Surviving a Friendship Over with Sizzling Summer

By Christal Mae B. Napone

It’s more fun in the Philippines! The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) slogan from 2012 still lives to this day. Filipinos sure love catchphrases and it doesn’t hurt that foreigners like the word “fun” being associated with any vacation-slash-travel spot.

The Filipino people are known to be fun and feisty, making us a perfect match with the DOT’s slogan. After living in a tropical country with a two-option season; namely, Wet and Dry, Filipinos have grown to adopt our idea of merry-making with the weather.

The Wet season is a no-brainer! With all the typhoons and tropical storms they bring, no Filipino in their right mind would dare to befriend it. Fortunately, we have the dry season, aka Summer. Summer became the Filipino people’s friend in our funs and follies. Sure, we have our tough times. Periods when the friendship entered a hiatus due to some uncontrollable circumstances (looking at you El Niño).

Despite these trials, the Filipino’s friendship with Summer remains. As Asian Islanders with tanned, melanated skin, we have always fared better than fairer ethnicities when it comes to sunny climates. It’s too bad that this year bears bad news. Our genial friend, Summer, wants to end our friendship. Summer has grown TOO HOT to hang out with the Filipinos!

After years of companionship and shared joy, Summer has grown bold and eager to show off. HOT GIRL SUMMER IN THE HOUSE! Despite this, Filipinos should not wallow in despair at this recent break-up. We survived JADINE’s end of the relationship and pushed past KATHNIEL’s lost love, what’s a mere broken friendship for us?

Moving on from this failed companionship is vital. During these trying times, don’t forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water, drink more if needed. You may shed tears due to this friendship break-up so make sure to rehydrate as often as you can.

Filipinos may not be able to beat Summer in a competition of HOTNESS but we sure have our edge when it comes to coolness. You can also make refreshing drinks as another way to rehydrate. Squeeze some lime or lemon, a dash of sugar, and tons of ice then bam – you’ve got yourself a simple drink to prevent heat exhaustion.

Outline for next paragraphs:

Embracing the Homebuddy Era

• Introduce the concept of the “homebuddy era” as a response to heartbreak and the challenges of summer.
• Discuss the idea of finding solace and healing within the comforts of home.
• Address the current limitations on travel and outdoor activities due to the ongoing circumstances.
• Emphasize the significance of adapting to the situation and finding alternative ways to enjoy life.

Sunscreen: Your Summer Shield

• Stress the importance of wearing sunscreen when venturing outside, even for essential tasks.
• Highlight the risks of sun exposure and the need for protection against harmful UV rays.

Dressing for Success: The OOTD Dilemma

• Discuss the significance of maintaining style and confidence despite the heat.
• Provide tips for selecting breathable and comfortable outfits suitable for summer.
• Warn against wearing heat-retaining fabrics and thick clothing that can exacerbate discomfort.

Taking a Break: The Power of Relaxation

• Acknowledge the emotional toll of heartbreak and the importance of self-care.
• Encourage readers to prioritize rest and relaxation as part of their healing process.
• Suggest enjoyable activities to unwind and beat the summer heat, such as indulging in ice cream or binge-watching favorite shows.

Conclusion

• Recap key points on surviving summer with grace and resilience.
• Reinforce the message of staying cool, both physically and mentally, during challenging times.
• Encourage readers to embrace the spirit of the homebuddy era and find joy in simple pleasures.