The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the Philippines in light of the Covid-19 pandemic has ruined many plans. School, weddings, work, purchases, summer vacations, travel, large gatherings, family travels, and birthday parties have been cancelled. It’s for everyone’s good as we fight to flatten the curve. But before all these have happened, I have already done what you would call an online birthday party. It’s the introvert’s way of celebrating a birthday or any occasion. It’s with minimal human contact, at everyone’s convenient time, and with lots of food. Here is the introverts’ way.
An Online Birthday Party
With what is going on nowadays, we should not let any milestone pass without a celebration. The fact that we are still alive in this global pandemic is still enough reason to celebrate.
So what are you waiting for? Is there a birthday that’s going to happen in the next few days? Let’s be get into the attitude of gratitude and celebrate life, wherever we may be. Why not plan for an online birthday party with these tips?
Tips to Planning an Online Birthday Party During ECQ
Let’s do this!
Set the Date and Time
As with any party, the online birthday party will need a set time and date. But for introverts, this is not really a problem because it will depend on what time each one wakes up.
Create an FB Event or Group Chat
You can easily coordinate with everyone if the conversations and plans can be seen by all those invited. But try to limit the discussion to the event at hand so that the details won’t be lost in all the chika.
Detail Your Plans
Your creativity and your imagination is the limit for your online birthday party. And of course, your budget. Nobody is really stopping you from sending out a bottle of champagne to each and every one of your guests to celebrate with.
Party Food
It wouldn’t be a party without food. So plan out your menu, according to your budget and what you can prepare. You may opt for food delivery, too, in case you cannot cook or have no time to cook. There’s always foodpanda — the on-demand food delivery service–to serve you during ECQ.
By the way, if you are concerned with human contact with the food delivery service, you can opt for contactless delivery. It is also offered by foodpanda but you have to pay online. Read more: foodpanda Philippines Launches Contactless Delivery
Health Tip
If you want to keep safe further, discard the packaging of the delivered food in the trash. Wash your hands thoroughly and reheat your food in the microwave.
Outfit
If you are going to have a video conference, you might as well dress up. Then put on some make up girl and fire up that screen.
Note: Since only the top can be seen, you don’t have to bother with mini skirts or stilettos. hihi As for menswear, gosh, men can be so flexible.
Party Favors
Like I said, you can send over a bottle of champagne so that your friends can have a happy time with you. Or include some sweets with your food delivery. A box of chocolates or a slice of cake will do the trick.
Make Use of Technology
We have technology at our disposal. You can have a video conferencing party. Pop open whatever you have in your fridge—champagne, soda, beer, even juice. Then say cheers and hold up your glass or bottle in front of the camera. The important thing is that, you know that your friend is celebrating with you.
Greetings are Virtual
Social distancing is highly recommended at this time. The Covid-19 virus is said to be able to travel several meters so if possible, we should stay away from people. So no more social kisses and hugs and whispering of secrets then suddenly bursting into laughter.
At this time, virtual birthday greetings are no longer impersonal—they are integral for survival. It’s how we show that we care nowadays and it’s the thought that counts.
For Entertainment
Now, if you want to spend more time with each other just hanging out. You may sing together or organize a Watch Party and view Youtube clips.
Gifts Can Be Delivered or Mailed
Want to give gifts to the birthday celebrator? Have it delivered or mailed. You can find a way if you want to. My friends dropped off their gifts when they picked up the food I cooked for them.
A novel idea for a birthday gift would be to send GCash. It’s safe and in this time, the birthday girl or boy can use the money for their needs.
Why Introverts are Happy
So you see, the ECQ is actually the way of life of introverts. When the quarantine was announced, many introverts rejoiced inwardly not because of the Covid-19. But it is because they have a reason to stay away from crowds.
Additionally, so many companies have allowed their employees to work from home. They are able to bring their computers and report for wok in the comforts of their bedroom or living room. We may be created social animals, but we do not have to face and talk to people every day, right?
What Happened to My Online Birthday Party
So last year, that’s what happened to me. I organized an online birthday party among my closest friends that I constantly connect with online. These are also mostly introverts – women who spend a lot of time and are very chatty online. Our work and businesses are also through Facebook and IG.
I created a group chat, set the date, cooked for them, packed the dishes, and asked them pick them up. They also brought gifts when they picked up the food. Then the greetings were done online. No physical contact, no beso-beso or hugs, but all of us, including our families, got to enjoy food. And since we are all busy, they picked up their food at varying times throughout the day. All of them were happy posting their meals on our group chat. Haha
So that was it. No fuss, we didn’t have to dress up. But we were able to share a meal. You can do it during the quarantine, too. So don’t be sad if you have a birthday that falls during the ECQ. You still have your friends and that’s a good reason to celebrate. Cheer up!
Tani ara man lang ko dira. Maka join tani ko. Kaso daw ka layo sa akon. Pero pwede man e-pa foodpanda mo ako. Join man ko sa imo online virtual party! Hehehehe…
Yey! You have foodpanda na there marz? Nice!
Sa panahon ngaun it is better to celebrate birthday or any occasion in this kind of ways..Mas okay and enjoy naman the best here we are still all safe
This is nice idea. This is the perfect way to celebrate your birthday in this time of pandemic.