Hosting in the Time of Pandemic

I never would have thought that I could host in the time of pandemic. A lot of people would say that I am extrovert but I guess, I am more in the introvert side than the former which is contrary to hosting. 

An event host is someone who can move the crowd and carry the event from start to finish in a smooth and spontaneous manner. So, hosting is the only time for me to become "extrovert". Well, emceeing is one of my side hustles for more than a decade but the pandemic halted my chances to host.

Booked and Cancelled Events

I supposed to be in Australia last May 2 to 14 because I would be hosting my best friend's wedding in Victoria. After, I would be back in the Philippines for a Cagayan de Oro and General Santos wedding event. Personally speaking, the offer were overwhelming for me but then everything crushed down due to this health crisis. 

Affirming my Hosting

It took a while for me to confirm about hosting in this pandemic. As one of the city mobilizers, and teaching about effective Infection Prevention and Control to the barangay health workers and other volunteers, I was hesitant to accept the invitation. There were a lot of considerations and ambivalence from my end.

"One rare moment of my hosting life"

First, I am very busy. I have so much in my hands these days, and the only accurate description I have for myself is time management. I couldn't really imagine how I juggled one task to another and thankfully, able to fulfil them one by one. 

Second, I am concerned about my dedication to my profession and job. I lead by example and being in events like weddings take a lot of consideration and thinking (include conscientious thinking) before even saying, "yes"! I called up bride and her wedding coordinator for me to collaborate and discuss about health protocols for the church and wedding reception venue. I talked to the person assigned in the reception area about the things they need to prepare and follow during the event. 

Lastly, I have to be cautious who I would be speaking to especially that they would count as my close contacts. 

Make-up and Lipstick

I never removed my face mask the moment I started hosting in the church until we arrived at the function room for the wedding reception. I always reminded myself that I was not only protecting myself but others as well. Further, I also reminded the guests to always observe proper physical distancing, and always wear their facemask. 

Finally, I realized that it is more difficult to host a wedding these days because you would not only worry about how you can glue these people to stay but also, how you constantly monitor yourself and others. 

Another worth mentioning? How one's make-up especially one's lipstick would leave smears and marks on the mask. It was cool and challenging. 

Gladly, I was able to pull-off the wedding event even though it was the first time of my life to be hosting with a lot of protocols to follow and plenty of considerations. 

Here are some operating guidelines when holding an event or training (this is the same guideline we incorporated for our barangay training as well):

1. Venue:

• Spacious and well-ventilated area to adhere to the guidelines on physical distancing.

• There is available handwashing facility for frequent handwashing or 70% alcohol will be made available all through-out the duration of the activity/event.

• There is available thermal scan to check temperature for all guests before entering the venue. 

2. Guests:

• Only a maximum of 20 people can be at the venue.

• All people must wear face masks and/or face shield. 

• Hugging, kissing (beso/beso), handshakes, and touching shall be prohibited.

• Anyone with fever or ILI (influenza-like illness) will not be allowed to enter the venue.

Note: As part of the contact tracing protocols, always have a health and travel declaration sheet for the participants/guests to fill-up. 

Story of my hosting life here:

1. The Act of Hosting: How it Enables Me to Travel