EXTENSION GUEST ROOM

EXTENSION GUEST ROOM

Years ago when we renovated our provincial home we saw to it that each of our five children would have a room where they can do what they wish and enjoy the needed privacy. Aside from the four bedrooms already existing at the ground floor the new additional six that included one for us, their parents, we thought our house was roomy enough for the satisfaction of everyone. For the helpers we added a stockroom spacious enough for three persons plus the nearby nipa hut that could accommodate four persons, for the drivers of our children.

We did not foresee nor imagined that our children would eventually look for their partners in life, then have children of their own who would be needing yaya’s and other helpers too. One special occasion for gathering we suddenly found our ten bed rooms too crowded for comfort.

Hurriedly, we built an extension guest room in a small separate building. We modernized it somehow for our grandchildren to appreciate. Complete with Air con units , TV set , Refrigerator, Coffee maker, CD player, hot and cold water supply, bath tub and multiple showers it turned out very attractive enough not only to our family but more so to our guests as well. Friends suggested that we offer it for overnight lodging for a certain donation since we didn’t want to make a business out of it. A great idea quickly clicked on our minds.

For the reason that most of the time our children are in the city and do come home only on special holidays, we decided to offer our extension guest room for bed and breakfast service and ever since it was never idle. Small families, Friendly groups, Honeymooners do come and go. Now many are suggesting that we expand it or build additional units as people are getting more practical now.

Instead of crowding in the house during wakes, homecoming relatives (the Balikbayans) prefer to avail of a bed and breakfast service. Some are planning to hold small meetings and conferences.

Preparing and attending to guest could be very tiring but easily compensated by the joyous experience. Those who had a chance to stay in our extension guest room always want to come back. They are the ones who relay to other people about our accidental but very special service at a very affordable donation.

Now with two of our children based in Australia, one in Canada and two in Manila with their respective families, my wife and I are more often than not “alone” in our ancestral home. One room at the first floor formerly used by my sister who died lately was converted into a Biomat and Hypnotherapy Clinic. Another one was made a computer room while still another was being offered for rent for pre-wedding photo sessions. The idle Sala is also offered as a quiet and private area for amicable settlements.

The challenges of the activities we are doing at our old ancestral home and the extension guest room are like a potent potion as if taken from the fountain of youth that keeps us young and energetic at an age when others of our ages are either already dead or dying.