Echoes

To be fair, the old HOJ has served thousands of Estehanons for decades. It has survived a lot of disasters, including Super Typhoons Yolanda and Ruby. It has witnessed the birth and death of many political dynasties. It's no wonder that it's now falling apart.

For months we had to connect to the nearest residential house to turn on our computers because the building had no more power supply. Apparently, the power transformer blasted so we had to use a 20-meter long extension wire to electrify our office. Of course, we could not use the AC so we were always sticky especially in hotter months. It did not help that the windows in the office were stuck!

Lack of power resulted to lack of water in the common restroom. Without electricity, water pumps could not work. So, we had to collect rainwater through a pipe that was inserted into the gutter. Imagine what it was like during dry season? Actually, don't! I was diagnosed with UTI later because I kept holding in pee as I refused to use the toilet! 🙅🏻‍♀️

Thank goodness, we're done with that!

Last July we settled in our new home courtesy of LGU Oras. The move was exhausting, it took us 3 days to organize everything! But we were happy. At last, an office space that we can be proud of — clean, cozy and spacious. And with a scenic view, to boot! 😭

The ride home was interesting. He commented about how things have changed. There were no gas stations yet when I entered the prison; now there's a lot of them, he said quietly. 10 years is a long time, I added.

There was no fanfare when we reached their place. I could see the joy in his relatives' faces, but there was no big celebration. They have a lot on their plate, I could see. I reexplained the court's decision to them. They expressed their gratitude and asked what they could do to repay us. I answered, avoid conflicts — that's how you'll help us 😅

I bid them goodbye and drove off. As I traversed the coastal road, I realized that I was just a law student when my client was detained, stripped of his civil liberties. Now, I'm married, almost 7 years in law practice. Was it really a favorable disposition? I can't help but wonder.

We also made a quick courtesy call to Hon. Benjamin E. Ver, municipal mayor, who expressed his gratitude for our service.

We enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at the residence of SBM Nonong Montallana upon his daughter Atty. Kessey Montallana's invitation.

We were able to serve around 150 clients who were all thankful that they did not have to travel or spend for notarial services.

Before going home, we took a few photos for posterity.

The municipality of Jipapad is situated in a low-lying area in the northernmost part of Eastern Samar. When it rains heavily, the place gets easily flooded as the river surrounding it overflows. Kaya we were happy we were given a sunny day for our legal outreach! 🌄

Barely two days after our mini getaway, we drove back to the city to return the sofa we bought from Wilcon Depot. It turned out to be too huge for our small living room. Me and my eagle eye, am I right? Such a hassle!

My consolation was that I was able to celebrate my nephew who turned 17 that day. I texted them to join us on my birthday but they were busy at school - thesis season!

Then, another two days after the Lunar New Year, I invited my friends over for dinner. It was just a simple gathering, I just ordered food trays. Pagtuman, as we say in our vernacular. It was our first get-together in a while and their first time to visit us at our relatively new, hopefully forever home, so it was a bit hectic. Needless to say, I was delighted to catch up with my high school girlkada! 💃