Welcome back! Today is a massive day for our mountain home project in Ginatilan. If you’ve been following along, you know that building a house in the "bukid" is a completely different beast than anything I’ve ever experienced back in Norway. We are finally at the stage where the house is starting to look like an actual home because today, we are installing the windows.
I can’t tell you how good it feels to see the glass going in. Up here in the mountains, the view is everything. We’ve designed this place to really take in the greenery and the fresh air, and these windows are the final piece of that puzzle. But, as with everything we’ve done so far, getting them here and getting them installed hasn't been a walk in the park.
The logistics of building in a remote area like this are incredible. You don't just call a big box store and have everything delivered on a flatbed. We’ve had to coordinate the transport of these glass panels up the winding mountain roads, ensuring nothing cracks or shatters along the way. Seeing the team handle these huge panes of glass with such precision—often in flip-flops—is a reminder of the raw skill and ingenuity you find here in the Philippines.
In this video, I wanted to show you the actual process. It’s not just about the installation; it’s about the team. Our workers have become like family. We’re out here in the heat, figuring out the alignments, and making sure everything is sealed properly against the elements. Up here, when it rains, it really rains, and the wind can be intense. These windows have to be more than just pretty; they have to be our shield.
I also spent some time talking about the design choices. I wanted a modern look that still felt grounded in the landscape. Seeing the black frames against the concrete and the surrounding jungle is exactly the "vibe" I was going for. It’s that intersection of Western modernism and Philippine natural beauty. Every window we put in feels like a victory—a step closer to the day Jessa, Liam, and I can finally move in and enjoy the life we’ve been working so hard to build.
Building this house has taught me so much about patience. In the West, we want everything done yesterday. Here, things take time. You have to wait for the materials, wait for the weather, and wait for the right moment. But when you see that first window catch the afternoon light and realize you’ve created this from nothing, all the stress and the waiting feel worth it.
I also want to give a shoutout to Jessa. She’s been the backbone of this project, managing so much of the local coordination that I simply couldn't do. We’re doing this together, and seeing her excitement as the house transforms is the best part of the whole process.
So, walk with me through the site today. I’ll show you the progress, the challenges we faced with the fittings, and the incredible view we now get to see from our future living room. This isn't just a construction update; it's a milestone in our journey of making the Philippines our permanent home.
Thanks for joining me on this building adventure. It’s getting real now! Stay grounded, stay real, and I’ll see you in the next one.
