When the owners of this home were having their home built in 2008, they wanted it to look different from the designs that were prevalent that time. “Nung time na ‘yun, sobrang lahat gusto [ang] Balinese. Kami we wanted to be different. Naisip naming modern Filipino,” says the man of the house. His wife adds, “We wanted it to look like an old house [with a modern twist].” Together with architect Jouie Rumpal Tumanda, the couple embarked on a 10-month journey of having their modern Filipino-with-a-twist home built.

Three years after the house was built, the couple confesses that they are still filling up the house with more furniture. “I got pregnant one [child] after another, so it took awhile for us,” says the owner. “And whenever we look for furniture... we cannot move without our architect. Lahat ipinapaalam namin, because we trust him,” she adds. This harmonious architect client relationship, coupled with the couple knowing exactly what they want, has translated to an equally harmonious house—a perfect blend of style and a plan well executed.

(First published as "Bring Back the Old" in the "Real Home" section of Real Living Philippines' August 2011 issue. Photos by Miguel Nancianceno. Pictorial direction by Joanna Enriquez-Bohol. Styling by Dagny Madamba. Adapted for use in Female Network.)