Shadow's Vengeance

Chapter 2: Board Meeting

(Nasa opisina na ngayon sina Issa at Sally. Binalot ng katahimikan ang paligid tanging tunog ng orasan lamang ang maririnig na ingay sa loob ng silid, ngunit hindi maitago ang bigat ng nararamdam. Alam ni Issa na dala lamang ito ng pagkabigla dahil sa matagal na panahon muli siyang nakatapak sa balwarte ng mga La Costa at hindi na ito mapakali na sa lalong madaling panahon ay makapaghigante ito. Sinimulan na ni Issa trabahuhin ang mga dokumento para sa La Costa Homes — bawat detalye, mahalaga hindi ito pwedeng magkamali dahil dito nakasalalay ang kapalaran niya upang mapalapit sa mga La Costa. Ilang sandali pa lang ang nakalipas mula nang tumawag si Secretary Cora. May itinakdang board meeting. At Issa ang inaasahang magpresenta ng proyekto.)

*On the scheduled day of the board meeting*

(It's 9:00 AM on a Monday, and the boardroom on the top floor of the company's headquarters is starting to fill with members of the board of directors. The room exudes a modern and professional atmosphere, characterized by sleek lines and a sophisticated color palette. Large windows allow natural light to flood in, illuminating the polished wooden floors and contemporary furniture, with a long, polished wooden table surrounded by high-backed chairs that promote comfort and productivity. The walls are adorned with abstract artwork that adds a touch of creativity while maintaining an air of professionalism, and a digital screen at one end of the room displays the company’s logo and the meeting agenda.)

(As expected from La Costa, their impeccable taste truly shines when it comes to blending art and technology. I'm impressed by how thoughtfully designed the place is—it’s not just visually stunning, but also highly functional. Every detail seems to be purposefully curated to enhance both aesthetics and productivity. You can feel that they put thought into the design. Ang ganda ng vibe, very modern and creative. The environment is built with collaboration and innovation in mind. From the creative lighting to the smart layout, it encourages movement, interaction, and fresh ideas. It's the kind of space that makes you want to work. Gaganahan ka talaga magtrabaho—you feel more inspired and motivated to get things done.

A space like this doesn’t just make work easier—it makes it enjoyable. It’s a perfect example of how design can directly influence performance and well-being. So nice, indeed!)

(Habang ang ilang natitirang board member ay tahimik na nauupo sa kani-kanilang upuan, unti-unting tumahimik ang buong silid. At the front, Secretary Cora, poised and composed, clears her throat—a subtle signal that the meeting is about to begin. With a polite smile, she thanks everyone for attending, acknowledging the effort it takes to be present and engaged. She then smoothly transitions into the official proceedings.)

I now call this meeting to order. *(She states firmly, her voice carrying just enough authority to command attention)*

(She proceeds to verify that a quorum—the minimum number of members required to make the meeting valid—is indeed present, ensuring that any decisions made will hold weight. With the groundwork laid, Secretary Cora briefly outlines the agenda, giving everyone a clear roadmap of what to expect in the session ahead. Her tone is efficient yet approachable, setting a professional but welcoming tone for the discussions to follow.)

It is my pleasure to introduce Miss Eleanor Issabelle Mariano, the Project Manager of La Costa Homes. She will be providing us with a comprehensive presentation of the project.

(We can do this, Issa. Hinga ng malalim) Good morning, everyone. Thanks for taking the time to join us for this construction progress meeting on the La Costa Homes. Today we’re here to align on progress, scheduling, any outstanding issues, and make sure we’re all set for the next phase of the project.

(Issa keeps talking up front, still holding everyone's attention. She’s relaxed but focused, speaking clearly and making sure her point gets across as she goes on.)

To begin, I would like to provide an overview report on the project’s current standing. Site preparation activities are approximately 90% complete, with only a few minor tasks remaining to finalize this phase. Progress thus far has been steady and largely under our projected schedule.

