We have been cooped up in the house for so long because of the Covid-19 lockdown and beyond. So when the ECQ was lifted in Bacolod City, we took the Ford Ranger Wildtrak for a 3-day rainy family road trip around the province of Negros Occidental. It was truly a breath of fresh air. Read on for ideas on how to go out safely during this time.
The Covid-19 Lockdown
Since March 14, our family has been holed up at home because of the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The kids do not really demand to go out, but they do miss our family travels. Many know us as the #PamilyaLagawan or the family of wanderers because we travel often.
We can do this any time of the year without consideration to the school year because we are homeschooling them. Part of our decision to homeschool them is that so we can bring them when we travel for work. And we have successfully done that, which is the reason why we have the collection of Framily-Friendly Hotels We Have Stayed In.
From late January to February this year, we were in Luzon. We celebrated an aunt’s in Baguio City as well as spent some family time in Clark. It was really a memorable, week-long trip with the family because just last month, that aunt passed away. That was our last time with her.
Covid-19 already happened that time. But, of course, I faced stages in reacting to the pandemic. There was sort of denial, keeping our family healthy and safe without worrying so much. We continued to live our lives, despite being careful. I just felt that there was really no good at worrying. Instead, we decided to wait it out.
Adventure on the Road: Rainy Family Road Trip
Needless to say, Covid-19 turned out to be a pandemic so the government was forced to declare the mandatory quarantine. The duration of the lockdown just depended on how bad the situation is in a certain locale.
Fast forward two months later, the ECQ has been lifted and we have a bit more freedom. However, we still decided to stay at home most of the time in order to be on the safe side. As for the kids, well, they haven’t gone out yet.
Last weekend, we had the opportunity to take the Ford Ranger Wildtrak for a drive around the province. Since we are still rather squeamish about overnight stays so we just took off to different locations every day.
Since June already signals the wet season in the Philippines, it is no wonder then that we had a rainy family road trip. But it was okay, we more on the road most of the time and the Ford Ranger Wildtrak promises safety. With my hubby’s careful driving and God’s protection, we all got to our destinations safely.
We also thank God for the favors during our road trip. Despite the rainy weather, the skies always cleared wherever we went.
The Destinations
Not wanting to stay over night and risk Covid-19 infection, we decided to just drive to different destinations in the province. Here are the things we do so that we can have a respite from the lockdown and enjoy fresh scenery. But safely.
Don Salvador Benedicto
Since have been to Don Salvado Benedicto for several times already, we just decided to pass by. Here we are on a quick pit stop.
Murcia, Negros Occidental
On the first day, we went to our favorite picnic destination- –Baluarte Rest and Relaxation in Murcia, Negros Occidental. We have been there on an overnight stay before but they were fully-booked for the weekend so we just had lunch there.
Since it was raining after lunch, we spent time having coffee while the kids played board games with Dad. It was a short bonding time but it was so nice to be able to get away even for a few hours.
Mansilingan, Bacolod City
After Baluarte, we visited friends around the Mansilingan area. We picked up cookies from a friend and delivered some cookies to another friend. Moreover, we got to pick up our things for barter.
We completed our errands that afternoon–how efficient!
Calatrava
The following day, we set out to visit the Monkey Sanctuary in the Municipality of Calatrava, northern Negros Occidental. It was a longggg drive but a short visit because the rain threatened.
But the kids enjoyed their time with the monkeys, learning about their quirks, and interacting with them. Will write more about this trip soon.
Victorias City
We did not go back the way we went but rather took the coastal highway going to Victorias City where we picked up driftwood full of vanda orchids. It was a gift from a fellow barterer at the Bacolod Barter Community, Ms. Yllen Majaducon.
The kids also enjoyed her garden as well as talking to her. But on the way there, it rained really hard, like it was pouring cats and dogs. Check out the road and how the automatic wipers of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak works
Last stop was Talisay City, where picked up more orchids from another fellow barterer. We also ordered pizza from her and that was our take-away dinner already.
To complete our rainy family road trip, we went to Pahanocoy, Bacolod City where the potters live and sell their wares. But since many people have turned to gardening during the ECQ, there is also a shortage of pots so I ended up buying just a few.
The Threat Is Not Over Yet
But this week, we have read news that it seems there are new Covid-19 positive cases emerging. It simply means that the threat is not over yet. We just had a brief respite last weekend and I appreciate it.
For now, we stay at home and stay safe. It is important to slow down the spread of disease and reduce the risk of infection. Read: Stay At Home – Plead Doctors and Nurses Amid Covid-19
Also, it is important to wear personal protective gear when going out. Wear face masks and face shields properly. Also, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face with your hands.
Other Covid-19 Related Stories
Meanwhile, here are other stories related to Covid-19 that might interest you.
- Stages of Dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Homemade Fried Cauli Rice Recipe
- 3-Ingredient DIY Slime Recipe | Activity for Kids
- Lopue’s San Sebastian Online Ordering App in Bacolod | Buy Groceries Online
- Createe Kit: Design Your Own Shirt for Emotional Intelligence
- Pinoy Callos Recipe by Mommy Sigrid
- Using Covilyzer UV Sterilization Lamp Against Covid-19 and Dust Mites
- Homemade Garlic Corned Beef Recipe by Mommy Sigrid
- Healthy Home Habits from SM Home
- Getting a Dental Checkup During the New Normal
Ang gaganda ng napuntahan niyo momsh sa probinsya. Aana all nakaka pag road trip din kasama ang pamilya. Always keep safe po!
Sobrang saya talaga mag travel basta kasama ang pamilya.. ? gusto ko po ung sa damit niyo na ngayon anak niyo na po nagsusuot, ?.. ? time flies so past talaga! ?? stay safe po and god bless! ❤