October 14, 2023, Saturday. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city of Manila as I made my way into the familiar hustle and bustle of Kinspire Architects. The firm was alive with energy—an organized chaos that spoke to our dedication. Today marked another crucial point in the development of our Private Resort project in Batangas, and as I pushed through the glass doors of our building, I knew it was going to be anything but routine.
"Morning, Shan," called Jamie from across the lobby, a cup of coffee already in her hand and eyes sharp with focus.
"Morning, Jamie. Ready ka na ma-stress ulit?" biro ko, inilapag ang aking bag sa aking mesa.
Ngumiti siya nang may pang-aasar. "Hindi ba lagi naman?"
The hum of the office filled the air—keyboards clacking, phones ringing, snippets of conversations mixing with the aroma of brewed coffee. Pinagmasdan ko ang mga kasamahan ko, lahat sila ay may kanya-kanyang gawain, ang mga papel at blueprints ay nagkalat at nakatambak sa mga mesa.
Ar. Iris Tan was already deep in discussion with Engr. Rafael Santos at the far end of the room. Nakatutok sila sa mga detalyadong plano ng estruktura, ang kanilang mga noo'y nakakunot sa konsentrasyon. Nakuha ko ang ilang bahagi ng kanilang pag-uusap habang naglalakad ako.
"'Pag 'di natin ni-reinforce 'yong section na 'to, the weight distribution is going to be off," Engr. Rafael said, tapping his pen on the blueprint.
"Agreed," Ar. Iris replied, her voice steady. "I-adjust na lang muna natin bago tayo magtuloy sa ibang mga plano."
I reached my workstation, which faced a wide window overlooking the vibrant cityscape. Manila's traffic moved in its usual, unwavering stream. Sitting down, I powered up my computer and pulled out the latest drafts we'd been refining. The agenda for today was clear—complete the next phase of detailed architectural and structural plans.
"Shan," called Ar. Iris from across the room. She motioned for me to join their discussion.
"Coming," sabi ko, kinuha ang aking notepad at naglakad papunta sa kanila.
Binati ako ni Engr. Rafael sa pamamagitan ng isang tango. "We were just talking about the main lobby's support structure. With the new material selections Leo proposed, we might need to tweak the foundation specs."
"We can't afford any delays with that," Ar. Iris added, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Kailangan na ni Pres. Helen ng updates by next week and she's expecting na maibibigay natin 'yon sa kanya."
"Let's review the latest measurements," I suggested, flipping through my notes. "If we shift the load-bearing points slightly—"
"Exactly what I was thinking," Engr. Rafael interjected. "We'll need to run another analysis, but it could work."
"Sige, gagawin ko na agad 'yong mga kailangan i-adjust tapos i-send ko na lang agad 'yong bagong draft mamayang tanghali," I confirmed, making a note.
"Perfect. Keep us posted," Iris said with a quick smile, her attention already darting to the next task.
As I returned to my desk, Leo Cruz stopped by, a bundle of fabric samples and sketches in hand.
"Shan, puwede mo bang tingnan ito?" Leo asked, spreading the swatches across my workspace. "Para 'to sa lounge ng resort. I'm thinking a mix of warm neutrals and deep blues to echo the coastal setting."
"Gusto ko 'to," I said, running my fingers over a deep blue fabric with a subtle pattern. "This one's perfect for accent pieces."
"That's what I thought," Leo replied, a grin spreading across his face. "I'll finalize these choices and let Sofia know for the landscape cohesion."
BINABASA MO ANG
At Last, Him
RomantikPassionate and career-driven, Architect Shannon Guiea V. Pertierra reaches a point where she embraces her single life, believing her heart might never find its match. But just when she's ready to abandon the hope of lasting love, fate brings her som...
