Fil C. Sionil She grew up knowing that for her mom, attending press conferences, seminars, cocktails and travelling around the country and many nations are necessary parts of being a journalist. In consequence, Marianne “Ianne” Caparros’ response was hearty laughter upon learning that her mother, unless really necessary, avoids social gatherings. Ianne is a practicing registered nurse in San Fernando Valley, Southern California. The protocol they follow is based on the advisory of the Center for Disease Control. Medical professionals like her are inherently at risk. The additional health advisory handout given in her work place is fundamentally the same as here. With extra care, her daily routine basically remains the same. “No, mom, it’s the usual daily routine for us.” No socializing restraint. Accepting invitations to social events has been my boring practice since the outbreak of corona. Same norm holds true with other colleagues like Iris and Stella. Hanging out with friends comes far and in between. Better to err on the side of caution. Work at home, as the numbers of people possibly exposed to the corona virus continue to spiral as well as the deaths. The general membership meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) was one those invitations I decided to accept despite my fright of large crowds. Surprisingly, there was a big turn out of attendees, who had came to listen to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on the direction of the domestic economy, considering the various developments in the first two months of the year. At the annual banking community reception three weeks ago, Gov. Ben told attendees, “2019 was a very good year. I expect 2020 to be even better.” While he remained upbeat, painting the same positive outlook, this time, at the MAP meet, he lined up a number of challenges that may hold down the country’s economic growth. Noticeable was the inclusion of the corona outbreak as one of the external major risk factors, which has now been assigned a “high-impact” global risk assessment by the World Health Organization.” One source shared that the impact on the growth of the domestic economy depends on the bow and arrow of corona. Will it be a flimsy, flitting love affair. Or, will it just be whimsical? The National Economic and Development Authority used a mean-median-mode formula in its simulations. The 0.3 percent effect disclosed by the BSP governor is merely the mean with corona’s presence lasting up until end June. The median is 0.5 percent should the liaison stay till end of the third quarter. And highest is 0.7 percent covering the lingering period of between February and up to the end of the year. We all have our undivided attention on corona as she continues to spread her venom. How long this affair of corona and 28 economies will last is anybody’s guess. It’s Valentine’s Day. This is a red day for couples, lovers, and family. Socialization, dining out is part of the celebration. No social restraint today. Let’s go out and have some fun and be cautious as well. Talkback to me at [email protected]