The House Bobby Manosa Built

I tagged along with Prof. Stanley Fernandez' graduate class to visit the house of this famous architect (who just happens to be the boss of some people here :). I loved his house. Besides being an expression of the architect's philosophy of uplifting the use of indigenous forms and materials, the 20+ year old house and its inhabitants give you a sense of history and family. A tour of the house gives you an idea of the people -- artists, musicians, presidents -- that the architect has been connected with through the years, with the photographs and various artists' work scattered throughout the house. It also shows how their family has grown, with his grandchildren now enjoying a small bahay kubo he built outside, as well as a 'jeepney room' and a 'boracay' room. The house has a laid back tropical feel, and yet it is elegant enough to entertain famous figures like Cardinal Sin, who even fished in their fishpond.



The entrance canopy with a capiz motif, and the open balcony covered with plants. The bahay kubo song praises the plants more than the house; the architect takes this to heart -- he has a vegetable garden ringing his expansive lawn. He points at a pointy grass, and I say, 'tanglad?' 'oh you know!' he exclaims, surprised. It's a great spice.



A view of the balcony from inside. We asked if they had any problem with security, since it was completely open. They had never been robbed in 20 years, he said (I think it also helps that they are in a high-end subdivision which controls the entry of people). They do get mosquitoes, and the occassional typhoon blowing in, but most of the year, they have a space where they can enjoy sunlight and a fresh breeze coming in from the nearby golf course. They don't have a formal dining room; the balcony is their living, dining and entertaining space. Note the presence of several lamps -- the lighting is designed to enhance the mood of the place.



A view of a corner of the balcony. The bamboo chimes tinkle constantly with the breeze. The tree holds a treehouse (not visible) that were built for the children (or the grandchildren). A view of the silong (basement) where stuff they've accumulated through the years are stored.




Details make the difference. Capiz shells on clerestory windows; coconut shell pieces inlaid on the countertop; and a collection of native ladles in the kitchen.



It's all in the view. The fishpond right outside their bedroom and the white sand from Batangas, visible from inside the 'Boracay Room' inside the structure in the background.

Here's a quotable quote from the man himself: "Materials is to an architect as medicine is to a doctor." The house is old, and it has acquired the atmosphere and wisdom of the years, like its owner.