Typhoon "Paeng", as I write this, was carving a trail of death and destruction just days before Filipinos remember and pay their respects to departed loved ones at cemeteries during Undas.

To be able to pray for the dead, one must first be alive and so let's all brace ourselves and be safe against everything that "Paeng" could unleash as a damper to what would be our first Christmas with minimal Covid-19 restrictions.

"Makakahinga na rin tayo (finally, we can breathe)," has been an oft-repeated statement in reaction to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Friday making good his pledge to make voluntary the wearing of masks indoors.

Marcos issued an executive order that made masking a personal choice for people, although we can expect privately-owned establishments to be given the leeway to decide whether to keep their mask-on policies.

Masks for commuters aboard public transport like buses and trains will remain in effect, according to transport officials. As for the complete parameters of this EO, we'll just have to wait for its implementing guidelines.

Over "kilawing tanigue" and flaming tuna and, of course, the indefatigable Tribune editor Elmer Manuel's favorite "lechon kawali," Reira Mallari, sports ed of another paper, told us he'd keep his mask on indoors in public.

Yes, even while drinking in restaurants, he keeps his mask on, added the vocalist and band leader of Johnny Cross-Pilipinas and BalahibumPooza. He warned that Filipinos are not getting tested anymore for Covid and are no longer staying at home even when they have symptoms.

That's democracy at work. To each his own for as long as you do not take liberties with the rights of others. For Covid and other infectious diseases, the air we breathe may be shared so beware.

One lesson from this pandemic is that personal space, formerly ensuring that your shoulder does not brush against another's or that you keep your hand to yourself, should now be measured in meters.

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