Sinulog 2021: The Celebration of a LifeTime - A Butterflying The Bat Spinoff

[gillan1220]

Author's Notes:
This is a collaborative timeline done with consultation with american2006 , kyuzoaoi , and TheRomanSlayer . I had this idea to write the story of Sinulog 2021, which in our timeline was ultimately cancelled since the Coronavirus pandemic has not ended. What took three years of planning was suddenly robbed by the virus. Plans were made to have it the "grandest festival of a lifetime" as it would have coincided with the 500 Years of Christianity. The Pope and the King of Spain were said to visit Cebu at this period to bless the event. Due to the current crisis, the celebrations for the 500 Years of Christianity has been scaled down to online webinars and limited in-person attendance. The open-house for the visit of the Spanish Navy ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano was ultimately cancelled. Instead, the ship was only allowed to be viewed from a distance when it docked in Guinan and Cebu. Meanwhile, the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan - supposedly one of the greatest chapters in Philippine history in which natives fought against the invaders - suffered a scale down due to existing health protocols. As COVID-19 continues to rob people of the lives of loved ones, jobs, and the things we love, we can only imagine how it looks like in the alternate world where this virus never spread beyond China.

Would it be perfect? No. As american2006 pointed out, the timeline this story is set in is a mix of utopia and dystopia? Would it have been better? Definitely. We all do miss the times when we don't need to wear a mask, where we can eat out with friends, sing in the karaoke, or a watch a movie. 

The following story is a collection of diary entries, testimonies, social media posts, and POVs of multiple characters as the grandest Sinulog pushes through.

And now, we shall begin.

---

Sinulog 2021: The Celebration of a Lifetime

A Butterflying The Bat Spinoff

By Gillan1220

Cowritten with american2006 , kyuzoaoi , and TheRomanSlayer

Chapter One: How We Got Here

November 2018:
It began with a Facebook post. With that, the excitement was already born.

〈insert pop-up content here〉

January 20, 2019:
The Sinulog festival gathered a record-breaking 3.5 million people in Cebu City.

The organizers said over 2.5 million people gathered around the parade route and the Basilica. The other million was from areas such and Labangon, V. Rama, Capitol, Escario up to Bulacao area.

Numbers are expected to be greater by the 2021 celebrations in leu with the 500th anniversary of Christianity reaching the Philippines.

End of December 2019:
Talks about a mysterious disease in the city of Wuhan, China. No official word from the WHO has been made.

In Australia, wildfires continue to burn.

January 1, 2020:
Celebrations across the world to mark the beginning of a new decade.

January 3, 2020:
Qasem Soleimani, Major General of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is targeted and killed by an American drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq. Tensions with Iran and the United States reignite not seen since the military close-call in June 2019. In the internet, #WorldWar3 memes circulate.

January 7, 2020:
China announces an outbreak of a new SARS-like virus in Wuhan and quickly deploys the PLA to quarantine the city. Videos filmed by netizens show tanks, armored personnel carriers, and truckloads of soldiers guarding the roads, the airport, and the train station while helicopters hover above with search lights and telling citizens to shelter in place. When news breaks out about this, the international community condemns the Chinese for this harsh action. Nonetheless, this quick and harsh response ensured the virus would be contained in Wuhan.

Photo: PLA soldiers disembark from a military transport plane to enforce the quarantine of Wuhan.


Photo: Police officers patrolling the streets of Wuhan at the start of the quarantine.

January 10, 2020:
With approval from the Chinese government, foreign consulates in Wuhan are permitted to be evacuated. Unfortunately, since there are no test kits available for this new SARS-like virus, the diplomatic staff of foreign countries are forced into 14-day quarantines in various isolation centers. The United States, the United Kingdom, and several Western nations expressed their displeasure of this protocol. Countries around the world struggle to cooperate with the Chinese on how to repatriate foreign nationals stranded in Wuhan.

January 12, 2020:
Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines erupts, sending ashfall across Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region, resulting in the suspension of school classes, work schedules, and flights in the area. 39 people are killed.

A week later, Black Nazarene is held in Manila.


January 17-19, 2020:
Sinulog 2020 attracts 2.3 million visitors. It is 200,000 individuals compared to the previous year. Organizers have estimated that the following year would break the records held by the one in 2019.







February 2, 2020:
Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival is held at SM Seaside Complex Cebu Concert Grounds in Cebu City, Philippines






February 28, 2020:
The U.S. Embassy in Manila commemorates the 75th anniversary of the battle to liberate the city from the Japanese during World War II.

March 7-8, 2020:
Wanderland Music & Arts Festival is held at Filinvest Grounds, Muntinlupa City. The full-line up of artists was released on January 29, 2020. There was an estimate of 150,000+ attendees in the two days of the festival.


March 26, 2020:
The annual Talisay Landing reenactment is held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Cebu from the Japanese.

April 27, 2020:
Annual Battle of Mactan reenactment and street party celebrations in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. City officials hope for a more exciting celebration next year since it would mark 500 years since Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan in this historical battle.

May 5, 2020:
The Philippine Congress votes not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, a major television network. Protests erupt across the Philippines calling for the renewal of said franchise as the network is know to provide news to Filipinos at home and abroad.

May 12-16, 2020:
Eurovision Song Contest is held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

June 9-11, 2020:
E3 2020 is held in Los Angeles, California.

June 12, 2020:
UEFA Euro 2020 begins.

Whole month of June and July:
Protests erupt across the Philippines as the signing of the Anti-Terror Bill draws near.

July 3, 2020:
The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, also known as The Anti-Terror Bill, is signed into law by the Philippine Congress. It is made effective on July 18, 2020.

July 12, 2020:
UEFA Euro 2020 ends.

July 23, 2020:
Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

July 23-26, 2020:
San Diego Comic Con is held in San Diego, California.

August 9, 2020:
Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics comes to a close. China wins most medals by number but the United States wins more gold medals all-in-all.

August 15, 2020:
The Abraham Accords is signed in the by President Donald Trump, Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the South Lawn of the White House, Washington, D.C.

August 24, 2020:
The Juan Sebastian de Elcano training ship leaves Cadiz to retrace the Magellan-Elcano expedition in 1521. It is scheduled to make stops in the Americas, Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Indonesia before returning to Spain by June 2021.

Photo: Aerial view of the training ships Juan Sebastián de Elcano and Esmeralda during the celebrations.

August 29, 2020:
Sudan and Morocco normalizes diplomatic relations with Israel. The United States agreed to remove Sudan from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

August 31, 2020:
Saudi Arabia and Tunisia agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

September 11, 2020:
On the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Algeria and Indonesia normalizes relations with Israel.

November 3, 2020:
The U.S. Presidential Elections of 2020 between Donald Trump/Mike Pence vs. Pete Buttigieg/Michelle Lujan Grisham.

January 6, 2021:
The United States Congress certifies the victor of the 2020 Presidential Elections.