The permit applications required for the final phase of the project have been submitted and are currently under review. Based on preliminary feedback, we anticipate approval by next week, which should allow us to proceed without interruption.

It is also worth noting that we are currently operating slightly ahead of schedule. This is primarily due to the early delivery of foundation materials, which has enabled us to initiate certain preparatory tasks sooner than originally planned. This advancement has the potential to provide a valuable buffer as we transition into the next stages of construction.

Yes, that is correct. We have been fortunate with the recent weather, which has contributed to maintaining our schedule. Provided that the upcoming inspections proceed without issue and no unforeseen challenges arise, we anticipate beginning framing within the next 10 days. We remain hopeful that everything will continue to progress as planned. Aniya ng Site Supervisor.

That timeline would align us perfectly with our targeted milestone in late May. In the meantime, it would be greatly appreciated if the finance department could provide an update on the current budget status to ensure alignment with our financial planning and project objectives. It would be helpful to understand where we stand financially to ensure everything stays on track. Pagpapatuloy ni Issa.

Yes, we are currently operating within 2% of the approved budget, which indicates strong financial alignment with our projections at this point in the project. The primary area of concern we’re monitoring closely is the recent increase in lumber prices. However, we have proactively secured fixed rates for our upcoming shipment, which will cover the next significant phase of work. We will continue to monitor market trends closely and take appropriate action to manage any potential cost impacts moving forward. Sambit ng Finance Representative.

Nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita si Issa sa harap ng lahat. Let us now take a closer look at the updated project timeline. If you refer to the Gantt chart—either on the screen or the handout provided—you’ll notice a few important changes we’ve implemented, particularly concerning the framing and roofing phases.

After a thorough review of site logistics and coordination requirements, we made the strategic decision to slightly shift the timelines for both the framing and roofing activities. Originally, these tasks overlapped with the electrical rough-in work. However, we recognized that such overlap could create challenges in terms of site access, resource allocation, and overall safety.

To address this, we have now staggered the framing and roofing phases so they no longer coincide with the electrical rough-in. This adjustment is aimed at minimizing on-site congestion, allowing each trade sufficient space and time to carry out their work efficiently and safely. In particular, this will reduce the risk of delays stemming from worksite interference or trade conflicts.

Additionally, this sequencing improves the overall workflow, enabling smoother transitions between construction phases. It also enhances our ability to monitor quality and progress more closely, without the complications of simultaneous activities in the same zones. By implementing this proactive scheduling change, we are not only supporting a safer work environment but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering the project on schedule and within scope.

Nabigyan ng pagkakataon makapag salita ang mga taga Planner Team.

Kindly note that we have incorporated buffer days that have been strategically incorporated into the project schedule to account for potential contingencies, including delays in inspections or unforeseen lags in material deliveries. This measure is intended to ensure the continuity of project progress and mitigate risks associated with scheduling disruptions.

Pagpupuri ni Issa sa naging desisyon ng Planner Team. That was a prudent decision. To proactively manage risks and ensure smooth project execution, are there any known or potential conflicts involving subcontractors that we should be made aware of? This includes, but is not limited to, issues such as: scheduling overlaps with other ongoing or upcoming projects - existing contractual obligations that might limit availability or responsiveness - prior commitments that could affect resource allocation - historical performance concerns, such as missed deadlines, quality deficiencies, or communication challenges and or any interpersonal or inter-organizational conflicts that could disrupt coordination or collaboration. A clear understanding of these factors at this stage would help us anticipate challenges and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Dagdag pa ng Site Supervisor. There are no pending matters at this time. All crew assignments have been thoroughly reviewed and formally confirmed.

