Setting up the Tree
We bought a new Christmas tree from Ace Hardware Muntinlupa coz we threw the old one. The old one has been with us for the longest time and its plastic has been deteriorating.
Time to Move
We started moving on the second week of December (15th). It's all a mess, of course, with the yellow room as the "tambakan".
House Update: Toilet Fixtures, Stair Railing, Flintstones
The girls’ room looks really nice especially with how the red color of the neighbor’s wall emphasizes the pink color of the room.
House Update: Room Colors, Family Hall Tiles, Clearing Operations
Officially, the finishing part of the construction commenced when the completion was at 75% of cost. And that was in October (with 3 months to go). So that gives you an idea how long the “finishing” part is. Completion now is at 90%.
The cabinets in the dirty kitchen have been built. This is on the outside and is vulnerable and so I applied much Solignum Colorless here.
The painter (Nilo) was not too keen on the treatment coz a little of the brown solignum applied on the ceiling joist had trickled down to the ceiling in the bedroom upstairs and making tiny spots. So he had to cover those spots.
Well, the brown solignum wasn’t my idea. For all the wood parts (termite food) that I treated I only used Colorless.
The cabinets in the dirty kitchen have been built. This is on the outside and is vulnerable and so I applied much Solignum Colorless here.
The painter (Nilo) was not too keen on the treatment coz a little of the brown solignum applied on the ceiling joist had trickled down to the ceiling in the bedroom upstairs and making tiny spots. So he had to cover those spots.
Well, the brown solignum wasn’t my idea. For all the wood parts (termite food) that I treated I only used Colorless.
House Update: Kitchen Cabinets, Window Glass, Toilet Tiles
The basic structures of the closets and tables have been completed and some adjustments had to be done with regards to the placement of electrical outlets.
The study table below for the 3 girls shows the drawers on the right side. This was requested coz they’re all right handed anyway.
Also, the bay window’s seat to the right may be used as study chair as well. With the drawers at the right, the person sitting at the bay window seat won’t be crowded.
But notice the outlet at the right. We foresee the drawers hitting the plugs on this outlet and so we requested for an additional outlet on the left side.
The study table below for the 3 girls shows the drawers on the right side. This was requested coz they’re all right handed anyway.
Also, the bay window’s seat to the right may be used as study chair as well. With the drawers at the right, the person sitting at the bay window seat won’t be crowded.
But notice the outlet at the right. We foresee the drawers hitting the plugs on this outlet and so we requested for an additional outlet on the left side.
House Update: Closets, Bay Windows, Glass Blocks
Some of the closets have been started. The design is fairly simple. Inside the closet is a partition for hanging clothes and another partition for side shelves. There are big drawers at the bottom of the closets.
The table was designed to be like a dresser with a provision for a dresser mirror. Above the table are shelves for books, presumably.
So I don’t think it will be used as a dresser though. A study table is more like it.
The table was designed to be like a dresser with a provision for a dresser mirror. Above the table are shelves for books, presumably.
So I don’t think it will be used as a dresser though. A study table is more like it.
House Update: Windows, Flooring, Ceiling
Much has been completed on the second floor. The windows have been delivered and installed. The thing is though, the windows with fire escape panels were incorrectly installed. I had asked the windows fabricator to make 2 windows with fire escape panels.
And he did deliver.
The problem is one of the 2 was placed where the glass blocks should be. It had to be pulled out and now is an extra. Somebody wrongly counted the number of windows(?). The other one was installed in the bedroom of the first floor. Yeah, I suppose none of the workers even checked the windows. Grrr…
And he did deliver.
The problem is one of the 2 was placed where the glass blocks should be. It had to be pulled out and now is an extra. Somebody wrongly counted the number of windows(?). The other one was installed in the bedroom of the first floor. Yeah, I suppose none of the workers even checked the windows. Grrr…
House Update: Roofing, Staircase, Driveway
The roof insulation as well as part of the long span roofing have been installed. The ridge roll hasn't been installed yet.
Our humble house is slowly taking shape in between two behemoths. Of course unlike the two houses on both sides, our house will be brighter with natural lighting and more ventilated with the side windows. This is because we didn’t firewall on either side.
Our humble house is slowly taking shape in between two behemoths. Of course unlike the two houses on both sides, our house will be brighter with natural lighting and more ventilated with the side windows. This is because we didn’t firewall on either side.
