Pamasko Sa Abong

 

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maybe next year again?

Looking back---small bahay-kubo and the CR

Before we could start the project, I wanted to have a small bahay-kubo for temporary lodging, tool and materials storage and a place to rest or just hang around. My original thinking was to buy one of those ready to install bahay-kubo one can buy for for about forty thousand pesos delivered and installed ready for occupancy. I then asked our local guys if they can build one for the same price. They told me that for that amount, they can build a bigger and better bahay-kubo. I told them that I wanted two roofing style on the small bahay-kubo that would serve as the model for the abong’s roofing.

In addition, we also need an outdoor bathroom, referred to as “CR” (for comfort room I guess). I provided a sketch design of what the CR could look like and then left for Calif. Below are pictures of the bahay-kubo in various stages of construction.

I was impressed and totally satisfied with the bahay-kubo and the CR. This bahay-kubo even have a private room inside as well as a small balcon. 

The completed bathroom also looks impressive and almost to the specs.

After the construction was over, we moved the small bahay-kubo to the northern end by the water pump house and renaned it 'honeymoon suite'.

eof

Looking back---Crews and breaks

My construction crew consists of the 5 guys I brought in from Olongapo as my primary construction crew specializing in wood carpentry and the rest are locals from around the area. My project manager does the hiring, firing and act as paymaster as well. At the peak of the project, we have as many as 26 crews simultaneously working on various tasks including, carpentry, roofing materials preparation, bamboo flooring preparations, fish pond riprap and Pina as full-time cook. My deal with the 5 construction crew is that I provide lodging and lunch during workdays except Sundays. They provide their own breakfast and supper. They can go home after work every Saturday and start Monday morning. They have to provide their own breakfast and dinner just as the locals do.

Right after the crew’s bahay-kubo and the CR was completed, we immediately worked on the temporary outdoor kitchen or “batalan”.

It only took two days to complete the batalan. It has two burner gas stove, a water faucet, place to hang up coffee cups, drinking glasses, plates and everything we need to cook and serve food for the crew. This batalan serves as our kitchen for almost five months.

our batalan

The pictures below shows the crew preparing and celebrating of a major milestone.

Sundays are mandatory break and free time for everybody. A local barber usually comes in to  gave haircut to those who want it. The crew also use this time to do some fishing at the pond.

here a local barber does a housecall

the crew trying to hook some fish for dinner

Some go around gathering vegetables growing around the property,

kohol

The crew even brought their own TV set to watch their favorite basketball game.

Besides fishing, the next favorite past time is watching and feeding those free range chickens and probably discussing which one would be next for arroz-caldo or tinola. There were about 30 or so 

assorted chickens when they started and maybe less than 10 when the project ended.

My personal favorite is having coffee early in the morning and warming my hands against the warm of fire from scrap materials.

 ...and of course a celebratory drink with my cousin Bert Fortaleza.

eof