the following text is my LA140 reaction paper:
Before our practicum began, I felt quite excited to experience “working”. I could feel the OJT hype to the point that I actually bought some new “work wardrobe” because I mostly had casual clothes. I actually wanted to undergo practicum in any firm at Ortigas – thinking that it was the most convenient and accessible area. But I ended up working for Polygon Ventures and Landscape Development Corporation at New Manila with my blockmate, Faith. Fair enough, I have no regrets with my practicum experience. In fact, I had quite an overwhelming one.
First of all, New Manila was more accessible than expected. Waking up around 6:30 in the morning to go to work at 8:00 AM was really not a problem for me. The transportation was simple enough to get used to. Besides, having to go to work with Faith really helped – we would wait for each other at PC Gilmore to walk to the office together.
The second good thing about work was the people in the office. They were a very hospitable and high-spirited people! They were like a family there. But the happy personality complements their seriousness with their work. What’s more is that they were very eager to teach us. May I point out the fact that there were no Landscape Architects to teach us the “trends of work” at that time because the recent Landscape Architect resigned about a few months ago. Nonetheless, the “apprentice protocol” was not overlooked. Our engineer and architect bosses, I believe, taught us what we needed to know and maybe even a bit more. We were introduced and briefed to the “work of contracting”. It was also pointed out to us some flaws, room for improvements, and merits of Landscape Architects when it comes to designing. We were also given the freedom to browse some plans and books in the office. The good thing about working at Polygon is that we became more aware of plants because there was a horticulturist working there. We were informed of the plants that were “in”, plants that are sun-loving and shade-loving – which is very important when designing the softscape, as well as the plants that need less and more irrigation, some plant cost, and some new variety of plants. We also became aware of the cost of some construction processes and materials. Moreover, Architect Fetalvero was ever so gracious to briefly lecture us on irrigation and drainage and some water features since he was the skilled professional in the office regarding those topics.
Thirdly, working at a contracting company trained us to “economically” design or, in other words, designing with a budget – sometimes even a very cheap and tight budget, especially when it’s a residential garden – but still a “worthwhile” design.
Probably, the best experience I had during practicum at Polygon was the number of site visits we had. Sure, my skin tone got a bit darker but it was worth it. We were able to be in construction sites to witness some ongoing projects. We also were able to tag along in site inspections and project maintenance. Also, we were able to go to various nurseries for plant canvassing and purchasing while Ate Jenny, the horticulturist, simultaneously names some plants. And at one time, we were also able to actually stake a lagoon.
In brief, I enjoyed my OJT experience for the five weeks that elapsed. I did not only gain more knowledge in designing but also knowledge regarding other aspects of the design profession – dealing with other professions. Likewise, I also gained friends and a new kind of family, the Polygon family.
and our Christian community... the CLP that will be held is for the kids of the members..yep...me and my sibs are going to have a spiritual experience come next weekend..mhmm..
