Standing tall among small bungalows and huts, the five-storey structure that is Casa San Miguel is a little out of place in the quiet fishing village of San Antonio, Zambales. "It's a little eccentric," admits the man of the house. The brick and cement house has large shuttered windows and a tower that juts out from the black shingle roof.

Although it seems like such a large home for one man, the living spaces are only on the third and fourth floors. The top level is the tiny tower from which you can view the sea, and a concert hall and gallery take up the first two floors. The Casa was built as an art center for the community. On the weekends, as much as 140 children, from age four to 17, pass through its hallways, climb its staircases, and roam the gardens, lugging musical instruments to find that perfect place to practice. CASA is actually an acronym for Center for the Arts in San Antonio. Past students regularly return to Casa San Miguel, performing at the concert hall, holding exhibits in the galleries, and conducting workshops for the kids.

Constant construction has given the home a very eclectic feel, with the owner assuming the role of designer. To save the house from a termite infestation, the owner is slowly replacing everything with cement while trying to minimize cost. Lots of pieces were also recycled from the owner's former home.

Although this comes through whichever room you find yourself in, it is most apparent in the living room, where painted wood meets raw planks, and old capiz windows serve as doors alongside frosted glass. It’s all so different. Yet, somehow, everything works.

(First published in the May 2010 issue of Good HouseKeeping Philippines, Features section as "Artist in Residence;" photos by At Maculangan; adapted for use in Female Network)