HOUSE CONSTRUCTION: THE PAINTING PROJECT

It has been a long journey, but we are finally starting to see some real improvements as we move along. The thought of ever accomplishing all this when we began back in 2010 is becoming a distant memory. These days we are working on the more aesthetic projects rather than the construction we have been completing. It has begun to take on the resemblance of a place we will be able to call home.

Kuya Tony visited us late last year. He is a cousin to Maly through marriage. He is a distinguished painter and has had many projects in the Philippines. He looked over the house while there and advised us he would be able to paint the house if we would like for him to. We had to wait until May to begin, but he was willing to come at that time.

I was scheduled to be home late in May from work. Maly and the kids wanted some time away from home, so we decided to meet in Manila. While Maly and the kids were away, it was arranged that Kuya Tony and his helpers would arrive and watch the house while also beginning the work of painting it. They came in a few days before and started there preparations for the job ahead.

Banner painter by Kuya Tony

Maly and the kids met me in Manila as planned. We had a great time there that week as we visited several amusement places the kids wanted to go to. All the while I was eager to get back and see the job that was being done at the house as well.

We finally arrived on the 25th of May. We were welcomed home by a large banner outside. Kuya Tony is not only a house painter, but also can paint banners as well. He made sure were we all were welcomed back in style. It was great pulling up and seeing the banner along with some of the progress being made in the house.

During the next two weeks of my time at home, Kuya Tony and his team continued to work on getting the outside of the house painted. It was a lot of work to make sure it was painted in a standard that only Tony would accept. Many hours of scraping, sanding and painting in the hot Cagayan Valley sun. He wanted to get the outside completed before the monsoon rains of June decided to come. We were lucky not to have too much rain during this period and the house painting continued at a pretty good pace considering that there were only 3 helpers working.

Our new ride

Maly kept me busy with trips to the market and other places picking up supplies. We would go for groceries for Maly's Country market in the early mornings and then for any paint or other supplies later in the day as Kuya Tony gave us a list for items he needed. We were always going in the tricycle and always needed a driver for this. I got the wild idea that we could accomplish so much more if we had an extra means by which to get back and forth to town.
So one day on a trip into town, we had stopped with the kids and one of our helpers to buy groceries. Once finished, we loaded the tricycle with the groceries and the kids and there was no room left for us. I told Maly we would just walk down the road and hire another tricycle to get us home. As our tricycle left, I changed my mind and we went looking at different motorcycle shops. I had already scouted around and new what i was looking for. At the first place we stopped, I asked how long it would be for me to be able to drive the motorcycle I was looking at off the lot. They told me it would at least take two days.  As we were now walking, I was not satisfied with that answer.
We went to the next dealer. Maly and I have used this same place for other purchases we have made. She is well known there and has good credit with them. We asked the same question. They said that once we chose the bike and they completed the paperwork, we could drive it off that day. We were now in business! It took approximately an hour for everything to be completed. Very efficient and even let us bring some of the items back the next day that we did not have with us. We were very happy that we no longer had to walk and that we had a way to get around town even without the tricycle.   

Rain spouts installed and painted

Kuya Tony was able to get a lot done in the two weeks. Even with frequent interruptions and new ideas being added. We had gutters that were originally installed, but no downspouts. We kindly asked if he would mind installing those before continuing the paint job. He agreed and off to town we went to buy the supplies. He did an excellent job of getting these installed and painted along with the rest of the outside. It has made a huge difference when the rains have come.
Kuya Tony and his team still have work to be done, but at least we can see a positive improvement from where we were in 2010. Even since just this May we have seen a much more lovely house from the outside.
We now have the tiles for inside and the painting will begin in there shortly. We cannot wait to see the finished results of it all.
I am headed back to work now. It takes money and this is the only way I know to make it. So I will have to wait another 90 days to see what progress is made, other than our nightly calls and video chats.
Hope you will check out the video below to see the progress. If you have not done so, please subscribe to follow along in all our adventures.

House Construction: The Painting Project