|
An American Dream: A Tour of Heart's Beach House
from Star Studio (June Issue)
By Patty Ramirez
IT was a suny afternoon when the Star Studio Magazine visited Heart
Evangelista's grand vacation house located in Wawa, Batangas. Situated
behind a small mountain, it can be reached by motorboat, passing a most
scenic view of rocks and blue water. The boat ride was scary, with the water
splashing a bit, contributing to the tension of the bumpy ride.
Upon reching the shore, Cecile Ongpauco, Heart's mom, immediately asked us
to have lunch with them. The big yellow beach house that the Ongpauco's
visit once or twice a year looks awsome, at first. Mom Cecile volunteers,
"Most of the time, we spend our holy week here."
Having featured the house of Heart's family in Cavite in the February issue
of SS, you will notice the similarity in style: They are both designed like
American houses. Though the Cavite house has that residential look, while
the Batangas has that beach house appeal, still both have America written
all over them.
Having lived in the US, it's probably an extension of the American in them.
Who would blame them for designing their house after their memories? For
sure, they want to be different and what better way of doing this by
building there houses different from the typical such as ethnic,
Mediterranean, Japanese, eclectic and, lately, the Balinese motif.
Barrio Fiesta menus were handed to us as soon as we sat down. Heart came out
of her room, with her sister Camille. With Heart's mom instructing us to eat
to our hearts' content, we savored kare-kare, sinigang na hipon, pinakbet
and other delicious dishes while being served on the patio by some of the
Barrio Fiesta staff that the family takes with them when they go there.
During lonch, Heart's mobile phone rung. It's John - John Prats," she said
excitedly. She asked to be excused. When she returned, she said John was
asking how we were doing with the pictorial. She added that it was John's
way of talking to her.
Since we're in an island far from the city, I asked about the signal. Heart
answered, "It's okay. There's no problem. I'm using SMART! I've never had
any problem with the use of SMART!".
After, we relaxed in the living room, on white covered sofas with big,
fluffy and inviting pillows. A soft and refreshing breeze can be felt
because it faces the patio. You'd also see pictures of the family scattered
around the house to help you vicariously experience past vacations they had
there. The house which has already undergone three renovations, is getting
it's 4th remodeling with the isntallation of an entertainment/music room.
Located upstairs are the bedrooms, with a hallway that evokes the same
country-sea theme that permeates the whole house,a big sail boat lies on top
of an old fasioned wooden desk. Heart usually stays with her sisters in the
pink room. The room has three beds, a few side tables and lamps. "Well we do
stay here for a few days lang kaya most of the stuff we bring are stashed
inside the closets." Heart relates.
Heart decides to take a dip in the pool, partly shaded by a huge mango tree.
After the swim, she walks on the beach. Mom Alma and the staff set up a sort
of halo-halo and gulaman stand along the shore. "Sometimes we even put up a
tent here where we can drink wine, chat and relax while watching the
sunset."
As soon as the night set in, SSM had to go. A beautiful night, Heart and the
Ongpauco family's hospitality made it also memorable. |