---

Pope Francis confirms attendance for Sinulog 2021. To bless Santo Nino Mass mass.
- The Philippine Star, March 15, 2020

King of Spain to visit Cebu on March 2021 for the 500 years of Christianity celebrations
- CNN Philippines, April 9, 2020

Grandest Victory at Mactan and Rampada Street Party to be held in April 27, 2021
- Cebu Daily News, April 27, 2020

Trump reelected as President of the United States
- Reuters, November 3, 2020

P40M needed for Sinulog 2021, Quincentennial activities – Rama
- Cebu Daily News, November 7, 2020

---

I can't wait for 2021! It's gonna be one big wild party for Cebu!
- Christian Piñeda, Facebook, April 10, 2020

With the big celebrations planned for Sinulog, I hope to see the revival of the EDM scene. I can never forget being in one of the first street parties held in Baseline back then in 2011.
- Edward Romero, Facebook, May 15, 2020

Something big is coming to Cebu.
- Baladhay Music Festival, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, November 28, 2020

I have confirmed my attendance to perform at Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival in Cebu City this February 13, 2021
- @ Dua Lipa, Twitter, December 7, 2020

Cebuanos, are you ready Sinulog Invasion: The Revival? Follow us for updates.
- Spectrum Philippines, Facebook, December 11, 2020

---

"To be able to be alive during the 500th anniversary of Christianity arriving in the Philippines is phenomenal. It takes extreme luck and the right timing to be born at the right era. Thereby, I encourage all Filipino Catholics to cherish this moment to thank the Lord for all the blessings He has given us."
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, December 31, 2020, during a New Year's Eve mass in Manila Cathedral

---

Cebu Provincial Tourism Board: "Grandest" Sinulog 2021 expected to break records
- Rappler, January 1, 2021

Donald J. Trump takes second inauguration speech in Capitol Hill
- Fox News, January 20, 2021

Booked my flight to Cebu on March! Sinulog 2021, let's get it!
- Antonio Santos, Facebook, January 2, 2021

[american2006]

Jun 21, 2021 17:44:30 GMT gillan1220 said:

Author's Notes:
This is a collaborative timeline done with consultation with american2006 , kyuzoaoi , and TheRomanSlayer . I had this idea to write the story of Sinulog 2021, which in our timeline was ultimately cancelled since the Coronavirus pandemic has not ended. What took three years of planning was suddenly robbed by the virus. Plans were made to have it the "grandest festival of a lifetime" as it would have coincided with the 500 Years of Christianity. The Pope and the King of Spain were said to visit Cebu at this period to bless the event. Due to the current crisis, the celebrations for the 500 Years of Christianity has been scaled down to online webinars and limited in-person attendance. The open-house for the visit of the Spanish Navy ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano was ultimately cancelled. Instead, the ship was only allowed to be viewed from a distance when it docked in Guinan and Cebu. Meanwhile, the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan - supposedly one of the greatest chapters in Philippine history in which natives fought against the invaders - suffered a scale down due to existing health protocols. As COVID-19 continues to rob people of the lives of loved ones, jobs, and the things we love, we can only imagine how it looks like in the alternate world where this virus never spread beyond China.

Would it be perfect? No. As american2006 pointed out, the timeline this story is set in is a mix of utopia and dystopia? Would it have been better? Definitely. We all do miss the times when we don't need to wear a mask, where we can eat out with friends, sing in the karaoke, or a watch a movie. 

The following story is a collection of diary entries, testimonies, social media posts, and POVs of multiple characters as the grandest Sinulog pushes through.

And now, we shall begin.

---

Sinulog 2021: The Celebration of a Lifetime

A Butterflying The Bat Spinoff

By Gillan1220

Cowritten with american2006 , kyuzoaoi , and TheRomanSlayer

Chapter One: How We Got Here

November 2018:
It began with a Facebook post. With that, the excitement was already born.

〈insert pop-up content here〉

January 20, 2019:
The Sinulog festival gathered a record-breaking 3.5 million people in Cebu City.

The organizers said over 2.5 million people gathered around the parade route and the Basilica. The other million was from areas such and Labangon, V. Rama, Capitol, Escario up to Bulacao area.

Numbers are expected to be greater by the 2021 celebrations in leu with the 500th anniversary of Christianity reaching the Philippines.

End of December 2019:
Talks about a mysterious disease in the city of Wuhan, China. No official word from the WHO has been made.

In Australia, wildfires continue to burn.

January 1, 2020:
Celebrations across the world to mark the beginning of a new decade.

January 3, 2020:
Qasem Soleimani, Major General of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is targeted and killed by an American drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq. Tensions with Iran and the United States reignite not seen since the military close-call in June 2019. In the internet, #WorldWar3 memes circulate.

January 7, 2020:
China announces an outbreak of a new SARS-like virus in Wuhan and quickly deploys the PLA to quarantine the city. Videos filmed by netizens show tanks, armored personnel carriers, and truckloads of soldiers guarding the roads, the airport, and the train station while helicopters hover above with search lights and telling citizens to shelter in place. When news breaks out about this, the international community condemns the Chinese for this harsh action. Nonetheless, this quick and harsh response ensured the virus would be contained in Wuhan.

Photo: PLA soldiers disembark from a military transport plane to enforce the quarantine of Wuhan.


Photo: Police officers patrolling the streets of Wuhan at the start of the quarantine.

January 10, 2020:
With approval from the Chinese government, foreign consulates in Wuhan are permitted to be evacuated. Unfortunately, since there are no test kits available for this new SARS-like virus, the diplomatic staff of these forced into 14-day quarantines in isolation centers. The United States, the United Kingdom, and several Western nations expressed their displeasure of this protocol. Countries around the world struggle to cooperate with the Chinese on how to repatriate foreign nationals stranded in Wuhan.

January 12, 2020:
Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines erupts, sending ashfall across Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region, resulting in the suspension of school classes, work schedules, and flights in the area. 39 people are killed.

A week later, Black Nazarene is held in Manila.


January 17-19, 2020:
Sinulog 2020 attracts 2.3 million visitors. It is 200,000 individuals compared to the previous year. Organizers have estimated that the following year would break the records held by the one in 2019.







February 2, 2020:
Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival is held at SM Seaside Complex Cebu Concert Grounds in Cebu City, Philippines






February 28, 2020:
The U.S. Embassy in Manila commemorates the 75th anniversary of the battle to liberate the city from the Japanese during World War II.

March 7-8, 2020:
Wanderland Music & Arts Festival is held at Filinvest Grounds, Muntinlupa City. The full-line up of artists was released on January 29, 2020. There was an estimate of 150,000+ attendees in the two days of the festival.


March 26, 2020:
The annual Talisay Landing reenactment is held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Cebu from the Japanese.

April 27, 2020:
Annual Battle of Mactan reenactment and street party celebrations in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. City officials hope for a more exciting celebration next year since it would mark 500 years since Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan in this historical battle.

May 5, 2020:
The Philippine Congress votes not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, a major television network. Protests erupt across the Philippines calling for the renewal of said franchise as the network is know to provide news to Filipinos at home and abroad.

May 12-16, 2020:
Eurovision Song Contest is held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

June 9-11, 2020:
E3 2020 is held in Los Angeles, California.

June 12, 2020:
UEFA Euro 2020 begins.

Whole month of June and July:
Protests erupt across the Philippines as the signing of the Anti-Terror Bill draws near.

July 3, 2020:
The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, also known as The Anti-Terror Bill, is signed into law by the Philippine Congress. It is made effective on July 18, 2020.

July 12, 2020:
UEFA Euro 2020 ends.

July 23, 2020:
Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

July 23-26, 2020:
San Diego Comic Con is held in San Diego, California.

August 9, 2020:
Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics comes to a close. China wins most medals by number but the United States wins more gold medals all-in-all.

August 15, 2020:
The Abraham Accords is signed in the by President Donald Trump, Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the South Lawn of the White House, Washington, D.C.

August 29, 2020:
Sudan and Morocco normalizes diplomatic relations with Israel. The United States agreed to remove Sudan from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

August 31, 2020:
Saudi Arabia and Tunisia agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

September 11, 2020:
On the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Algeria and Indonesia normalizes relations with Israel.

