The year is 2023, and it was the late afternoon of July 29th. The pandemic has somewhat subsided, and the people have fully embraced the new normal. The downtown streets of Iloilo City is crowded, not with cars and jeepneys but with cyclists and pedestrians. They are doing a last-minute payday shopping before going home. There is a slight drizzle, but with the canopy system on the pathways, the people aren’t bothered.

We see Calle Real littered with on-the-go and takeout shops where you can order your food and other items while on your bike. The line at Roberto’s is unusually thin, unlike the old times, as the takeout counter was replaced with a vending machine, and the food favorites can be instantly bought.

A few buildings got these towering ads above them, but they are displaying not about fast food or liquor; instead, the latest diet plan and products. Or was that the newest version of a folding bike brand?

On the side is a thrift shop department store, selling their RTWs at a half-price discount. It seemed that the only t-shirt sizes left were XL and above.

A few grocery shops opted to go with the self-service, pay & go feature, and shopping is through an app. Each of the items is carefully wrapped and with the price tag, and the checkout counter is similar to that of the vending machine. Just place your bill, and it will give out the change.

Several city public transport stations are placed at the city borders to accommodate the daytime population. It seemed though that only a few, those with large baggage are the passengers. Alined is a grass park, with a waiting shed, a few wooden benches, and a bike pit stop.

To be continued…

P.S. This is just on-the-spot wishful thinking of the scenario of the city and Ilonggo lifestyle post-new normal. I know it is far from reality, though I am hopeful that we all can overcome this crisis.