Manila’s Dream Come True: Restaurants & Salons Bounce Back
All those sultry Filipino take‑outs and buzzing beauty parlor doors that have been shut for weeks finally open again on Thursday, September 16. Why? The Philippine government is ditching the behemoth “move‑till‑you‑stop” ban and testing a more nimble, localised lockdown in Metro Manila — a sprawling grid of 16 cities that houses 13 million people. If the experiment works, the rest of the country might adopt the new playbook.
First‑hand Reactions
- Luciano Dalay, the hand‑in‑glove supervisor of a restaurateur, could barely hold back his joy: “We’re thrilled that the doors are open! Our staff can finally touch the kitchen again.”
- “For the first time since the lockdown began, diners won’t sit on a rotation schedule. They’ll have a full shift.” — Luciano
- Gracie Alvarez, salon manager, banged her microphone: “Honey, one of the hardest hits on us was the lockdown. If we keep this rocking, I’m confident the personal‑care biz will flourish again!”
Capacity Rules & Security Measures
- Outdoor dining receives a “30 % capacity” boost, giving chefs a chance to sauté and sunbathe in moderation.
- Indoor rooms are a tight‑knitted club for only fully‑immunised groups – less than the full crowd.
- Talk‑times, prayers, or any religious scene are allowed, pencilled to a maximum of 30 % of the venue’s full capacity.
- The veteran “personal‑care” services — think haircuts and facials — get a breathing room with the same 30 % cap.
COVID‑19 Numbers in the Philippines
The mainland’s case count climbed to 2.3 million with a new 21,261 infections reported on Thursday itself. Deaths crept up by 277 to just over 36,000, a grim reminder that, even as business gears up, society is still dancing with the virus. The sharpest rise last Saturday saw a record 26,303 new infections — a hilltop on the current pandemic trail.
In this grand arena of pills, masks, and resilience, Manila’s reopening is a hopeful splash. Will the rest of the Philippines follow? Only time (and epidemiologists) will tell. For now, grab your spoon, your client schedules, and enjoy that sweet taste of freedom — with a side of caution.