September 24, 2020:
The Juan Sebastian de Elcano training ship leaves Cadiz to retrace the Magellan-Elcano expedition in 1521. It is scheduled to make stops in the Americas, Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Indonesia before returning to Spain by June 2021.

Photo: Aerial view of the training ships Juan Sebastián de Elcano and Esmeralda during the celebrations.

November 3, 2020:
The U.S. Presidential Elections of 2020 between Donald Trump/Mike Pence vs. Pete Buttigieg/Michelle Lujan Grisham.

January 6, 2021:
The United States Congress certifies the victor of the 2020 Presidential Elections.

---

Pope Francis confirms attendance for Sinulog 2021. To bless Santo Nino Mass mass.
- The Philippine Star, March 15, 2020

King of Spain to visit Cebu on March 2021 for the 500th years of Christianity
- CNN Philippines, April 9, 2020

Grandest Victory at Mactan and Rampada Street Party to be held in April 27, 2021
- Cebu Daily News, April 27, 2020

Trump reelected as President of the United States
- Reuters, November 3, 2020
View Attachment
P40M needed for Sinulog 2021, Quincentennial activities – Rama
- Cebu Daily News, November 7, 2020

---

I can't wait for 2021! It's gonna be one big wild party for Cebu!
- Christian Piñeda, Facebook, April 10, 2020

With the big celebrations planned for Sinulog, I hope to see the revival of the EDM scene. I can never forget being in one of the first street parties held in Baseline back then in 2011.
- Edward Romero, Facebook, May 15, 2020

Something big is coming to Cebu.
- Baladhay Music Festival, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, November 28, 2020

I have confirmed my attendance to perform at Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival in Cebu City this February 13, 2021
- @ Dua Lipa, Twitter, December 7, 2020

Cebuanos, are you ready Sinulog Invasion: The Revival? Follow us for updates.
- Spectrum Philippines, Facebook, December 11, 2020

---

"To be able to be alive during the 500th anniversary of Christianity arriving in the Philippines is phenomenal. It takes extreme luck and the right timing to be born at the right era. Thereby, I encourage all Filipino Catholics to cherish this moment to thank the Lord for all the blessings He has given us."
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, December 31, 2020, during a New Year's Eve mass in Manila Cathedral

---

Cebu Provincial Tourism Board: "Grandest" Sinulog 2021 expected to break records
- Rappler, January 1, 2021

Donald J. Trump takes second inauguration speech in Capitol Hill
- Fox News, January 20, 2021

Booked my flight to Cebu on March! Sinulog 2021, let's get it!
- Antonio Santos, Facebook, January 2, 2021

Y'know, I think this is actually the first time a spinoff of any of my works has been made, ever. Couldn't have asked for a better first chapter of a spinoff.

[gillan1220]

Jun 21, 2021 23:35:20 GMT american2006 said:

Jun 21, 2021 17:44:30 GMT gillan1220 said:

Author's Notes:
This is a collaborative timeline done with consultation with american2006 , kyuzoaoi , and TheRomanSlayer . I had this idea to write the story of Sinulog 2021, which in our timeline was ultimately cancelled since the Coronavirus pandemic has not ended. What took three years of planning was suddenly robbed by the virus. Plans were made to have it the "grandest festival of a lifetime" as it would have coincided with the 500 Years of Christianity. The Pope and the King of Spain were said to visit Cebu at this period to bless the event. Due to the current crisis, the celebrations for the 500 Years of Christianity has been scaled down to online webinars and limited in-person attendance. The open-house for the visit of the Spanish Navy ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano was ultimately cancelled. Instead, the ship was only allowed to be viewed from a distance when it docked in Guinan and Cebu. Meanwhile, the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan - supposedly one of the greatest chapters in Philippine history in which natives fought against the invaders - suffered a scale down due to existing health protocols. As COVID-19 continues to rob people of the lives of loved ones, jobs, and the things we love, we can only imagine how it looks like in the alternate world where this virus never spread beyond China.

Would it be perfect? No. As american2006 pointed out, the timeline this story is set in is a mix of utopia and dystopia? Would it have been better? Definitely. We all do miss the times when we don't need to wear a mask, where we can eat out with friends, sing in the karaoke, or a watch a movie. 

The following story is a collection of diary entries, testimonies, social media posts, and POVs of multiple characters as the grandest Sinulog pushes through.

And now, we shall begin.

---

Sinulog 2021: The Celebration of a Lifetime

A Butterflying The Bat Spinoff

By Gillan1220

Cowritten with american2006 , kyuzoaoi , and TheRomanSlayer

Chapter One: How We Got Here

November 2018:
It began with a Facebook post. With that, the excitement was already born.

〈insert pop-up content here〉

January 20, 2019:
The Sinulog festival gathered a record-breaking 3.5 million people in Cebu City.

The organizers said over 2.5 million people gathered around the parade route and the Basilica. The other million was from areas such and Labangon, V. Rama, Capitol, Escario up to Bulacao area.

Numbers are expected to be greater by the 2021 celebrations in leu with the 500th anniversary of Christianity reaching the Philippines.

End of December 2019:
Talks about a mysterious disease in the city of Wuhan, China. No official word from the WHO has been made.

In Australia, wildfires continue to burn.

January 1, 2020:
Celebrations across the world to mark the beginning of a new decade.

January 3, 2020:
Qasem Soleimani, Major General of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is targeted and killed by an American drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq. Tensions with Iran and the United States reignite not seen since the military close-call in June 2019. In the internet, #WorldWar3 memes circulate.

January 7, 2020:
China announces an outbreak of a new SARS-like virus in Wuhan and quickly deploys the PLA to quarantine the city. Videos filmed by netizens show tanks, armored personnel carriers, and truckloads of soldiers guarding the roads, the airport, and the train station while helicopters hover above with search lights and telling citizens to shelter in place. When news breaks out about this, the international community condemns the Chinese for this harsh action. Nonetheless, this quick and harsh response ensured the virus would be contained in Wuhan.

Photo: PLA soldiers disembark from a military transport plane to enforce the quarantine of Wuhan.


Photo: Police officers patrolling the streets of Wuhan at the start of the quarantine.

January 10, 2020:
With approval from the Chinese government, foreign consulates in Wuhan are permitted to be evacuated. Unfortunately, since there are no test kits available for this new SARS-like virus, the diplomatic staff of these forced into 14-day quarantines in isolation centers. The United States, the United Kingdom, and several Western nations expressed their displeasure of this protocol. Countries around the world struggle to cooperate with the Chinese on how to repatriate foreign nationals stranded in Wuhan.

January 12, 2020:
Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines erupts, sending ashfall across Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and some parts of Central Luzon and Ilocos Region, resulting in the suspension of school classes, work schedules, and flights in the area. 39 people are killed.

A week later, Black Nazarene is held in Manila.


January 17-19, 2020:
Sinulog 2020 attracts 2.3 million visitors. It is 200,000 individuals compared to the previous year. Organizers have estimated that the following year would break the records held by the one in 2019.







February 2, 2020:
Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival is held at SM Seaside Complex Cebu Concert Grounds in Cebu City, Philippines






February 28, 2020:
The U.S. Embassy in Manila commemorates the 75th anniversary of the battle to liberate the city from the Japanese during World War II.

March 7-8, 2020:
Wanderland Music & Arts Festival is held at Filinvest Grounds, Muntinlupa City. The full-line up of artists was released on January 29, 2020. There was an estimate of 150,000+ attendees in the two days of the festival.


March 26, 2020:
The annual Talisay Landing reenactment is held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Cebu from the Japanese.

