By: Ricca Sy
Like every other country in the world, the Philippines was hit with COVID-19 and has been trying to suppress the spread of the virus. Filipinos have been in quarantine for over 7 months and are still far from overcoming the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean that it will stop them from making the most that they can out of the situation. While there are still restrictions in going out, there are a surprising number of things you can do with quarantine passes, a car and a full tank of gas, and here are a few of them:
Drive-thru Mass and Communion
Photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer
Every Sunday, people would gather together to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Churches used to be packed full of people who have devoted their time to hear the priest’s homily and receive communion. But these days people are more vigilant about mass gatherings, especially with safety protocols like social distancing and quarantine passes in place – which is why some people have come up with a way to attend mass safely.
Fr. Mario Sol Gabriel and The Lord’s Transfiguration Parish in Angeles City, Pampanga came up with drive-thru communion as a way for people to receive the Body of Christ while attending mass from the safety of their parked cars. The priest leading the mass would make rounds serving communion to cars in the parking lot while wearing personal protective equipment. This new approach has touched many people in the city because it brings people hope despite the pandemic. As Father Gabriel said, “[Our] presence must all the more be felt by people. With all the negativity one encounters today, priests should stand out and all the more bring Jesus Christ to people.”
Drive-in, Dine-in
We all miss the joy of going out with friends and family to eat at a restaurant without having to worry about our health. As social distancing has become the new norm that everyone has to follow, restaurants have adapted “park and drive” services as a safer way of dining in.
Image from Max’s Restaurant
Family favorite Max’s Restaurant and their signature fried chicken dish is also giving us a treat with their Park N’ Dine experience at selected branches, as a way for customers to order contactless and consume food without the risk of going out.
Photo from Chef Resty’s
Chef Resty’s offers some of the best roast beef around, and they have a branch that specifically caters to drive-in customers! Their Sitio Elena Events Venue branch in Cainta Rizal allows you to order, pay and eat, all from inside your car.
Image from ArmyNavy Burger + Burrito
If you’re in the mood for a quick bite of Tex-Mex while on a drive then Army Navy’s Park and Dine service will surely save you from hunger while travelling! Selected branches offer you your very own parking and dining spot so you can enjoy a burrito before you take off.
Drive-in Cinema
Image from SM Cinema
How do you do movie dates in the new normal? How about watching Movies by the Bay? The drive-in cinema in the SM Mall of Asia Arena grounds will surely give you an unforgettable experience! And although it might be a ways off for most people, the one-of-a-kind experience awaiting you will surely be worth the drive. Imagine watching a romantic movie just as the sun sets over Manila Bay – what could top that? It’s the perfect place for a date, or for a unique night out with friends and family.
The cinema is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with entry to the cinema starting at 4:30PM and one movie per day screening at 6:45PM. After doing necessary health protocols, movie-goers will be assigned one parking spot, good for a car of 2-4 people. The cinema requires people to buy the tickets in advance online, which costs P400. This already covers their movie experience, snacks, a bottle of water and beef franks!
Although the pandemic shook 2020 to the core, we will always find new, creative and innovative ways to experience life. It just shows how resourceful and creative people can get in times of difficulty. The examples in these article are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are so many more possibilities that haven’t been explored yet. What do you think is the next quarantine innovation that could help us cope during the pandemic? Share it with us in the comments section below!