Chamber Newsletter November 2009 Vol. VI No. 11
Preparations had been underway, months before November 27, 2009, to formally open one of the biggest stores in our neighboring city, Gingoog. Hing Hok in Chinese translation means both progressive and lucky which aptly expresses our best wishes for the Gingoog Express Hardware, the third ‘do-it-your-self provider’ for home or industrial endeavors. The second is the one in Davao City after the biggest in Butuan.
We had contacted the leaders of our Lion Dance Troupe early enough to be ready for this scheduled first performance outside of Butuan. We had not expected that our text messages would not reach the intended recipient, Mr. Ronald Ucab, due to the replacement of his cell number. It was a costly error in terms of both opportunity and fulfillment of commitment to our member. We had to apologize to our dearest friends Robert and Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty.
The paraphernalia, the lion head, ceremonial drum, cymbals and trousers, had been sent to Gingoog the previous day, and on that morning we waited for their prompt appearance at the TCA for hours, only to be disappointed when we realized that something was amiss. We looked for Ronald in his new address to try to salvage the situation, only to be advised that he had a new cell number.
We reached Gingoog without having to rush. Bebot and Jojo had been advised beforehand and as usual they were very gracious in welcoming us to their new establishment. Many Congratulatory Floral Arrangements sent by friends and suppliers, filled the sidewalk, and all their employees were in their smart uniforms. Everything had been laid out well, in spite of ‘Urduja’ which had caused landslides along the highway from Carmen town to Gingoog City. The highway had not yet been completed cleared of the mud and debris but traffic was not affected.
Due to her hectic political schedule, City Mayor Ruth Guingona, could not immediately come to the opening. She sent her Adminstrative Officer, Mrs. Garrido, to cut the Ceremonial Ribbon. Fr. Roger said the Prayers and Blessing of the entire display area, before he said grace for the food. When we were introduced, he was very quick in kissing the hands of both Fely and ourself, as he explained that he wanted to show respect to the parents of a brother priest.
Jojo led us to the table of Mrs. Garrido, and whenever she could, she joined us. Jojo told us that Dr. Gerry, the daughter of Mrs. Garrido, now a Cardiologist stationed in Cagayan de Oro, and herself and Fr. John Young, were ‘barkada’ and active student leaders at the UP when they were still students. Their recent chance encounter at the Gingoog Bus Terminal was pleasant and interesting.
Bebot, whenever he could, would drop by too. And upon further inquiry, Bebot and Jojo said that they leased the property from the daughter of a local hardware store owner for fifteen years. The building was constructed by their own employees who were truly ‘do-it- yourself’ enthusiasts, working with the plans of Architect Nixon Parinas.
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