EDII 02 and 03

Ground breaking and excavation have begun.  The following are photos from construction weeks 2 and 3.  Estudio Damgo students and with assistance from Core Shelter volunteers, a lot of progress has been made.  Our partnership with the City of Dumaguete has its perks.  We were able to use a backhoe and operator to dig the entire septic tank.  The hole was completely cut and removed of soil within one hour!  It's worth having equipment on-hand to take care of the big jobs.  Throughout the week, the pile of dirt was hand shoveled and dispersed throughout the site as fill for the foundation and concrete slab.  The batter boards and nylon strings are placed and we've started excavating the pedestal footings and perimeter slab footing.  Every day there is progress being made at the site, which is much needed motivation when construction tasks are strenuous, dirty and hot.

Contextualism: napping cats, strutting cocks, and a boy bouncing a ball among the bamboo homes at Core Shelter.

The pile of dirt left behind from the backhoe and septic tank excavation work.  The mound of soil looks overwhelming for a few hand shovels, but the students and volunteers reshaped the dirt around the site within two days.

 Finishing up the last humps of dirt from the big pile.

 Two Core Shelter volunteers jump into the septic tank hole to clean up the earth edges.

Showing just how crammed we are for space at the site, Efren pushes out on the chain link fence to make room for Francisco's swing while hammering the batter boards in place for staking.

 

Rhea is nose deep into the drawings as Francisco, Core volunteer, points out a footing detail.

Estudio Damgo team: Daryl Suasin, Cheyenne Lopez, Leigh Lagrimas, Rhea Dicen, Anna Koosmann pictured with our first local donor Chao Bacong, and Efren Torres.

Pleased to show our first local donor, Chao Bacong, around the site.

 Core president, Johna David, muscles out a pedestal footing.

Rhea and Efren confirm column center lines.  "Measure twice, cut once"... as so the construction saying goes.  I'm observing for accuracy from behind.

 

General site work activities. 

 

 The site towards the end of week 3.

"Panaghiusa" Ground Breaking

On Monday September 23, 2013 Estudio Damgo partners officially commenced the construction for the new multipurpose hall at Core Shelter, Bajumpandan with a festive and Filipino ground breaking ceremony.  Thanks to all the coordinating efforts from FU's advancement team, OFA, the Palihi dance group, Jay Cyrus Abuhuni band, SG Bank, the Creative Department, student and crew helpers, and Core Shelter dance troupes, Core Child and Beat Mazda!  The event was uplifting and memorable for the community residents and FU Estudio Damgo partners to share.

 - In memory of Leonardo Jessie Ybesate Jr. of the Palihi dance group, died two weeks after his performance for the ground breaking ceremony.  You are remembered for your talents as a dancer, makeup artist, and gracious friend.

 FU Band commences the event with a musical procession through Core Shelter neighborhood.  A native chicken proudly conducts the band ahead.

 Band leader, Jay Cyrus, smiles bright for the camera.

 The Palihi dancers performing a native and symbolic ritual blessing the site in preparation for the ground breaking.

Foundation University's Dean of Architecture, Victor (Dean) Sinco, and Mayor Chiquiting combine forces to crack the bamboo holding water, another Palihi dance ritual.

The late Leonardo performs one of the last traditional dances for the ground breaking ceremony.  I am so honored to have been in the audience that day and continue to reflect back on sitting beside him on the bus ride going to the site that morning.  I didn't know him very well, but we exchanged in polite conversation and witnessed his gentle, friendly, and positive spirit.  Leonardo was truly dedicated to his passion for dance and traditional performance, because we learn now, that he was ill during these remaining shows.  Thank you Leonardo for sharing your gifts.
 

 The blood from a sacrificial white chicken is a native ritual used to bless the soil for the new building.  Afterward the sacrifice, the chicken was given to Core Shelter residents to properly cook and eat.

 Estudio Damgo student leaders: Efren Torres, Daryl Suasin, Cheyenne Lopez, Leigh Lagrimas, and Rhea Dicen.

Core Shelter and FU guests watch the performance.  In this picture, Von Jovi Biala, from the first Estuiod Damgo project has been awarded one of "Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations" of the Philippines.  We believe his dedication on Estudio Damgo's Dungga Daycare demonstrated his academic leadership and excellence in being chosen for this distinguished achievement.  Estudio Damgo is thankful for your hard work and securing Php50,000 for Estudio Damgo program.  Congratulations Von Jovi Biala!

Estudio Damgo partners with William Ablong, Mayor Chiquiting, Dean Sinco,  Orlando Enguiq, and Maria Carola Alquero.

 Core Shelter dance troupe, Core Child, performs for the audience.

 Rhea Dicen speaks about the multipurpose hall.

 Core Shelter dance troupe, Beat Mazda, take the stage with electronic intensity.

 Resident children sit in front of the construction sign and observe the ceremony from the sidelines.

 Estudio Damgo partners take their shovels in hand to turn the soil for the new multipurpose hall.

Estudio Damgo partners: Ms. Alquero, Anna Koosmann, Mrs. Kadile, Johna David, Dean Sinco, the Mayor, Sir Ablong, and Captain Enguiq.