their respective opponents anew for the fifth and final scrimmages on November 27. The two winners in the semis will eventually clash for the title this year.

Following NBA’s lead, PBA followed the strict health protocol ordered by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) while game officials, particularly the referees, were subjected to isolation and required to take the swab and rapid tests.

Boxing events are also gradually returning. Unknown to many, the first professional boxing tournament during this pandemic was held last October 7 in Mandaue City and the second was conducted in General Santos City last November 21 that featured former World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales who knocked out compatriot and title contender Eden Sonsona in the second round. It was a bold move by well-known promoter JC Manangquil of Sanman Promotions since the pandemic started.  Of course, the two boxing events in the country got the endorsement in Joint Administrative Order from the Department of Health and GAB, with protocols and guidelines agreed to be strictly observed.

Another upcoming event is on December 12 in Talisay, Cebu featuring world contender K.J. Cataraja. Yes, boxing is now in new normal despite the pandemic.

On the local side, a mountain bike race will be held in Mapandan on November 29 and in Asingan on December 12, 2020.

The Asingan event will be conducted in four categories, from 15 to 19 years old; 20 to 29; 30 to 39 and 40 years and above. The Mapandan bikefest format is similar to the Asingan event.

On the national side, the first race of the year 2021 will be held in Clark Field, Pampanga on January 17. Dubbed as “Clark Cycling Classic 2021,” the bikefest will be an open event and will be conducted in 20 and 40 kilometers individual-time-trial races with cash prizes and medals at stake. The organizer is the GoClark Sports and Events.

Yes, sporting events are now back in business under the new normal.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”.  MATTHEW 4: 10

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