April 27, 2020:
Annual Battle of Mactan reenactment and street party celebrations in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. City officials hope for a more exciting celebration next year since it would mark 500 years since Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan in this historical battle.

May 5, 2020:
The Philippine Congress votes not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, a major television network. Protests erupt across the Philippines calling for the renewal of said franchise as the network is know to provide news to Filipinos at home and abroad.

May 12-16, 2020:
Eurovision Song Contest is held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

June 9-11, 2020:
E3 2020 is held in Los Angeles, California.

June 12, 2020:
UEFA Euro 2020 begins.

Whole month of June and July:
Protests erupt across the Philippines as the signing of the Anti-Terror Bill draws near.

July 3, 2020:
The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, also known as The Anti-Terror Bill, is signed into law by the Philippine Congress. It is made effective on July 18, 2020.

July 12, 2020:
UEFA Euro 2020 ends.

July 23, 2020:
Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

July 23-26, 2020:
San Diego Comic Con is held in San Diego, California.

August 9, 2020:
Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics comes to a close. China wins most medals by number but the United States wins more gold medals all-in-all.

August 15, 2020:
The Abraham Accords is signed in the by President Donald Trump, Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the South Lawn of the White House, Washington, D.C.

August 29, 2020:
Sudan and Morocco normalizes diplomatic relations with Israel. The United States agreed to remove Sudan from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

August 31, 2020:
Saudi Arabia and Tunisia agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

September 11, 2020:
On the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Algeria and Indonesia normalizes relations with Israel.

September 24, 2020:
The Juan Sebastian de Elcano training ship leaves Cadiz to retrace the Magellan-Elcano expedition in 1521. It is scheduled to make stops in the Americas, Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Indonesia before returning to Spain by June 2021.

Photo: Aerial view of the training ships Juan Sebastián de Elcano and Esmeralda during the celebrations.

November 3, 2020:
The U.S. Presidential Elections of 2020 between Donald Trump/Mike Pence vs. Pete Buttigieg/Michelle Lujan Grisham.

January 6, 2021:
The United States Congress certifies the victor of the 2020 Presidential Elections.

---

Pope Francis confirms attendance for Sinulog 2021. To bless Santo Nino Mass mass.
- The Philippine Star, March 15, 2020

King of Spain to visit Cebu on March 2021 for the 500th years of Christianity
- CNN Philippines, April 9, 2020

Grandest Victory at Mactan and Rampada Street Party to be held in April 27, 2021
- Cebu Daily News, April 27, 2020

Trump reelected as President of the United States
- Reuters, November 3, 2020
View Attachment
P40M needed for Sinulog 2021, Quincentennial activities – Rama
- Cebu Daily News, November 7, 2020

---

I can't wait for 2021! It's gonna be one big wild party for Cebu!
- Christian Piñeda, Facebook, April 10, 2020

With the big celebrations planned for Sinulog, I hope to see the revival of the EDM scene. I can never forget being in one of the first street parties held in Baseline back then in 2011.
- Edward Romero, Facebook, May 15, 2020

Something big is coming to Cebu.
- Baladhay Music Festival, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, November 28, 2020

I have confirmed my attendance to perform at Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival in Cebu City this February 13, 2021
- @ Dua Lipa, Twitter, December 7, 2020

Cebuanos, are you ready Sinulog Invasion: The Revival? Follow us for updates.
- Spectrum Philippines, Facebook, December 11, 2020

---

"To be able to be alive during the 500th anniversary of Christianity arriving in the Philippines is phenomenal. It takes extreme luck and the right timing to be born at the right era. Thereby, I encourage all Filipino Catholics to cherish this moment to thank the Lord for all the blessings He has given us."
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, December 31, 2020, during a New Year's Eve mass in Manila Cathedral

---

Cebu Provincial Tourism Board: "Grandest" Sinulog 2021 expected to break records
- Rappler, January 1, 2021

Donald J. Trump takes second inauguration speech in Capitol Hill
- Fox News, January 20, 2021

Booked my flight to Cebu on March! Sinulog 2021, let's get it!
- Antonio Santos, Facebook, January 2, 2021

Y'know, I think this is actually the first time a spinoff of any of my works has been made, ever. Couldn't have asked for a better first chapter of a spinoff.

Each entry to your timeline presents the potential of a spin-off. For example, how Indonesia and Algeria joined in the Abraham Accords which in OTL did not. If someone wants to write that down, then that would be nice. Or from the POD of someone who was stranded in Wuhan when the PLA enforced the strict lockdown.

Part 2 coming up in the following days.

[gillan1220]

Chapter Two: Further Into the '20s

Diary of Mateo Gonzales, a midshipman of the Spanish Navy aboard the Juan Sebastian de Elcano

August 24, 2020
Be right back, Cadiz.

Gotta see the world.

Next stop: The Americas.

October 19, 2020
The Elcano arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile today. We were greeted by several Chilean Navy escorts and 21-cannon salute. After the ceremonies, we held an exchange with the locals and our Chilean Navy counterparts. I still can't believe we are in the southern tip of the world. The same place where our forefathers transited into the great unknown ocean which would then be known as the Pacific.

Following this place, the ship would head north into Talcahuano, Lima, Callao, Guayaquil City (Ecuador), and three stops in Mexico. This will always be unforgettable experience retracing the Magellan-Elcano expedition 500 years ago. Can't wait to see more places.

December 22, 2020
We have arrived Mexico. This is our last stop in the Americas before we transit the Pacific Ocean. From what I learned, Mexico was the final destination of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. So essentially Mexico was the port that connected the New World into the Far East. 

I am about to experience that route next year when 2021 comes.

January 1, 2021
Happy New Year from Mexico! It was a fun time celebrating the coming of the new year aboard our ship. We had drinks and celebrations all through the night. One more week left until we leave for Hawaii.

January 6, 2021
Adios America!

We are on our way to Hawaii. For the next three weeks, it would be nothing but the vast endless blue of the Pacific.

February 1, 2021
Aloha!

Our ship finally arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As we entered the harbor, we gave our respects to the fallen American sailors on the USS Arizona memorial as a result of the Japanese surprise attack in December 1941. We also got to see the USS Missouri battleship. The Mighty Mo as she was called. She last saw action in the Persian Gulf 30 years ago and was featured in the movie Battleship back then in 2012. I never imagined in my whole life I would be able to reach the paradise known as Hawaii. After the welcoming ceremony by the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, we were given three-days liberty in Hawaii. My closest sailors and I went surfing and hiking around Oahu. We also had some sports and cultural exchanges with the Americans. They were some of the most awesome people I have ever met. I wish I could remain here forever.

February 3, 2021
The Elcano departed Hawaii today. It would be another three weeks of nothing but blue as we are en route to Guam. 

February 26, 2021
The Spanish have arrived to retake Guam for the glorious Empire!

Just kidding.

After three weeks of nothing but ocean and passing by the islands of Micronesia, the Elcano finally arrived in the Naval Base Guam here in Apra. Guam is the farthest U.S. territory, located way in the Western Pacific. It is even farther than American Samoa down south. The blue-green waters of Apra was phenomenal. We had several exchanges with the locals. They have us their local chocolates and cuisines. It was really good. In our free time, we also swam in the beaches and hiked on the nature trails around the island. Just like Hawaii, Guam is a paradise. This is another place I do not want to ever leave.

March 3, 2021
It's time to say good bye to Guam. The island was really generous. Wish I could have stayed longer.

However, our next stop was even more exciting. It was known as the crown jewel of the Spanish Empire: Las Islas Pilipinas.

