1 June 2020
When the lockdown was imposed the Club had to close down in compliance with government directives. Some employees, however, remained at the Club premises. They slept at the Club and took on other duties to help out during the pandemic, acting, in effect as custodians watching over the Club until Members return. They share their thoughts about their lockdown experience.
ABRAHAM ESPINA
Abs has been with MPC for 17 years. Before the lockdown, he was a PoloFit Coordinator. He is currently assisting Members and checking declaration forms, together with the security officers at the gate.
How were you personally affected by the lockdown? Were you able to see your family? What did you miss the most about “normal life”?
My mother, who is 80 years old, has glaucoma and is taking maintenance medication for high blood pressure. Because of the lockdown, I had to prioritize my own expenses because I was not sure when I would be able to get my regular pay again. I was able to send money just recently because of this new role I am doing.
My family is in Sultan Kudarat but I am able to communicate with them via social media and through phone calls and SMS. I have already accepted that not being with my family will be my new reality for now. I miss regular communication and interaction with the Members. I also miss going out and having friendly outings with my co-employees. I miss regular communication and interaction with the Members. I also miss going out for personal time and having friendly outings with my co-employees.
What was it like being at the Club while it was empty?
Since I am a stay-in employee, it was lonely being in the Club. This is the first time I experienced a temporary shutdown and I have experienced many things during this time such as cleaning the Members’ toilet, mopping the Badminton Courts, and doing daily maintenance for the Hard Courts.
What are you looking forward to doing once the GCQ is lifted?
I have accepted that what we will have after the GCQ will be the new normal and my goal is to persevere more than ever. God-willing, I am hoping to better myself by building my skill sets so I may be able to improve my work, and hopefully be able to provide more for my family. I also aim to be with the Club for much longer, provide more for my family, and also be with the Club for much longer.
JOY DAGUMAMPAN
Joy has been a Lady Guard at the MPC for five years. Before the lockdown, she was assigned to the Lobby. She continues to be assigned to the Lobby as a Lady Guard, while assisting with member inquiries, including telephone inquiries.
How were you personally affected by the lockdown? Were you able to see your family? What did you miss the most about “normal life”?
I am a motorcycle enthusiast and I usually go on long motorcycle rides with my friends during my off-days but I can’t do that now that there are travel restrictions in place. I have four siblings here in Metro Manila, and since the lockdown has been in place, I haven’t seen them because I was assigned as a stay-in lady guard. I miss going out with friends and buying personal stuff because now, I’m limited to buying basic necessities because I am trying to allocate my salary to paying for my sibling’s utilities as well as supporting them.
What was it like being at the Club while it was empty?
The Club was very quiet and there’s not much movement except for the usual repairs and maintenance that the GSD was doing that I am assigned to monitor. I, together with the rest of the security team, also monitor the movement and health of the other stay-in employees, ensuring that they pass the health screenings for them to be able to continue working inside the Club. Now that the Club has eased Members’ entry, I also assist in monitoring Members’ movements inside the permitted zones, as well as answering Member inquiries.
What are you looking forward to doing once the GCQ is lifted?
I’m usually a homebody, but I’m hoping to get back to the gym and I also do occasional cooking, which I have turned into a hobby/ small business. I had to touch my savings meant for the house that my brother and I were helping build for our parents in Bacolod. I’m hoping that I can get back to getting my funds back up so it can get built soon.
– as told to Joanne Lacsina