Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the lockdown in the Philippines. It's hard to believe that three years have already passed since that fateful day. I remember my initial reaction to the news of the lockdown was a mixture of happiness and excitement. I was happy because there was no work, and excited because my friends from Naic, Cavite were going to pick me up from Pasay. At the time, I thought that the lockdown would only last for a few days. Little did I know, it would be the beginning of a long and challenging journey. On the first day of the lockdown, I didn't really have a routine as it was my first day at a new company. However, I was scheduled to start my shift at 11 am. The lockdown announcement happened later in the afternoon, so I was able to make it to the office without any problems. The streets were empty, and it felt like I was in a scene from Train to Busan. The MRT stations were closed, and the weather was gloomy. The challenges I faced that day were mostly related to commuting home after my shift. My shift finished at 8 pm. It was a struggle to find a ride back home as public transportation was limited. I remember walking from Ayala to Magallanes, which took a lot longer than usual. It was scary because there was already news of COVID-19, and the zombie apocalypse-like atmosphere outside made it feel even more unsettling. Despite the sudden change in daily life, I learned to be more responsible and plan ahead during that time. It wasn't easy because going out was strictly regulated, and we had to have a valid reason for leaving our homes. But I tried to maintain a positive outlook and not let the situation get to me. Looking back, I realized that I had to learn to be more adaptable and flexible. The lockdown gave me new opportunities, but it wasn't easy to grasp them. It's a bittersweet thing. The lessons that I took away from the first day of the lockdown are to be more resilient and optimistic. I learned that it's important to not be afraid of jumping into the unknown because there will always be people who will support and guide you along the way. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpyyJ9WrQWV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=