Balik-'Pinas na… MAXENE, NA-LOCKDOWN, 1 TAONG TUMIRA SA HOTEL SA BALI, INDONESIA

ni Reggee Bonoan - @Sheet Matters | March 13, 2021

Sa wakas ay nakauwi na ng Pilipinas ang mag-asawang Maxene Magalona at Rob Mananquil pagkalipas ng isang taong pamamalagi sa Bali, Indonesia kung saan sila inabutan ng lockdown.

Umalis ng Pebrero 29, 2020 sina Maxene at Rob para sa isang buwang Yoga training course sa Bali, Indonesia, pero hindi na sila nakauwi dahil inabutan na ng lockdown na nagsimula nu'ng March 17 dahil sa Covid-19 pandemic at laging naka-cancel ang flight nila pabalik ng Manila dahil walang available.

Hindi naging madali sa mag-asawa ang ma-lockdown sa ibang bansa sa panahon ng pandemya dahil hindi naman libre ang pananatili nila roon na mabuti na lang at nagbagsak-presyo rin ang mga hotels. Sa Hotel Ubud, Malang, Indonesia tumira sina Rob at Maxene.

Sa ilang buwang pananatili ng mag-asawa sa nasabing bansa ay marami naman silang naging aktibidades base na rin sa panayam kay Maxene sa isang website.

Aniya, “We do the same thing every day. We wake up at 4 a.m. to prepare for meditation at 5 a.m. to start our day. At around 6:30 a.m., we quietly watch and appreciate the sunrise as we thank God for waking us up to another beautiful day. We then practice yoga at different times of the day once in the morning and once, sometimes even twice, in the afternoon or evening.

“For our daily meals, we have cereal or oatmeal with fruits for brunch, and only have food delivered in the afternoon for our late lunch/early dinner. We also drink green juices and fruit smoothies to help boost our immune system and keep our bodies alkaline. It's actually been a year since we have been alcohol-free! We have also been on a plant-based diet for seven months now, so we honestly feel very fortunate to be stranded here during this crisis since Bali has so many vegan options to choose from at very low prices.”

At bago mag-anibersaryo ang Covid-19 ngayong taon, Marso 17, ay nakabalik na ng bansa ang dalawa.

Base sa post ni Maxene sa kanyang IG account ay naka-check-in sila sa isang hotel sa Makati City bilang protocol ng IATF na lahat ng returning residents sa bansa ay dadaan sa 14 days quarantine.

Ipinost din ng aktres ang ipinadalang pagkain nila sa hotel room.

“Believe you deserve it and the universe will serve it. I just arrived in Manila and I can already feel the universe working in my favor. God knows how much I love vegan cinnamon rolls and without even having to ask for it, He already gave it to me!

“I take this as a clear sign from above that I am on the right path as I consciously vibrate in the frequency of abundance. As long as I believe that the universe will give me what I want and need, I will not be afraid of lacking anything.

“Vegan cinnamon roll made with almond flour, Stevia, psyllium husk, baking powder, coconut cream, cinnamon and vegan cream cheese from @ketovegan.ph!”

Sa mahabang post ni Maxene nitong Huwebes ng gabi ay ikinuwento niyang hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala na nakabalik na sila ng Pilipinas at ang mga naging karanasan nila sa panahon ng pandemya.

“There are moments when I still can’t believe that I’m finally back in Manila after living in Bali for more than a year. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed The Philippines until the day I flew back and felt the beautiful and comforting energy of being home. I’m so excited to see my friends and loved ones, reunite with my dog Coffee and eat all my favorite vegan Filipino food! Two weeks of quarantine may seem like a long time but I’m actually grateful that I will have the opportunity to just be by myself before I go back out into the world! I’ve decided to use this time for self-reflection, detoxification and integration."

Dagdag pa ni Maxene, “Coincidentally, this Sunday, March 14, happens to be Nyepi which is Bali’s New Year celebration also known as “The Day of Silence.” This is a very important day of meditation, reflection and fasting with the purpose of returning to one’s self. There will be no lighting fires (lights must be kept low), no working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling, and for some, no talking or eating at all. The purpose of all of this is to instill purity and harmony and to contemplate upon one’s intentions for the upcoming new year.

“Beginning on Sunday, (March 14) I will use my time in quarantine to reflect on everything I’ve experienced in the past year, meditate for longer hours and also do a juice fast so that I can cleanse and detoxify my body. This will be my offering to God as a sign of my infinite gratitude and devotion.

“My dear Filipina friend @_annafries who is currently based in Bali will be doing this with me and we will both be sharing our thoughts and experiences on Instagram LIVE as we go along on a special journey of coming back to our true selves.

“Celebrating my return home by returning to my true self. I’m finally home, Manila. I am my own home.”