We were told by the commander that we would be first going to Homonhon Island near Guinan, Samar before heading to Cebu. What excited the rest of the crew of the ship was that the Elcano was going to take part in the Sinulog fluvial parade this March 20! Not only were we told this was not just any ordinary celebration, but specifically the Sinulog festival was purposely moved to March to commemorate 500 years of Christianity arriving in the Philippines!

This will definitely be one celebration of a lifetime. I am so thankful to be alive to be able to take part of it.

Looking forward to our visit to the Philippines!

---

Juan Sebastián de Elcano Arrives at the Strait of Magellan for 500th Anniversary
- SeaWaves Magazine, October 20, 2020

/ 〈insert pop-up content here〉

Spanish Ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano Arrives at Naval Base Guam
- U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, February 26, 2021


Spanish ship departs Guam, sails for Philippines
- The Guam Daily Post, March 3, 2021

Filipinos Challenge Spain to a Rematch As Their Ship Approaches
- Esquire Magazine, March 10, 2021

---

Reunited...At Long Last

Gillan's Diary

December 18, 2020

It was during the Christmas rush and the reunion season when finally, our college mountaineering Batch 2016-2017 are on family again. It was the ripest time for a reunion, as our group has never seen each other since 2017. Thankfully, everyone just happened to be in Cebu including our friend Alex, a Papuan national studying here.

Our reunion dinner was in Pukot Kitchen, the restaurant of the Flying Fish Botique Hostel near where Marco and I live.

"Hey Gillan, I just want to congratulate you for graduating," Tresha said.

"Congrats bai," J.J. added. The rest of the group: Happy, Leigh, Marco, Justin, Simon, Alex, Aubrey, Reginaldo, and Gabrielle, gave their congratulations. It was just three weeks ago that I graduated and earned my degree in Masters of Science of Biology. Finally I could now move on to the next phase of life.

"Well, this is just the perfect time to be alive isn't it? I graduated. We finally get to be together for the first time in three years, and that next year we will see the biggest and grandest Sinulog ever." I said, just as the waiters served our orders.

"So you're gonna party Gil?" Tresha asked.

"Of course. Too good to miss. What about you guys?" I asked back.

"We plan to take part in the celebrations." Happy replied. "My resignation last year was a perfect time for this."

As we ate, we conversed and caught on with our lives. A lot has happened since we parted ways in 2017. I myself would have never thought we could have seen each other again, especially since it just got harder overtime. But here we were, one group again.

I then turned to Gabrielle and asked her: "Are you really taking law next semester?"

"Yes, I am going to enroll. Although I do miss the life of working, I also miss being a student."

I then raised an eyebrow in confusion. After two years of striving for that Masters of Science degree, I was done with schooling. Those three CPAs already earned their said title. They could basically leave their school problems behind. 

"It is really tiring, Gab," Aubrey replied. She herself is current M.S. in Finance student who enrolled in August 2019 just a month after my mini-reunion with her in July of that year where we went to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park[1].

"Well if you really want it, go for it," Marco added.

After we finished our dinner, we decided what we should do next.

"You guys want to go to Craft or karaoke at Song Hits?" Justin added.

"Let's go Craft," I said with excitement.

"No, let's go karaoke. So we can enjoy together," Happy added.

We then agreed. So we rented a room and sang our hearts out.

"See you all next year and may we have more adventures to come," I said.

The whole year has been really generous. Next year would even be greater.

---

Artist Line Up for Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival
Date: February 13, 2021
Venue: SM Seaside Concert Grounds

• IV of Spades
• Boyce Avenue
• Against The Current
• Eraserheads
• River Maya
• Dua Lipa

Artist Line Up for Baladhay Music Festival
Date: March 19, 2021
Venue: SM Seaside Concert Grounds

• Myx Damp
• DJ Miss Nine
• Victor Jao
• Chad Fajardo
• Gino
• Ben & Ben
• Sepita Times
• Wonggoys
• Zedd
• Afrojack

Artist Line Up for HyperCebu: The Return
Date: March 20, 2021
Venue: Cebu Business Park

• Zedd
• Steve Aeoki
• Calvin Harris
• Laidback Luke
• Mandaue Nights
• Bamboo
• DJ Polky Yu
• December Avenue

Artist Line Up for Sinulog Invasion: The Revival
Date: March 21, 2021
Venue: I.T. Park

• Hans and Mael
• Chad Fajardo
• Victor Hao
• Alvaro
• Quintino
• Zedd
• Martin Garrix
• Skrillex

---

Author's Notes and References:

• Pandemic meets 500th anniversary of Magellan’s first global voyage - OTL article
• [1] See post written August 18, 2020

[gillan1220]

Chapter 3 coming up this weekend.

[gillan1220]

Apologies for the delay guys. I intended to write Chapter 3 today. Unfortunately, there was a thunderstorm that occurred and caused my WiFi to go slow. So I will write it tomorrow.

[gillan1220]

Chapter Three: Countdown Begins

"Excited namo mga Kasiloy?[1] 100 Days left till the Grandest of the Grand Sinulog Festival!"
- Cebu Daily News, December 10, 2020

"Record breaking security expected for Sinulog this March 2021."
- SunStar Cebu, December 19, 2020

---

Closure
Gillan's Diary

December 24, 2020
At Christmas Eve today, my family and I did the Filipino tradition of noche buena[2] and going to mass. After that, I spent the night at my neighbor's house drinking some liquor and singing our hearts out. When the clock struck midnight, we greeted both our family member and neighbors "Merry Christmas". I went to bed at 3 AM.

December 25, 2020
It's finally Christmas Day.

As a child, I was always excited to wake up every Christmas morning. I would run towards the Christmas tree and exciting rip out the wrappers of the gifts. Back then, I would always be excited for those big-box toys such as Chap Mei's Wild Quest, Dino Quest, and Dino Valley, along with those Elite Force action figures.

Now as a 24 year old, I'm more into airsoft and LEGO. I identify myself as a AFOL. I got myself a few LEGO City sets and a brand-new East & Crane airsoft gun EC 634 which is based on the SOPMOD Block III. I've been wanting a new airsoft gun since 2019. Because I graduated earlier this month, I finally felt it the right time to reward myself. I can't wait to test this out for our game this upcoming New Year.

December 31, 2020
We have reached the last day of 2020. The year has been really full of blessings. I'm glad the decade began really better than I expected.

Tonight, I'm gonna watch the fireworks with my neighbors and my family. Then afterwards, to more liquor and karaoke.

January 1, 2021
Happy New Year!

Cheers to the new year and the second year of the decade!

To more blessings this 2021!

January 3, 2021
I finally got to test my new airsoft gun today. Franz, Pete, Miguel, Grant, Andrew, Wilson, Josh, Wilfree, Marvin (alias: Zach), and Christian were amazed of my new gun. They were also excited to test it out. 

It's just the third day of 2021 and things are really looking good.

January 10, 2021
Today is my brother's 28th birthday. My family and I celebrated at Radisson Blu Hotel.

January 13, 2021
I accompanied my friend Gabrielle as she enrolled for Law at the University of San Carlos - Downtown Campus. Along the way, she got her yearbook. Then we had lunch together nearby. However, this was the day I finally knew what her decision would be since I confessed my feelings to her last October.

Sitting down in front of her face-to-face, we conversed about life and all.

"Are you really excited for law?" I asked her.

"Yeah. Always wanted to be lawyer," She chuckled. "Time to be a student again."

"Well, I'm happy you found what you really wanted," I added.

