While Meagan, Melissa, and Sarah stayed at the hotel (in Clark) with the rest of the kids, all of the TI couples attended the ceremony as well as the western celebration that same night.
The day of the ceremony arrived, and we drove to the Texas Instruments site. As we stepped out of our cars, we awkwardly strolled passed the media cameras and into the large tent that was set up for this occasion.
The men (all seven of them) from the Texas Instrument team for this project decided to wear the Filipino formal attire: a barong. After all, what better time is there to celebrate the occasion with an authentic, native flare?:-) Most barongs are made from pineapple, cocoon, or silk fibers.
There were many different kinds of people at this ceremony. Some were just there for the occasion—like us, while others were important figures. Along with the VIPs from Texas Instruments and representatives from other companies, the President of the Philippines (Glorietta Arroyo) attended as the special guest.
Most of us TI wives assumed that we would be spectators at this ceremony and that the chances of shaking the president’s hand would be minimal. Yet, when we arrived, we found out that our front row seats gave us the thrilling opportunity of shaking the president’s hand as she walked down the isle to the front of the tent.
Observing the cultural rituals that the Filipinos go through in a groundbreaking ceremony was quite an interesting experience for us. Starting the occasion off, the priest gave a special blessing while the president buried a time capsule in the ground. For the remainder of the ceremony, the president, as well as some other businessmen, spoke about the project and its benefit to the Philippines.
Now, everyone knows that most parties are incomplete without food, right? Following the groundbreaking ceremony, we all participated in a delicious lunch! As we enjoyed our food and refreshments, local Filipinos serenaded us with music and performances.
Later that day, we TI couples attended a Texas hoedown (I believe the theme was chosen in honor of the company’s establishment in Texas). Since none of us thought to bring cowboys hats, we were all very glad to find some from a street vendor here in Manila! As you can probably guess, it was a lively evening with a country band, western décor, and even some hoedown dancin’, where Edwin and I were able to enjoy a bit of the two-step! :-)
As TI continues to build this new plant, it is our prayer that those working on this task would continue to ask God for wisdom and direction on the project.
Psalm 127:1 “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
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