Filipino Construction Beliefs and Traditions

Lot and Trees

• A square or rectangular lot shape is preferred for balance and harmony, while irregular shapes are believed to bring misfortune.
• Aratilis trees are believed to prevent daughters from becoming pregnant out of wedlock if cut down.
• Balete trees are considered haunted and should not be cut down to avoid spiritual attacks.

Construction Rituals and Practices

• Padugo (blood-letting) involves sacrificing a white chicken to ward off evil spirits and prevent accidents during construction.
• Pregnant women should avoid construction sites to prevent bad luck and childbirth complications.
• The number 13 is considered unlucky and should be avoided.

Staircase and Door Placement

• Stairs should start and end on gold or silver steps (oro, plata) to bring prosperity and avoid ending on "mata" (death).
• Stairs should not face east to avoid bad luck, associated with the withering of family health and wealth.
• The main door should face east for prosperity, while a west-facing door is believed to bring financial difficulties and quarrels.

Interior Layout and Orientation

• The kitchen should face east for good fortune and happiness.
• Interior doors should not face each other to prevent the easy flow of luck out of the house.
• Homes should be airy and well-ventilated (aliwalas) to create a welcoming environment.

Structural Changes and Timing

• Reducing a two-story house to a single story is believed to shorten the lives of its occupants.
• Pouring cement during a full moon brings luck and speeds up construction.
• Turning posts clockwise before cementing them makes the house typhoon-resistant.

Symbolic Items and Practices

• Burying St. Benedict's Medals and coins in the foundation brings protection and prosperity.
• Burying books ensures children grow up intelligent, while music sheets bring harmony.
• Placing chili and salt under posts repels bad spirits and termites.
• A coin on the doorstep encourages steady cash flow.
• Knotty wood is avoided as it is seen as the eyes of forest spirits, leading to constant observation.

Moving In and House Blessing

• Moving in at dawn symbolizes a prosperous beginning.
• Bringing essential items (salt, vinegar, soy sauce, uncooked rice, sugar, water, and coins) into the home first ensures health and happiness.
• A priest's blessing with holy water cleanses the house's aura and brings good tidings.

Site Visit Considerations

• Understand local climate and landscape.
• Assess sun orientation, wind, and rain for optimal building placement.
• Evaluate existing plant life and environmental conditions.
• Consider views and potential negative impacts.
• Adhere to local zoning ordinances and regulations.

Staking Out the Building

• Measure setbacks from front corner monuments and drive stakes to mark the front building line.
• Measure side setbacks, place stakes to mark building corners, and ensure correct measurements using diagonals and batter boards.
• Use a spirit level/bubble level to ensure accuracy.

Excavation

• The excavation process involves digging...