Gone are the days when we felt hopeful whenever the rainy season arrives; it usually calls for class suspension! Now, we must face the dread of commuting and simply accepting that there will be days where we must assume we are ~waterproof~. After more than two years of working from home, many companies have either adapted a hybrid work schedule or have returned to onsite work. To help you adjust better to working in the office again, we’ve prepared a quick checklist for the rainy season:

Compact umbrella or raincoat

With the Philippine weather, an umbrella is a bag essential all year round. You could be sweating bullets on your morning commute or trying to stay dry on your way home; it’s just that unpredictable. Instead of going for the usual umbrellas, try investing in a compact umbrella — you can find them online, with sizes as small as your smartphone. If you want to stay really dry, go for a light raincoat that’s also easy to carry in your bag.

Extra clothing

No one wants to show up to work looking like a wet chick. Plus, not everyone can easily go back home and change clothes (not in this Manila traffic)! Make sure to pack a change of clothing; something light and isn’t bulky so it wouldn’t take up much space in your daily bag. Also, did you know that polyester clothing dries faster than cotton? When shopping for new clothes, that’s something to consider!

Waterproof shoes or rain boots

You know what it’s like in the metro – even a light downpour can clog the streets and cause a flood that’s deep enough to soak your shoes. Protect your favorite sneakers by waterproofing them (sprays are available online) or investing in rainboots. It may be extra baggage to carry but you can’t simply risk wearing just slippers – you don’t know what’s in the flood that might cause infection. Plus, styling boots is fun!

Insulated tumbler

In case you’ve been holding off on that water tumbler trend everyone can’t get enough of these days, this is your time to invest in one. It doesn’t only help lessen waste from getting water bottles and save you from buying coffee; it will give you warmth when it gets too cold on your commute home. Better make use of the free coffee in the office!

Sanitation or first aid kit

A sanitation kit is just a must-have; the pandemic isn’t over yet! Pack your extra face masks, alcohol and sanitizers, and tissue. It’s also handy to pack basic medicine; the rainy season makes us more vulnerable to catching flu, cough, or colds. Never miss out on taking your vitamins as well; prevention is better than cure.

Light jacket

A jacket isn’t just for helping you stay warm from the cold office aircon. It can protect you from light downpours throughout the day and keep you cozy during your commute. There are pocketable parkas or windbreakers you can buy in stores and online; they wouldn’t take up that much space in your bag.

Waterproof phone case

From trying to book a ride home to accepting defeat and relying on Google Maps to lead you the way when you walk, the rain simply can’t stop you from taking out your phone. You don’t want it to end up soaking wet (I don’t want my hard-earned money thrown away like that), so getting a waterproof phone case is the way to go. You don’t even have to go for branded ones that cost thousands of Pesos; plenty of affordable cases are available online.

Your favorite playlist or podcast

Let’s just accept the fact that even the lightest downpour can cause hours of traffic in Metro Manila. Gearing up for the rainy season also means readying ourselves for extra hours spent commuting. Make your rides feel comfortable with your favorite senti rainy day playlist in the background (yes, romanticize commuting like that), or have your favorite podcasters with you. If you read e-books or have an e-reader, don’t forget them as well!

Stay dry and healthy this rainy season, folks! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for the l8est entertaining, useful, and informative lists!