Building Day 21

Alphonsa Mahigne's Retirement Tribute, aka Despedida Party

After 35 years teaching, 24 of which were at Pililla Elementary School Central, Ate Nene left the classroom Nov. 15, 2013.  She had planned to retire at the end of the school year (March 2014). The stroke which according to the doctor was stress induced left her with no choice but to retire early.

During the retirement celebration, each retiree gave a short speech.  Ate Nene gave thanks to God and to her colleagues for their prayers because without them she would not be "as normal" as she is now.  I also continue to give God thanks for allowing me to share in her life and to be present at this celebration.

Ate Nene with the special student
who stayed with her and comforted her
as she suffered the stroke
while in the classroom Nov. 15, 2013.

Retirees with
Taina, Principal Mrs. Lyn P. Sanchez, and Ate Diday
(one of the retirees hadn't arrived)

Mrs. Sanchez welcomes
retirees, fellow teachers, and retirees' friends.

Mrs. Jane Villarin, 2nd grade teacher 
gave the invocation.

Mrs. Luningning Gregorio, 3rd grade teacher 
was the emcee.

special tribute by 5th grade teachers

the food

HE teachers and students
who prepared and served the meal

thanksgiving with a lower case t

Thousands of miles away here is our version of giving thanks:  family, friends gathering enjoying great food and each others' company.

Inaugural thanksgiving lunch in Pililla:
macaroni, fried chicken, potato salad

Notice that the dessert is front and center!
This is one of four leche flan served.

Ate Diday in light green blouse

Ate Charry

Ate Nene and Ellen

Kuya Warly and Marian

Queenie and Reggie

                                                                     

Building Day 18

front steps

back door and door frames

Building Day 15

front steps, the next day

Building Day 13

Scaffolds are up in preparation for the ceiling and roof.

the teeny tiny bathroom

The smaller pile of cement blocks
is about where the closet will be. 

Feast of Christ the King

The Blessed Sacrament was moved
from the Adoration Chapel and into a bigger area
to accommodate those who wish to spend an hour in prayer.

 The Catholic Church's procession began at 3 pm.  We prayed the rosary and sang songs as we walked throughout town.  We saw banners and images of Christ the King at people's gates.  The home-bound, seriously ill, members of the family were waiting at their gates for the Blessed Sacrament which Fr. Jovi carried.  The procession stopped as we passed by the sick and Fr. Jovi prayed with them.

Fr. Jovi also entered the municipal hall; blessed it and all who work there.  We stopped at every barangay hall and Fr. Jovi like wise blessed the place and those who work there.

This image of Christ the King
was part of the Aglipay Church's procession.
They had an evening procession
and members carried candles.

Building Day 12

Building Day 11

This view is from the second floor of the old house.

Building Day 8

Building Day 7

The hole for the septic tank.

Before/after

Before

Dining table made of narra, an extremely strong wood.  Narra is the national tree of the Philippines.  Mr. Steve lovingly refurbished this table and will be used in the new house.

After

Field trip to the rice mill

Mr. Philip Pacia has been living on my family's land since he was 11 months old.  His father was the tenant my grandmother initially hired.  This harvest netted my family's share of 395 kilos of palay (rice still in the husk).  Of course we had to pay the mill to process the palay, which in turn netted 8,690 pesos profit.  .