Moved Bathroom
The second change suggested by the engineer was the moving of the bathroom from the middle of the floor area towards the back near the laundry room. This proved to be another good idea.
Here’s the old position taken in August 8. The hollow blocks below was supposed to start the bathroom walls. The door is so close to the kitchen window and that makes the counter really short.
Here’s the old position taken in August 8. The hollow blocks below was supposed to start the bathroom walls. The door is so close to the kitchen window and that makes the counter really short.
Reworked Bedroom Corner
Ugh, it’s been a long while since I last blogged. There’s just too much stuff going on at work.
Engr. Toti has moved on to his next project in Ayala Alabang and I’m very very glad that he took over while Arch. Nani went vacationing in the U.S. Toti gave some very good suggestions for changes.
One of this was the removal of the proposed water tank from a corner of the house that significantly claimed space from one bedroom. It didn’t make much sense (and I agreed) to allot the space for just a mini-tower for the water tank.
Engr. Toti has moved on to his next project in Ayala Alabang and I’m very very glad that he took over while Arch. Nani went vacationing in the U.S. Toti gave some very good suggestions for changes.
One of this was the removal of the proposed water tank from a corner of the house that significantly claimed space from one bedroom. It didn’t make much sense (and I agreed) to allot the space for just a mini-tower for the water tank.
Photo-op with Renz
Here's another at the photo-op at the new house. Form lumber have been set for the small bay windows' awning. DH, Renz and I went there to put anti-termite proofing for the stair landing.
Later in the afternoon Renz attended a birthday part as Robin shown here without the mask.
Later in the afternoon Renz attended a birthday part as Robin shown here without the mask.
Photo-op at the Site
We had a look-see on the current status of the house today. Sunday is the most convenient coz there are no workers around and also it’s also the safest – no falling debris.
Here’s where the stairs will be. There was a heavy downpour just the night before so it’s so wet everywhere.
Here’s where the stairs will be. There was a heavy downpour just the night before so it’s so wet everywhere.
New Dog
Sorry for the long absence. We’ve been having some internet problems at home.
We got a new dog! She’s a purebreed askal and imported all the way from Pampanga! The owners (Elvis) said she’ll make a good guard dog.
I hope she will. I thought we’d call her “Lucky” coz the owner’s son took her to our house in Pampanga in a “Lucky Me – Pancit Canton” empty box.
But the kids had other choices: "Daisy", "KC", even “Tricycle”. Finally, we all settled for “Pootchie”.
After our trip from Pampanga, the dog was just too stressed or tired that she slept most of the time. Renz tripped and scraped his chin on the road while walking to church.
On the homefront, there have been plenty of developments.
We got a new dog! She’s a purebreed askal and imported all the way from Pampanga! The owners (Elvis) said she’ll make a good guard dog.
I hope she will. I thought we’d call her “Lucky” coz the owner’s son took her to our house in Pampanga in a “Lucky Me – Pancit Canton” empty box.
But the kids had other choices: "Daisy", "KC", even “Tricycle”. Finally, we all settled for “Pootchie”.
After our trip from Pampanga, the dog was just too stressed or tired that she slept most of the time. Renz tripped and scraped his chin on the road while walking to church.
On the homefront, there have been plenty of developments.
Moving the Bathroom
After much discussion with the engineer last Saturday (architect is at the US for 3 weeks), we agreed on moving the bathroom from its proposed location in the plan to take space instead from the laundry area. This effectively creates a bigger space in the center of the house.
Here’s the part of the kitchen that will give way to the door for the new location of the ground floor bathroom.
Here’s the part of the kitchen that will give way to the door for the new location of the ground floor bathroom.
Bay Windows Started
Today, DH and I looked at the structure and saw the bay windows have been started. The second storey slab was completely poured last Saturday and the upper walls are now being built. Here are the 2 front bay windows.
Here’s a view from the inside after climbing the rickety makeshift ladder.
Here’s a view from the inside after climbing the rickety makeshift ladder.
Demolition of the Old House
The old house now looks like a disaster zone. It's like a super cyclone suddenly descended upon it. The roof and the ceiling are gone, the marble tiles have been plucked out.
Some of them were piled together with the heavy wood beams (for reselling). The roof was leaking in many places and the ceiling deteriorated because of it.
Some of them were piled together with the heavy wood beams (for reselling). The roof was leaking in many places and the ceiling deteriorated because of it.
Clearing the Renthouse Backyard
After typhoon Frank left, it’s now time clear the backyard of dried felled branches. These are those that were cut by relatives of the owner a few days after we moved here. This stuff is one big fire hazard.
