Observations from the ground during the second day of the enhanced community quarantine.

I did a walk around in the afternoon yesterday with the specific intent of seeing what was involved in “crossing the border” into Subic town. What a cluster fuck that was, especially for those who had the misfortune of driving. Here’s how it looked:

As a pedestrian, I had to dutifully wait my turn to have my temperature checked. No questions were asked about where I was going or why. Every vehicle occupant went through the same meaningless procedure. I guess the appearance of action is the important thing.

I didn’t feel comfortable taking a close up photo, but the police were in full battle dress uniforms and armed to the hilt with both pistols and rifles. They weren’t messing around and I certainly wasn’t about to press my luck.

Once back in Barretto I took a walk through the bar area and the ones I saw were indeed closed. Some had signs reading “by order of the mayor”. The restaurants I passed had signs up saying only take-out was available. The Jeepneys were off the street and the number of trikes was greatly diminished. So, this shit is definitely for real.

Later in the evening, I went back to Johannson’s which was still serving beer at their bar (it’s classified as a hotel, so they were still open for business). Talking to some of the other patrons there I learned that the Arizona resort had closed down, which is really big news. I’ve since learned that several other resort hotels were also closing. A couple of the bars that had tried to stay open were raided by the police and shut down. When the Johansson’s manager heard this news, she got up and closed the front door (something I have never seen done here in almost two years). I figured as a hotel she was safe but I guess she wasn’t taking any chances. Later on, I crossed the street to the Out Back hotel and enjoyed some cold brews at their poolside bar. On the way home, I popped into 7-11 and cleaned out their supply of San Mig Zero. Hey, these are desperate times!

Anyway, I got home before 8:00 p.m. just to be on the safe side. I’m still unclear on whether we are on a 24-hour curfew or an 8-5 situation. No one seemed to be patrolling the streets while I was out, so there’s that.

This morning I got up and met Scott and Jim for a local mountain hike. We did a nice 8K walk and worked up a powerful thirst. I suggested we quench it on the way back at Johansson’s. When we walked in I noticed three guys sitting at the bar drinking coffee. Since it was afternoon, I knew something was up. I sought out the manager and sure enough, they had been told they can only serve beer to customers who are waiting on takeout food, we can no longer just come in to sit and drink. I asked her what about hotel guests? She said she thought that would be okay, so I told her I’d book a room. That’s when I learned that hotels are now prohibited from accepting any new guests! So, I fully expect more hotels will be shutting down soon.

We crossed the street to Out Back hotel and thank goodness they hadn’t got the memo. So we quaffed some beers at their very nice poolside bar. How long that’s gonna last I have no idea, but I’ll be back tonight to take advantage of their hospitality for as long as I am able. Or until 8 p.m. anyway.

Oh, and I guess someone figured out how fucking stupid it was to block traffic on the National Highway in order to render meaningless temperature checks. This is how it looked this afternoon:

I have also learned that the international flight ban from Luzon has been lifted for foreigners, so at least I can escape if the current oppression becomes more than I can bear.

So again, I’m going to ascribe good motives behind what is being done in the name of stopping the spread of the Wuhan virus. As implemented, I see no practical benefits, however. And lots and lots of people are being hurt, not to mention my inconvenience!

So, it could be worse. If it doesn’t get worse, maybe it’s all worthwhile. Time will tell.

Let me leave you with the “interesting” photo from yesterday’s walk:

I’ve got walking photos to share with y’all tomorrow. Stay tuned, it’s bound to get better!