"You too Gill. It must have been very tough for you to shift from Medicine to Masters in Biology."

"It was. There were a lot of conflicts in my family that time. I'm just happy it was resolved and I finally completed it. Finally can join the workforce."

As our food came, her and I requested a photo. The waiter gladly took it. Before we ate, I just wanted to resolve one last thing. I was prepared for the worst.

"Hey Gab, if you made a decision regarding..." I stuttered before continuing "...regarding what I said to you on your birthday. I'm ready to hear it."

Time seemed to have slowed while I waited for her verdict. In truth, it was only a few seconds. I already knew it and it would not be in my favor. Why? She already has a date. Her former workmate. They aren't official...not yet but getting there. It would be rude to interfere.

Gabrielle hesitated for a while. She seemed to try to formulate a response. I was all but ready to face the music head-on.

"Aww Gill, you're a sweet guy. I like how you are so kind and supportive. I also like those cute drawings you gave me. It was really nice of you to come out and tell me how you felt towards me months back. I really appreciate it," She smiled before she continued. "...but I have a date already. I'm sure you understand that."

I stood firm trying not to show any emotion. I had to be strong and the bigger man unlike that dirtbag in college that doesn't take rejection too kindly.

"Of course, I do. I won't interfere any further," I said. "I hope we can remain as friends. We still have a lot of adventure plans with the others."

"Sure. You will always be my friend, Gill," Gabrielle replied.

We ate our lunch without any air of awkwardness. I felt relieved that she finally rejected me. I finally got the closure I wanted for four years. What matters is her and I remain as friends and we can continue our planned adventures with the other after our group abruptly went our separate ways four years ago. Now it was time to get back in business.

After we ate, I accompanied Gabrielle to her pension house which was a short walk away.

"Hey Gab," I said. "Thank you for today and thank you for giving me a chance."

We then embraced each other. It was warm and mutual.

"You too. See you soon," she replied.

"Let's party in Sinulog with the others?" I asked.

"We'll see you on the streets," she teased.

"Hoping for the best between you and your date," I sincerely said, being the gracious one.

I then hitched a ride home. I then told my friends that it's done and she rejected my advances. They all then came and gave their support. One guy said I can rant all I want. One offered me to come for a drink to let it all out. I politely declined them all. I didn't need no venting because I already knew this was gonna happen. I finally have the peace of mind I was looking for since 2017.

I was now free.

January 15, 2021
Actual Sinulog Friday.

If it weren't scheduled for this March.

I was back at the airsoft game site with my friends. They knew what happened the previous day so they offered me to come play with them. I agreed. It was a Friday night game so we had the whole place to ourselves. My friend brought a speaker and played several songs from the electronic dance music genre. We also had some beers with us to kick-off the start of the *actual* Sinulog weekend.

"Sorry to hear what happened yesterday, Gill," Christian said.

"It's nothing buddy. I knew it was gonna happen," I replied.

"Let's drink to that," Marvin added.

I laughed a bit and nodded.

Now it's time to look forward for those adventures and Sinulog 2021.

---

"CONGRESS CERTIFIES TRUMP'S VICTORY"[3]
- The Associated Press, January 6, 2021


"Security in D.C. expected to be tighter for upcoming inauguration"
- CBS News, January 6, 2021


"Good job @ VP @ MikePence for your hard work and service in certifying my victory in this free-and-fair elections. I look forward to serving all Americans in my upcoming second term. #KAG"
- @ realDonaldTrump, Twitter, January 6, 2021.

WATCH: Protests hit the streets of cities across America after Congress certifies Trump's victory

---

Author's Notes:
[1] Bisaya to English translation: "Cebuanos, are you excited?" Kasiloy is a slang for Cebuano.
[2] Christmas Eve dinner
[3] No storming Capitol Hill occurs in this timeline

[american2006]

Jul 4, 2021 7:58:56 GMT gillan1220 said:

Chapter Three: Countdown Begins

"Excited namo mga Kasiloy?[1] 100 Days left till the Grandest of the Grand Sinulog Festival!"
- Cebu Daily News, December 10, 2020

"Record breaking security expected for Sinulog this March 2021."
- SunStar Cebu, December 19, 2020

---

Closure
Gillan's Diary

December 24, 2020
At Christmas Eve today, my family and I did the Filipino tradition of noche buena[2] and going to mass. After that, I spent the night at my neighbor's house drinking some liquor and singing our hearts out. When the clock struck midnight, we greeted both our family member and neighbors "Merry Christmas". I went to bed at 3 AM.

December 25, 2020
It's finally Christmas Day.

As a child, I was always excited to wake up every Christmas morning. I would run towards the Christmas tree and exciting rip out the wrappers of the gifts. Back then, I would always be excited for those big-box toys such as Chap Mei's Wild Quest, Dino Quest, and Dino Valley, along with those Elite Force action figures.

Now as a 24 year old, I'm more into airsoft and LEGO. I identify myself as a AFOL. I got myself a few LEGO City sets and a brand-new East & Crane airsoft gun EC 634 which is based on the SOPMOD Block III. I've been wanting a new airsoft gun since 2019. Because I graduated earlier this month, I finally felt it the right time to reward myself. I can't wait to test this out for our game this upcoming New Year.

December 31, 2020
We have reached the last day of 2020. The year has been really full of blessings. I'm glad the decade began really better than I expected.

Tonight, I'm gonna watch the fireworks with my neighbors and my family. Then afterwards, to more liquor and karaoke.

January 1, 2021
Happy New Year!

Cheers to the new year and the second year of the decade!

To more blessings this 2021!

January 3, 2021
I finally got to test my new airsoft gun today. Franz, Pete, Miguel, Grant, Andrew, Wilson, Josh, Wilfree, Marvin (alias: Zach), and Christian were amazed of my new gun. They were also excited to test it out. 

It's just the third day of 2021 and things are really looking good.

January 10, 2021
Today is my brother's 28th birthday. My family and I celebrated at Radisson Blu Hotel.

January 13, 2021
I accompanied my friend Gabrielle as she enrolled for Law at the University of San Carlos - Downtown Campus. Along the way, she got her yearbook. Then we had lunch together nearby. However, this was the day I finally knew what her decision would be since I confessed my feelings to her last October.

Sitting down in front of her face-to-face, we conversed about life and all.

"Are you really excited for law?" I asked her.

"Yeah, always wanted to be lawyer. Time to be a student again." She chuckled.

"Well, I'm happy you found what you really wanted." I added.

"You too Gill. It must have been very tough for you to shift from Medicine to Masters in Biology."

"It was. There were a lot of conflicts in my family that time. I'm just happy it was resolved and I finally completed it. Finally can join the workforce."

As our food came, her and I requested a photo. The waiter gladly took it. Before we ate, I just wanted to resolve one last thing. I was prepared for the worst.

"Hey Gab, if you made a decision regarding..." I stuttered before continuing "...regarding what I said to you on your birthday. I'm ready to hear it."

Time seemed to have slowed while I waited for her verdict. In truth, it was only a few seconds. I already knew it and it would not be in my favor. Why? She already has a date. Her former workmate. They aren't official...not yet but getting there. It would be rude to interfere.

Gabrielle hesitated for a while. She seemed to try to formulate a response. I was all but ready to face the music head-on.

"Aww Gill, you're a sweet guy. I like how you are so kind and supportive. I also like those cute drawings you gave me. It was really nice of you to come out and tell me how you felt towards me months back. I really appreciate it." She smiled before she continued. "...but I have a date already. I'm sure you understand that."

