Ayala Greenfields Interior Studies

Here are some of the initial drafts on the project's interior views. I hope to be able to finalize them before Christmas!

AYALA GREENFIELDS Study 1

Here's the most recent study for the Greenfields Estates Project (lot size over 500sqms).


The view across the street seen from the would-be house is that of the golf course's hole number 10. From the get-go, my client was very particular about creating a design that will maximize this view. The problem, however, is that a 2-storey house is being constructed on the lot right across our site, which will potentially block any view coming from that side. So we decided to go three stories high and use higher floor-to-ceiling distances to see over the house across the road.

The design is kept modern and straightforward through the use of uncomplicated, clean lines. Wood elements and stone cladding were used to add an Asian feel and warmth to the structure. View decks and balconies are strategically placed to link the interiors to the magnificent exterior surroundings and to take advantage of the best available views.

More study visuals to be posted soon!

Fort Bonifacio View

My office(-slash-dairy's-photo-studio-slash-ross'-flat) is at the 14th floor of Crisanta Tower in Pasig City, situated in such a way that we get a good view of the global city area. Yes, it's a nice view--which I didn't pay much attention to until Dairy took photos of it.


Beautiful! (or maybe dairy just takes really good photos. haha!) I can't believe this is right outside our window.

Note to self: Stop and smell the Roses!

Ayala Greenfields Estates

Nothing really significant happened today, as I was working for the most part of it. One of the projects I'm currently working on that I'm really excited about is a 3-storey residence-slash-resthouse located at Ayala Greenfields Estates in Calamba, Laguna. The site is situated in the middle of a lush golf course, with spectacular views of Mt. Makiling and of Manila at the same time. I simply fell in love with the place the first time visited the site. I immediately thought of using huge windows on the house to frame the picturesque beauty it's evidently going to be surrounded with. I was actually surprised that such a place existed in the area -- 'heaven on earth', as one of the residents there proudly described it to me.

(location map)


After a few conceptual studies, my client and I finally decided on using a tropical modern theme for the house (which is a popular trend right now) with touches of Balinese elements. Asian-modern, in other words. The challenge, however, is to make the structure blend well with its surroundings, and to keep the design modern without it being too stiff.

Elizabeth Reyes (of 25 Tropical Houses in the Philippines) defines 'tropical modern' as characterized by residential designs that are distinctive in their use of mutable space, sensual local materials, and functional accommodation of hybrid East-West lifestyles. This includes environmental friendliness with constant experimentation on new materials and techniques. ...elements such as cross-ventilation, sun screens, wide eaves, raised floors,and sensitive solar orientation are given a contemporary twist.'

The scheme I'm presently working on is a play of local materials and Asian elements. It 'showcases' the scenic views around and takes full advantage of natural light and ventilation. I can't wait to present the final draft to my client. Maybe I'll find time to post some of the drawings here soon.

UAP Christmas Party -- architects go hip-hop!

I got a text invite yesterday to our chapter Christmas party (Capitol Chapter) on the 11th. So i thought it might be a good idea to attend and 'reconnect' with fellow architects, considering I've only attended about a couple of our chapter meetings for the year. I was all excited about the idea...until I got to the part (of the text message) which said "..come in hip-hop get-up and win P2,500 for best costume!". Hip-hop?!

So now I'm having second thoughts about attending. Haha! The clothes I own are simply anything BUT hiphop! Thank God for google, though. I tried searching for outfit pegs that might be useful. Some of them actually aren't that bad, although I don't think I'd ever understand the aesthetic behind wearing jeans so low the crotch is level with the knees.

Here are some photos I came across with:




I'm kind of liking the hoodie thing. Maybe I can get away with wearing just a hooded top and regular jeans for the occassion.

It sure is going to be a lot of fun looking at everyone else's interpretation of this theme, especially the more 'senior' colleagues! I'd have to remember to take a lot of pictures -- if I decide to attend, that is. ;-p

Perspolis Interior Design

Perspolis Persian Cuisine (located along Katipunan Ave.,QC) is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in -- great food, reasonable prices. The interior design, however, is an entirely different story. I went there again yesterday for lunch, and took some photos of its interiors.

Had the restaurant given more attention to its (interior) design, the Persian 'dining experience' would have been exceptional. It's evident that spending for the furniture and materials is at the bottom of the owner's priorities for the place. Middle eastern design is all about colorful, elaborate detailing, textures, and intricacy (think persian rugs), and it's quite sad that the only things remotely reflective of these are the red carpets, red paint, and the curtain beads. It was a good idea to provide a separate area for dining on a low table while seated on the floor ( as with other persian restaurants), but this could have been made more comfortable and attractive if several floor pillows were placed on the sitting area instead of it just being a plain carpeted platform. The ceiling design had me confused -- it actually looked more japanese than persian. The airconditioning units looked like they were placed there as an afterthought -- all the tubings are exposed instead of embedded on walls. The flooring material used was ceramic tiles (and white, at that) -- basic, safe, and well, drab. It served its purpose, but it sadly didn't do anything for the design at all.There are only a few restaurants in the city that serve good food at affordable prices, but even fewer of these are tastefully designed as well. Although Perspolis is a far cry from the design and facilities of similar establishments (take Ababu, for instance), I hope its owners do something about the interiors soon. ;-D

Client Visit

I was browsing through some photos in my phone, and found a couple on one of the interior design projects I did (location: Valle Verde 2, Pasig). This project was actually completed over a year ago, but I had the chance to drop by the house recently, and I was really happy to find everything still so put-together and orderly, that's why I thought of posting the photos here.

Interior design theme for this house is country french infused with mediterranean colors and accents (although we had to re-use a few old non-country french pieces).

Hello, Blogging!

My first blog! After considering so many topics to begin this with (architecture as a career, modeling in the Philippines, fashion shows behind the scenes, living and celebrating life, furniture review,etc!), I've finally decided to just start writing and get it over with.

So I guess this will be about a bit of everything that's happening in my life (how unique! haha!). I hope people can get some inspiration and useful information from what I'm going to be writing here -- small glimpses of my average-yet-blessing-filled i'm-not-sure-if-it's-worth-reading-about journey. ;-D