Demolish? Restore? Build?

There was a discussion before on either putting up a new structure on the abandoned lot or rehabilitating the Moore residence. Of course, restoring the old house was always the priority as it has become more than just my family’s home- it’s become a landmark on that side of the province.

In my infrequent visits, I would notice small improvements made by Mama - replacing the wooden stairs with cement steps, a garage with a veranda on top - changes that did not really make the structure sturdier or even more beautiful but gave my mother comfort. And indeed the interior felt homey and gave a calming and nurturing effect.  Despite sprucing up the home with very personal things, Mama knew that everyone including herself, could feel the age of the structure. 

The flooring slightly slopes onto one side, and in some areas creaks under your step. My cousin, a doctor who practices in the province pointed out to me that the whole house seemed to be twisting more and more each year. He brought me to the middle of the living area and he told me to look up at the ceiling. The frame that held the pitched roofing, which ran the entire length of the house, indeed twisted to a certain direction!  I would also feel tremors when trucks pass by the house. Ventilation was bad as Mama sealed the rear balcony to make way for more closet space! 

After much deliberation, and considering the fact that the house was hastily built, we decided to build a new structure on the adjoining lot. There was also a lot of talk that the Moore residence sits on very valuable land and if the lot were to be redeveloped into commercial spaces, Mama would stand to earn a lot!

I saw the practicality and the logic behind the idea and I easily agreed. Ironically, I’ve been extremely critical with businessmen in Manila who demolish old structures in Malate and Ermita disregarding heritage and history to make way for malls and other commercial establishments. Funny how life forces you to contradict yourself!
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