I stood firm trying not to show any emotion. I had to be strong and the bigger man unlike that dirtbag in college that doesn't take rejection too kindly.

"Of course, I do. I won't interfere any further." I said. "I hope we can remain as friends. We still have a lot of adventure plans with the others."

"Sure. You will always be my friend, Gill." Gabrielle replied.

We ate our lunch without any air of awkwardness. I felt relieved that she finally rejected me. I finally got the closure I wanted for four years. What matters is her and I remain as friends and we can continue our planned adventures with the other after our group abruptly went our separate ways four years ago. Now it was time to get back in business.

After we ate, I accompanied Gabrielle to her pension house which was a short walk away.

"Hey Gab." I said. "Thank you for today and thank you for giving me a chance."

We then embraced each other. It was warm and mutual.

"You too. See you soon." She replied.

"Let's party in Sinulog with the others?" I asked.

"We'll see you on the streets." She teased.

"Hoping for the best between you and your date." I sincerely said, being the gracious one.

I then hitched a ride home. I then told my friends that it's done and she rejected my advances. They all then came and gave their support. One guy said I can rant all I want. One offered me to come for a drink to let it all out. I politely declined them all. I didn't need no venting because I already knew this was gonna happen. I finally have the peace of mind I was looking for since 2017.

I was now free.

January 15, 2021
Actual Sinulog Friday.

If it weren't scheduled for this March.

I was back at the airsoft game site with my friends. They knew what happened the previous day so they offered me to come play with them. I agreed. It was a Friday night game so we had the whole place to ourselves. My friend brought a speaker and played several songs from the electronic dance music genre. We also had some beers with us to kick-off the start of the *actual* Sinulog weekend.

"Sorry to hear what happened yesterday, Gill." Christian said.

"It's nothing buddy. I knew it was gonna happen." I replied.

"Let's drink to that." Marvin added.

I laughed a bit and nodded.

Now it's time to look forward for those adventures and Sinulog 2021.

---

"CONGRESS CERTIFIES TRUMP'S VICTORY"[3]
- The Associated Press, January 6, 2021


"Security in D.C. expected to be tighter for upcoming inauguration"
- CBS News, January 6, 2021


"Good job @ VP @ MikePence for your hard work and service in certifying my victory in this free-and-fair elections. I look forward to serving all Americans in my upcoming second term. #KAG"
- @ realDonaldTrump, Twitter, January 6, 2021.

WATCH: Protests hit the streets of cities across America after Congress certifies Trump's victory

---

Author's Notes:
[1] Bisaya to English translation: "Cebuanos, are you excited?" Kasiloy is a slang for Cebuano.
[2] Christmas Eve dinner
[3] No storming Capitol Hill occurs in this timeline

Looks good, interesting to see how real life characters react inside my timeline. I look forward to chapter 4

[gillan1220]

Jul 10, 2021 14:32:47 GMT american2006 said:

Jul 4, 2021 7:58:56 GMT gillan1220 said:

Chapter Three: Countdown Begins

"Excited namo mga Kasiloy?[1] 100 Days left till the Grandest of the Grand Sinulog Festival!"
- Cebu Daily News, December 10, 2020

"Record breaking security expected for Sinulog this March 2021."
- SunStar Cebu, December 19, 2020

---

Closure
Gillan's Diary

December 24, 2020
At Christmas Eve today, my family and I did the Filipino tradition of noche buena[2] and going to mass. After that, I spent the night at my neighbor's house drinking some liquor and singing our hearts out. When the clock struck midnight, we greeted both our family member and neighbors "Merry Christmas". I went to bed at 3 AM.

December 25, 2020
It's finally Christmas Day.

As a child, I was always excited to wake up every Christmas morning. I would run towards the Christmas tree and exciting rip out the wrappers of the gifts. Back then, I would always be excited for those big-box toys such as Chap Mei's Wild Quest, Dino Quest, and Dino Valley, along with those Elite Force action figures.

Now as a 24 year old, I'm more into airsoft and LEGO. I identify myself as a AFOL. I got myself a few LEGO City sets and a brand-new East & Crane airsoft gun EC 634 which is based on the SOPMOD Block III. I've been wanting a new airsoft gun since 2019. Because I graduated earlier this month, I finally felt it the right time to reward myself. I can't wait to test this out for our game this upcoming New Year.

December 31, 2020
We have reached the last day of 2020. The year has been really full of blessings. I'm glad the decade began really better than I expected.

Tonight, I'm gonna watch the fireworks with my neighbors and my family. Then afterwards, to more liquor and karaoke.

January 1, 2021
Happy New Year!

Cheers to the new year and the second year of the decade!

To more blessings this 2021!

January 3, 2021
I finally got to test my new airsoft gun today. Franz, Pete, Miguel, Grant, Andrew, Wilson, Josh, Wilfree, Marvin (alias: Zach), and Christian were amazed of my new gun. They were also excited to test it out. 

It's just the third day of 2021 and things are really looking good.

January 10, 2021
Today is my brother's 28th birthday. My family and I celebrated at Radisson Blu Hotel.

January 13, 2021
I accompanied my friend Gabrielle as she enrolled for Law at the University of San Carlos - Downtown Campus. Along the way, she got her yearbook. Then we had lunch together nearby. However, this was the day I finally knew what her decision would be since I confessed my feelings to her last October.

Sitting down in front of her face-to-face, we conversed about life and all.

"Are you really excited for law?" I asked her.

"Yeah, always wanted to be lawyer. Time to be a student again." She chuckled.

"Well, I'm happy you found what you really wanted." I added.

"You too Gill. It must have been very tough for you to shift from Medicine to Masters in Biology."

"It was. There were a lot of conflicts in my family that time. I'm just happy it was resolved and I finally completed it. Finally can join the workforce."

As our food came, her and I requested a photo. The waiter gladly took it. Before we ate, I just wanted to resolve one last thing. I was prepared for the worst.

"Hey Gab, if you made a decision regarding..." I stuttered before continuing "...regarding what I said to you on your birthday. I'm ready to hear it."

Time seemed to have slowed while I waited for her verdict. In truth, it was only a few seconds. I already knew it and it would not be in my favor. Why? She already has a date. Her former workmate. They aren't official...not yet but getting there. It would be rude to interfere.

Gabrielle hesitated for a while. She seemed to try to formulate a response. I was all but ready to face the music head-on.

"Aww Gill, you're a sweet guy. I like how you are so kind and supportive. I also like those cute drawings you gave me. It was really nice of you to come out and tell me how you felt towards me months back. I really appreciate it." She smiled before she continued. "...but I have a date already. I'm sure you understand that."

I stood firm trying not to show any emotion. I had to be strong and the bigger man unlike that dirtbag in college that doesn't take rejection too kindly.

"Of course, I do. I won't interfere any further." I said. "I hope we can remain as friends. We still have a lot of adventure plans with the others."

"Sure. You will always be my friend, Gill." Gabrielle replied.

We ate our lunch without any air of awkwardness. I felt relieved that she finally rejected me. I finally got the closure I wanted for four years. What matters is her and I remain as friends and we can continue our planned adventures with the other after our group abruptly went our separate ways four years ago. Now it was time to get back in business.

After we ate, I accompanied Gabrielle to her pension house which was a short walk away.

"Hey Gab." I said. "Thank you for today and thank you for giving me a chance."

We then embraced each other. It was warm and mutual.

"You too. See you soon." She replied.

"Let's party in Sinulog with the others?" I asked.

"We'll see you on the streets." She teased.

"Hoping for the best between you and your date." I sincerely said, being the gracious one.

