Tuesday, Feb 7, 2006 Ground Breaking

I was told by Kong Naring last night to get a brand new shovel to be used for the ground breaking. I’ve already set it up so Father Bobet will come right after he blesses a couple of parishioners who are ill.

Jack set the alarm at 6:30 this morning so we can get ready. After shower I had Pap scout a nearby hardware store for a shovel. We went over and saw this one for Php 240. The guy at the counter gave us a 10 peso discount. Cool.

I finally was able to contact Ate Lynn on her cell and invited her to join us.

We went to Greenfields and on the way I was sending messages back and forth to everyone. When we got there around 9:45, everyone was already there except for Father Bobet and Lily. A few minutes later Lily showed up in a rush realizing she was late. I told her she’s off the hook since Father Bobet is still on the way. Kong Naring and company went to the property and started to clear the spot for the ground breaking. I waited a little more for Father Bobet and he came a few minutes later. We got there the little hole was ready to go. Myrna sent a message saying she and Vir were on their way. So I told Father Bobet we can start. He started praying and at that moment I was suddenly overcome with emotions realizing, “This is it!”, so when it was my turn to do the first reading, not sure if anyone noticed but my voice was actually breaking.

We walked around the property while he was sprinkling the ground with holy water and everyone singing some hymn I couldn’t recognize. Once we got back to the spot with the hole in the ground, I laid down a copy of the floor plans in it then taking turns, Kong Naring and Armin covered it up with dirt and sand.

Lily recommended we head on out to the Red Rickshaw, the restaurant just outside of Greenfields, to have some meryenda. We realized when we got there it was already around 11 so we ordered lunch for everyone. After lunch Donna sent me a text message they got back from San Francisco and that she needed to call me. I gave her the phone number of the restaurant and while waiting Father Bobet and company left to administer to more sick people. I told him to say a little prayer for the repose of the soul of Marley. I told Atching Pie to go on back to Guagua and I’ll just hitch a ride from Myrna and Vir. Donna called and she basically told me that Tita found out there was a mistake with my ticket and that I still have to pay for the surcharge but I’ll get reimbursed back in LA.

Myrna and I with Vir driving went to SM so I can get some polvoron and stuff. In the mall there was a big group of students from some school who’re parading around in costumes Ati-Atihan style and are creating quite a racket with their drums and all. I had both temples of my glasses fixed in an SM eyeglass shop free of charge, bless their heart. After getting our groceries, we took everything to the car and went back for Razon’s halo-halo! On my way to the rest room, my cell started ringing and it was Japan Air Lines calling confirming my flight for Friday, February 10. With our bodies refreshed from the delicious halo-halo, they dropped me off to Guagua. They’re supposed to treat me for lunch at Gerry’s Grill tomorrow. Odette’s sister called as well and told me they’re going to drop off Ed’s glasses to me at Gerry’s Grill.