We’re pleased to share that the architectural team has completed and finalized the elevation designs for the project. These elevations define the visual appearance and structural outline of the “Bahay”, including façade details, window placements, rooflines, and overall architectural style. The finalized elevations reflect the latest feedback and align with both design intent and zoning requirements. Additionally, we’ve reached a consensus with the developer on the exterior color palette. This palette includes the primary and accent colors for exterior finishes such as siding, trim, doors, and other architectural elements. The chosen colors are cohesive with the surrounding context and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the project, while also complying with any community or municipal guidelines. Naging tugon ni Issa.

Perfect. Sustainable choices will definitely help in the long run. Dagdag ng site Supervisor.

Before we conclude this meeting, are there any remaining issues, outstanding concerns, or points of discussion that we still need to address or clarify to ensure everything is on track?

*(Matagumpay na natapos ang meeting nang walang aberya. Habang naglalapitan na ang mga kasama ni Issa sa meeting para magpaalam at mag-ayos ng gamit, hindi maitago ni Sally ang tuwa at pagkamangha sa ipinakitang husay ni Issa. Napangiti siya ng buong puso, proud na proud sa kanyang amo na buong tapang at talinong hinarap ang araw na ito. Sa likod ng ilang gabing pagpupuyat at pagod, tunay ngang kahanga-hanga ang nagawa ni Issa.)*

(Pagkatapos magsi-alisan ng mga board member, nanatili sa silid sina Secretary Cora, Issa, at Sally. Tahimik ang paligid, ngunit dama ang kakaibang sigla sa hangin. Hindi maalis sa labi ni Secretary Cora ang malapad niyang ngiti—isang ngiting punô ng pagmamalaki at kasiyahan. Para siyang isang inang nasaksihan ang tagumpay ng kanyang anak, labis ang tuwa dahil sa ipinamalas nitong talino at kahusayan. Sa bawat tingin niya kay Issa, bakas ang paghanga at tiwala, na tila sinasabi niyang, 'Magaling ka—hindi ako nagkamali sa'yo.)

What a day, Miss Mariano! You did an outstanding job today. I have no doubt that this project is going to be a resounding success because of your dedication and hard work. Once again, I’m deeply impressed by your performance — and I’m certain even the board members were amazed by what you delivered.

It’s clear that you take this seriously, and your passion shines through in everything you do. I can see the fire in your eyes — that determination and drive that sets you apart. Keep that fire burning, Miss Mariano. The future is bright with you leading the way. Keep up the excellent work!

I'm committed to delivering quality work, so I'm pleased to know that the results have met your expectations Secretary Cora.

*(Nagpaalam na si Secretary Cora kay Issa matapos ang kanilang unang opisyal na board meeting, dahil kailangan pa nitong asikasuhin ang isa pang mahalagang gawain. Tila nagbago ang tono ng boses ni Secretary Cora habang sinasabi ang pamamaalam kay Issa, at may bakas ng kasiyahan sa kanyang mukha—tila kuntento sa naging takbo ng kanilang pag-uusap. Tumango si Issa bilang tugon.

Pagkalabas ni Secretary Cora sa silid at marinig ni Issa ang marahang pagsara ng pintuan, saka lamang siya napabuntong-hininga ng malalim. Isang ngiti ang unti-unting gumuhit sa kanyang mga labi—sa wakas, matagumpay niyang naisakatuparan ang kanilang kauna-unahang meeting. Wala itong naging aberya, at sa kabuuan ay naging maayos ang daloy ng kanilang meeting.

Sa kaloob-looban ni Issa, nakaramdam siya ng panibagong sigla at kumpiyansa. Base sa unang impresiyon niya sa proyekto at sa mga taong kanyang makakatrabaho, tila hindi siya mahihirapan sa mga susunod na hakbang. Nakita niya ang malinaw na direksyon ng kanilang layunin. Kaya naman, may pananabik na siyang nararamdaman sa posibilidad na sa lalong madaling panahon ay makakaharap na niya nang personal ang mga La Costa. Para kay Issa, ito na ang simula ng isang panibagong yugto sa kanyang buhay.)*