MALOLOS MANSION
The town of Guiguinto in Bulacan is known for its simplicity. Though relatively close to Manila, the town still was able to maintain its rural way of living. But amidst this quaint town is an abode like no other.

The Bonnga's house looks intriguing even on the outside. It is not the typical residence you would have seen in a town like this. Its gate, made of wood, looks more at home in a house from the Spanish Era. A large bell and water pump, worn with age, decorate the front lawn. read more...

TANGING INA
I had reservations in watching Tanging Ina. Even if I know for a fact that it' s the top Filipino film, grossing Php155 million in its first four-week of theatrical run, it is still not on my movie list. Afterall, I grew up with a notion that Filipino films are either corny or baduy, thanks to bad (and almost always bold) Filipino movies shown and produced while I was growing up. But Tanging Ina is an intriguing movie right from the start. With a title that sounds like a Tagalog swear word, it has piqued the interest of the people enough to lead them to the movie houses to watch it. read more...

 

NATURE LIVING
by Arvee Salazar

'Never judge a book by it's cover,' I was once told by a wise person. I never did believe now follow that advice until I saw this rest house in Tagaytay.

Plain looking on the outside with it's brick walls, shingled sloping roof and grilled windows, it is really not a sight to behold. It looks like any other house you have seen before; it looks generic. But the magic begins once you enter through it doors.

It is nothing like you have ever seen before. Upon stepping inside, you'll feel that you have been transported to paradise.

Living things can be seen anywhere - there are plants on the corners and walls, and flowers on the table and kitchen. There's even a pond filled with colorful and gorgeous koi inside that extends to the side of the garden! The house seems to be made alive by all the greens you can see inside.

This masterpiece of nature and man is the humble rest house of the Robertos. Although designed by daughter architect Sharon, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 2000, it is still Mommy Corie who decided what the main theme of the house should be.

'I love plants, I love flowers, I love all living things. When my daughter Sharon asked ideas on how I wanted the rest house to look like, I said that I don't really care what design it is or what era it is patterned on, as long as the garden will be made as the focal point of the house. I wanted to see the garden everywhere when I am inside the house,' Corie says.

Her wish is her daughter's command. Everywhere you go, there's always a window or an opening that lets you view the garden. The best view can be seen in the master's bedroom, where a screened opening as big as a door overlooks the garden. 'I really specified this to Sharon. I wanted to see greens and yellows the first moment I open my eyes in the morning. I wanted to feel the sunlight and wind billowing,' Corie explains. The effect of this combination is exhilarating to the senses.

Their garden is like the Garden of Eden. Flowers are blooming everywhere your eyes rest. Even plants which can be mistaken as weeds in another setting are perfect for this set-up. They give the garden a natural feeling. But the small waterfall is the highlight of this small patch of greens. The cooling sound of rippling water is a good complement to the refreshing effect of the grass. Corie even set up a cooling shade in the garden filled with wood furniture used for reclining and relaxing. 'This is where I stay most of the time. I love sitting here and just looking at the garden, feeling the wonders of nature. I even put up wond chimes and shells so that when the wind blows you can hear their soothing sound. It is the best place just to think or relax and sleep.'

The rest house is also a museum of the Roberto?s trips to different countries of Asia. 'I love Asian art and decors; they have so much history in them and their exotic designs are just intriguing. It also feels woodsy, outdoorsy and natural, that's why they very well go with the nature element very much present in the house,' Corie says. Her favorite is a Chinese singing fountain gong that sings and ripples when rubbed with wet, vigorous hands.

'We built this rest house so that we can relax and get away from the busy city life. I never knew I would really love it here. Now I stay here more often than I stay in our real residence. Being with nature just makes me feel at home,' Corie reveals. Indeed, this is paradise on earth.