So we cut the branches even more, separating the dried leaves. The leaves were burned. And the storeroom was cleared too. There were plenty of old shoes, paper, an old tv, underwear and termites.
We felt like after all the previous occupants didn’t do sh!t and fate just waited for us to clear this storeroom. Here’s how the backyard looked like later in the day. There was even enough heat in the fire pit to warm water!
>
So we cut the branches even more, separating the dried leaves. The leaves were burned. And the storeroom was cleared too. There were plenty of old shoes, paper, an old tv, underwear and termites.
We felt like after all the previous occupants didn’t do sh!t and fate just waited for us to clear this storeroom. Here’s how the backyard looked like later in the day. There was even enough heat in the fire pit to warm water!
>First Lunch at the Rent House
Since it’s a Saturday, here’s our first lunch and yes, I’d say we’re pretty much settled in the rent house. I’d rather call it “rent house” coz “rented house” sounds as creepy like “haunted house”.
It doesn’t look cramp in the next pics coz we’re still expecting a few stuff - the big stuff, actually. Awaiting are the bookshelf, divider and the narra bed.
Some of the other stuff that are not likely to be used in the next six months were already transported to one of the units in the apartment (Unit D).
Renz is all smiles for this first lunch photo inside the rent house.
Here's another shot of the gang with me at the living room. That's supposed to be the dining area with a kitchen. I say kitchen because there used to be a kitchen sink behind DH. See that protruding pipe for a faucet?
Renz has become impatient and Karen is starting to give me “the look” coz they hungry and don’t want any more picture-taking.
Here’s one of the last stuff to go from our old house – the Powerpuff Girls Height Chart tacked on the right side of the bookshelf.
Karen has outgrown this height chart already since it is only 5 feet high. I remember the kids getting all excited whenever I took their height measurements. Well, except for Che, that is.
I’m rather melancholic as I write this. It’s been a while since I updated and there were times that I’ve forgotten about this blog. It’s like “does it even matter if I update the blog?”
Maybe it’s the moving… or maybe it’s the lack of comments on this blog. I don’t know. I certainly haven’t gotten any comments for a long time. So hey, if you’re a regular reader, just say something, anything, ok?
It doesn’t look cramp in the next pics coz we’re still expecting a few stuff - the big stuff, actually. Awaiting are the bookshelf, divider and the narra bed.
Some of the other stuff that are not likely to be used in the next six months were already transported to one of the units in the apartment (Unit D).
Renz is all smiles for this first lunch photo inside the rent house.
Here's another shot of the gang with me at the living room. That's supposed to be the dining area with a kitchen. I say kitchen because there used to be a kitchen sink behind DH. See that protruding pipe for a faucet?
Renz has become impatient and Karen is starting to give me “the look” coz they hungry and don’t want any more picture-taking.
Here’s one of the last stuff to go from our old house – the Powerpuff Girls Height Chart tacked on the right side of the bookshelf.
Karen has outgrown this height chart already since it is only 5 feet high. I remember the kids getting all excited whenever I took their height measurements. Well, except for Che, that is.
I’m rather melancholic as I write this. It’s been a while since I updated and there were times that I’ve forgotten about this blog. It’s like “does it even matter if I update the blog?”
Maybe it’s the moving… or maybe it’s the lack of comments on this blog. I don’t know. I certainly haven’t gotten any comments for a long time. So hey, if you’re a regular reader, just say something, anything, ok?
Last Few Days at the Old House
DH and I are still staying at our old house as the countdown begins. The pic below is our last dinner at the house last Monday with everybody raising their barbecue sticks.
House to Rent
Today we spent the entire day cleaning the house where we’ll stay while our old house of 20 years is demolished and a new house constructed in its place.
The house we’ll rent is at the back of our house towards the right. In other words, it’s adjacent to our back neighbor. It's been vacated for almost 3 weeks now.
In terms of location, it’s probably the best among the houses we looked. It’s also the cheapest at Php5K. Others ranged from 6K to 10K. But it’s also one of the most rundown as you’ll see later.
The house we’ll rent is at the back of our house towards the right. In other words, it’s adjacent to our back neighbor. It's been vacated for almost 3 weeks now.
In terms of location, it’s probably the best among the houses we looked. It’s also the cheapest at Php5K. Others ranged from 6K to 10K. But it’s also one of the most rundown as you’ll see later.
