With all the paraphernalia needed for the exhibit/booth display, the group started for Manila from Lagawe, Ifugao on board the service van lent by the Hon. Vice Governor Nora Dinamling, fueled by the gas donation of Hon. Board Member Joseph "Jojo" Odan of District 2. That was on the 7th of April 2008 at around 9:00 in the evening.
We reached Congressman Chungalao's residence where we were accomodated well (big thanks) and where we made our headquarters for the duration of the exhibit. we started cutting the letterings for our booth and also setting up what we need to set up for the booth display. We slept late, I at 2:30m A.m. April 9, 2008, while the others slept at 5 A.M. the same morning. http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/35/
we woke up early for the opening of the exhibit proper at the Megamall. Eric called for cab. as we were on the Tandang Sora flyover, the left front wheel of the cab went flat! we had to get out of the cab and try to look for a replacement cab but to no avail because most of the cabs that passes along the said flyover is loaded with passengers. the cab driver (in his oldies) is hard-up getting the flat tire out and placing the new tire in place and so Uncle Conrad had to help him. we spent almost 30 minutes under the schorching sun at the flyover! then suddenly, the ISCAF Ambulance (driven by a person who knows Jeremy) stopped by after having recognized us. I went directly to the driver explaining what had happened and that we had to hurry to the Mega mall for the exhibit as it is now 9:30 am (we started at Congressman Chungalao's residence at 8:30 am and the exhibit opens at 10am). the Ambulance driver told me to speak to an Emajawjaw in the FX following the ambulance. when I went near the FX, anagkha ta un gayam hi Manong Charlie Nangpuhan! so they assisted us by giving us a ride (in the ambulance) and dropping us off a place where we can hire a replacement taxi (because they were also rushing and as much as they want to bring us to the exhibit place, time is also off the essence for them)...and so we were able to reach Mega mall in time for the formal opening of the exhibit...whew! http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/36/
This is day 2 of the exhibit. everyone is now relaxed since the interview by the jurors had already been finished and that the tension has now settled as we have not experienced any inconveniences in the morning, unlike the day before, Day1, where we encountered the flyover incident :-). The kids are now free to roam around the exhibit area and that they have already mastered the ins and outs of the area so everytime we send them for refreshments, they come back quickly and easily not getting lost among the crowd. our other companions also went for shopping while some stays to manage the booth and to entertain the visitors and to offer free kamote (boiled and in strips) and ricewine. The group had made many friends because of the kamote (which they say is masarap daw and they keep coming back and even bringing other friends with them to taste the imported kamote na masarap. imported from the mountains of Talboc, Mayoyao, Ifugao, one of the beneficiary barangays). By the way, the uniform of the group for the day2 is yellow (painted by me overnight). The Pembo ladies came to visit us during this day and even had a pose with the Governor when he came to visit our booth. in the afternoon of Day2 is the announcement of winners and awarding of grants... http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/37/
And then the MOMENT arrived...official representatives of all finalists were seated at the designated area while the closing program starts. then the awarding followed...
EMCEE: "The third winner of the World Bank Project Grant Award is from the North!"...at this, I looked at ate Polen (COO of SITMo) who was seated beside me.....
EMCEE: "...from the mountains..." ...Ate Polen and I held hands at this moment in time when the EMCEEs continue to give the clue as to who is the Third World Bank Awardee...
EMCEE: "Saan kaya ito? (referring to the place where the mysterious grantee came from)"... I clenched my hands and ready to hear the words which will announce to the entire nation who that 3rd Awardee/Grantee is...
EMCEE: "Entry No. 0184, Pochon and...." ...I didn't hear anymore the words following the big announcement as i leaped from my chair and heard the cheering crowd (for sure those who helped in the preparation of the booth shouted with joy upon hearing that Pochon won the Award) and looked for Jeremy at the back to help me claim the award (take note, I was on Mayoyao native Attire)...and as we approach the stage area, we can still hear the cheers of those who might have shared our sweet kamote. I'm still overwhelmed even as I return to my seat with the announcemnt still ringing in my ears... at last, the sacrifices of the group has paid up...and this award is not just for the group, but for Mayoyao as well... http://josh21020.multiply.com/photos/album/38/
Monday, April 14, 2008
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