Something for you Mommy (Part 2)

I've been very busy lately. But despite my busy schedule, I have been so much pre-occupied with the construction of Mommy’s memorial “kubo.” Actually the idea of putting up a memorial came from my Dad who one day told me of his wish to build something in memory of Mommy. His idea of a memorial was simple and modest at first – not really something big. But what started out as a simple and modest idea evolved into something I’ve never thought would become big. Then during our Christmas party back in December of 2013, my sister Beth took Dad’s idea of building something for mommy seriously. On that Christmas day, she gave an initial donation to the project. At that time, it still  wasn’t clear to me what kind of memorial to build for my mom. Eventually, however, sometime in February 2014, I suggested the idea of building a memorial hall. This hall can be used as a venue for training and seminars. Mommy was a teacher by profession. She taught in different public schools until the time came when she was asked by Dad to manage the bakery. She will be remembered in this hall as a teacher not only in school but a teacher in life, teaching wisdom through her kindness and love in her heart. Mommy taught us our first prayers. She also taught us to love one another, to be caring and concerned for one another. Therefore, this hall will remind us and the people who use it, of her loving legacy as a teacher in school and at home.

Now, as you can see from the pictures posted here, the hall that will be dedicated to her is slowly rising. I have selected the best place Sa Kabukiran as the site of this memorial hall. The place is surrounded by a lagoon. On the lagoon are three small islands surrounding the entire hall. From the hall, one can see also a view of Mt. Arayat. The design of the hall is not your typical “kubo.” However, it is inspired by the kubo. It shall have a thatched roof. Flooring will be made of vigan tiles. Instead of walls, clear glass windows will be installed to allow a clear view of the beautiful surroundings. Calados or “dinukit” wood carvings will surround the entire hall installed above the clear doors and windows. An ante room or a lobby will house her picture and the various paintings of Cindy and Dad who will do some paintings about her. A pond will be placed in front of this hall where we can put some koi fish and some beautiful floating lotus plants. This pond will remind us of our own pond way back then, in that garden where we used to play as young children. There in that pond were a number of koi fishes. We used to feed those fishes with some of the bread taken from Mom’s bakery. The incorporation of the pond into this structure will make us remember her especially on how we used to throw bread together to feed the lovely colorful koi fishes on the pond.

Hopefully, when the structure finishes, this edifice will be a reflection of her beauty and the calming spirit she always had in life. It will be a place where people will learn both knowledge and wisdom. But most of all, it will be a place where people will sense her loving and gentle presence enshrined in this beautiful place Sa Kabukiran.