When we moved in to our current office from the old one in Gorordo Avenue, I was one of the people who ensured the transfer will be as smooth as possible. Almost four years later, we’re going to move again but this time, on a different floor in the same building. The building where our National Head Quarter (HQ) is located is relatively old! It’s been here for more than five (5) decades based on my rough calculations. One time I heard Ma told me it’s been here before my eldest sister was born. It used to be owned and occupied by one of the country’s biggest insurance company called PhilAm Life (now called AIA Philippines) then our company bought the entire property in mid-2018.
Despite being ancient, the building looks sturdy that it even withstood a super typhoon last year. When we transferred in 2018, we did zero renovations of the place. It was spacious and with its good old furniture and fixtures, we never thought of any upgrade. Until last year, the VP for Sales and Marketing decided it’s time to make the most out of our HQ. He asked our in-house architects/engineers as well as contracted the help from outside to design a mixed-use high-rise building. The project is big and will span a couple of years before it gets completed. Phase 1 is the renovation of the 3rd floor where we’ll be transferring. We’re currently occupying the first floor.
Last month, we held our blessing for the new space we’ll be occupying before this year ends. Initially, I thought it’ll be just a regular Catholic blessing but I was a bit caught off guard when I realized it ain’t. We were instructed to join the ceremony; the moment we went upstairs we saw three (3) monks. I had to confirm this with my workmate: it was a traditional Buddhist ceremony that the monks did in our new office. It last for an hour. It was my first time to witness such ceremony. Although I couldn’t understand a single word the monks uttered during the ceremony, the chanting was so soothing to the mind and spirit. It keeps playing inside my head. The ceremony ended by throwing coins, candies and chocolates in the entire workplace. I’ll give you a virtual tour of our new office soon!