Project BUILD II

BUILD II - Day Two
Living a colorful life!

July 29, 2006, Saturday, new faces were added to the first batch of volunteers. Those of us who have already been to the site met there directly while the new comers were met by Charo De Leon, Manager for CTCSR at Sto. Domingo.

After the prayers and the formalities, we noticed only one among the three homes was ready for finishing works. Not that construction was slow but two of the houses had to be re-built from scratch. The former broken down shanty have transformed into a two-storey concrete home. Although unpainted and still roughly plastered it was a far better cry from its former state, plus, it had a terrace. Well, the next itinerary was…you guessed it, painting time! Roller paint brushes and rags were handed out then we were divided into two smaller groups, one to paint the ground floor and the rest to take care of the second floor. Those assigned downstairs had to strip off some old paint from the walls and ceiling with steel palettes and sand paper. Others took turns in sweeping and tidying up to minimize the dust that spews out of the flurry. You could just imagine the powder white dust clinging to everyone’s shirt, but no one’s complaining. Above them, the second group was busy painting walls, railings, window panes and doors. It was only half past ten, but the job was almost complete. At noontime workers with shirts, faces, arms, and hair blotted with white, yellow and peach paint, started to gather at the quad in front of the hall, a clear sign that the work was done.

Before calling it the day, we were asked to stay for lunch, the residents have prepared a sumptuous meal for one and all. Chicken-pork adobo, danggit (dried fish) and dilis (mini dried fish) with camatis (tomatoes) was on the menu. Seated or standing alongside a very long table, we all took part of the feast “kamayan” style. After the repast and to everyone’s delight, ice buko, through the courtesy of our President was given for dessert. We even had the chance to have our group photo taken in front of the homes we help re-build, before going home with high spirits and smiles in our face.

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