I then hitched a ride home. I then told my friends that it's done and she rejected my advances. They all then came and gave their support. One guy said I can rant all I want. One offered me to come for a drink to let it all out. I politely declined them all. I didn't need no venting because I already knew this was gonna happen. I finally have the peace of mind I was looking for since 2017.

I was now free.

January 15, 2021
Actual Sinulog Friday.

If it weren't scheduled for this March.

I was back at the airsoft game site with my friends. They knew what happened the previous day so they offered me to come play with them. I agreed. It was a Friday night game so we had the whole place to ourselves. My friend brought a speaker and played several songs from the electronic dance music genre. We also had some beers with us to kick-off the start of the *actual* Sinulog weekend.

"Sorry to hear what happened yesterday, Gill." Christian said.

"It's nothing buddy. I knew it was gonna happen." I replied.

"Let's drink to that." Marvin added.

I laughed a bit and nodded.

Now it's time to look forward for those adventures and Sinulog 2021.

---

"CONGRESS CERTIFIES TRUMP'S VICTORY"[3]
- The Associated Press, January 6, 2021


"Security in D.C. expected to be tighter for upcoming inauguration"
- CBS News, January 6, 2021


"Good job @ VP @ MikePence for your hard work and service in certifying my victory in this free-and-fair elections. I look forward to serving all Americans in my upcoming second term. #KAG"
- @ realDonaldTrump, Twitter, January 6, 2021.

WATCH: Protests hit the streets of cities across America after Congress certifies Trump's victory

---

Author's Notes:
[1] Bisaya to English translation: "Cebuanos, are you excited?" Kasiloy is a slang for Cebuano.
[2] Christmas Eve dinner
[3] No storming Capitol Hill occurs in this timeline

Looks good, interesting to see how real life characters react inside my timeline. I look forward to chapter 4

Yeah, this is really an effort to do so. I had to do my own judgement on how our ATL selves would react along with what were the plans for 2020. Yes I am balancing this as a "better than COVID" timeline but not a complete 100% utopia. So there will be obstacles and twists to make it realistic.

[american2006]

Jul 10, 2021 15:04:13 GMT gillan1220 said:

Jul 10, 2021 14:32:47 GMT american2006 said:

Looks good, interesting to see how real life characters react inside my timeline. I look forward to chapter 4

Yeah, this is really an effort to do so. I had to do my own judgement on how our ATL selves would react along with what were the plans for 2020. Yes I am balancing this as a "better than COVID" timeline but not a complete 100% utopia. So there will be obstacles and twists to make it realistic.

Well yes of course, trust me I have stuff planned on my end, it’s not a perfect universe

[gillan1220]

Jul 10, 2021 15:23:28 GMT american2006 said:

Jul 10, 2021 15:04:13 GMT gillan1220 said:

Yeah, this is really an effort to do so. I had to do my own judgement on how our ATL selves would react along with what were the plans for 2020. Yes I am balancing this as a "better than COVID" timeline but not a complete 100% utopia. So there will be obstacles and twists to make it realistic.

Well yes of course, trust me I have stuff planned on my end, it’s not a perfect universe

My OC can't get the girl. In OTL, she met this guy but the pandemic caused them to "delay" their date. Without the virus, I'm sure they would have been official and together a long time ago even though when she would resign from her job in Makati in the alternate July 2020 (OTL planned resignation date).

Yeah, also I do want to badly see my mountaineering group again. I have not seen them since 2017. Plans for a reunion were already discussed in 2019 before COVID-19 robbed it from us.

On a personal level, this an obstacle. But on the other hand, at least there are sports, adventure, and the upcoming festival to look forward to in order to provide a distraction.

On the international level, the election of far-right leaning individuals would be another obstacle. Trump being reelected is already an example. While many Americans that did not vote for him would say he is not the end of the world, it would be another four year of "humiliating" leadership on the global stage according to them.

[american2006]

Jul 10, 2021 15:32:40 GMT gillan1220 said:

Jul 10, 2021 15:23:28 GMT american2006 said:

Well yes of course, trust me I have stuff planned on my end, it’s not a perfect universe

My OC can't get the girl. In OTL, she met this guy but the pandemic caused them to "delay" their date. Without the virus, I'm sure they would have been official and together a long time ago even though when she would resign from her job in Makati in the alternate July 2020 (OTL planned resignation date).

Yeah, also I do want to badly see my mountaineering group again. I have not seen them since 2017. Plans for a reunion were already discussed in 2019 before COVID-19 robbed it from us.

On a personal level, this an obstacle. But on the other hand, at least there are sports, adventure, and the upcoming festival to look forward to in order to provide a distraction.

On the international level, the election of far-right leaning individuals would be another obstacle. Trump being reelected is already an example. While many Americans that did not vote for him would say he is not the end of the world, it would be another four year of "humiliating" leadership on the global stage according to them.

Well I can’t say much more then sorry on the events of your personal life, for which I am truely sorry you couldn’t get the girl or get back with your friends.

But as for Trump, you haven’t seen humiliation yet compared to what’s coming (ominous background music plays)

[gillan1220]

Jul 10, 2021 16:00:08 GMT american2006 said:

Jul 10, 2021 15:32:40 GMT gillan1220 said:

My OC can't get the girl. In OTL, she met this guy but the pandemic caused them to "delay" their date. Without the virus, I'm sure they would have been official and together a long time ago even though when she would resign from her job in Makati in the alternate July 2020 (OTL planned resignation date).

Yeah, also I do want to badly see my mountaineering group again. I have not seen them since 2017. Plans for a reunion were already discussed in 2019 before COVID-19 robbed it from us.

On a personal level, this an obstacle. But on the other hand, at least there are sports, adventure, and the upcoming festival to look forward to in order to provide a distraction.

On the international level, the election of far-right leaning individuals would be another obstacle. Trump being reelected is already an example. While many Americans that did not vote for him would say he is not the end of the world, it would be another four year of "humiliating" leadership on the global stage according to them.

Well I can’t say much more then sorry on the events of your personal life, for which I am truely sorry you couldn’t get the girl or get back with your friends.

But as for Trump, you haven’t seen humiliation yet compared to what’s coming (ominous background music plays)

Thanks. Writing at least releases the frustration.

Now that Trump has a second term (crediting his achievements while criticizing his unprofessional behavior), here's some music I think would be fitting.

When Trump gets re-elected on November 3, 2020:

[american2006]

Jul 10, 2021 16:21:39 GMT gillan1220 said:

Jul 10, 2021 16:00:08 GMT american2006 said:

Well I can’t say much more then sorry on the events of your personal life, for which I am truely sorry you couldn’t get the girl or get back with your friends.

But as for Trump, you haven’t seen humiliation yet compared to what’s coming (ominous background music plays)

Thanks. Writing at least releases the frustration.

Now that Trump has a second term (crediting his achievements while criticizing his unprofessional behavior), here's some music I think would be fitting.

When Trump gets re-elected on November 3, 2020:

Save that for 2024, you’ll see what’s coming.

[gillan1220]

Jul 10, 2021 18:06:50 GMT american2006 said:

Jul 10, 2021 16:21:39 GMT gillan1220 said:

Thanks. Writing at least releases the frustration.

Now that Trump has a second term (crediting his achievements while criticizing his unprofessional behavior), here's some music I think would be fitting.

When Trump gets re-elected on November 3, 2020:

Save that for 2024, you’ll see what’s coming.

I'm sure Trump won't become a dictator. The U.S. military will turn on him. Perhaps Ron de Santis would run in 2024.