THE MODERN FILIPINO HOUSE
My colleague, Edson Cabalfin will have the second of his lecture series at the Silverlens Gallery along Pasong Tamo Extension on September 29, 2007, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Entitled The Modern Filipino House: Philippine Residential Architecture of the 1960’s, Cabalfin will discuss how modernity in homes was translated by Filipinos at that time. In his last lecture, he presented an impressive overview of Philippine Modern Architecture as support to the Photo Exhibit of Iza Lorenzo. Do not miss this rare architecture event.
Seen in the many buildings and homes being constructed all over the Metro show that the Philippines is experiencing a building boom. In the financial districts, you see these condominiums look desolate and unoccupied. But wonder why another one is being built at the next corner. Why? More and more Filipinos abroad are sending in money to invest in a retirement or a vacation home. I remember Daphne Osena’s byword “The dream of owning a Filipino home” in her show Urban Zone. The show features newly built houses and interiors of condominiums done in different “styles” of design. One style emerges as the most popular, Modern Asian. Contemporary Asian is used as the more appropriate term. But what is it exactly? Magazines, books and even television shows depict Contemporary “Asian” Design in Interiors and Architecture as space in warm colors, rich details, with the bonus of making a small nook for a tropical garden or koi pond. The caboodle is sometimes accented with Asian rare items the owner or designer boasts. Seeing these houses make me feel like I am in spa or a hotel, relaxing and calming. It is interesting to link the city’s other “booms” such as spas, facials, fitness and (artificial) teas - SOMEHOW a related lifestyle concept that influenced us to make our house, our very own spa. Why not? However, I rarely see an “Asian” Modern house addresses its being Asian SPATIALLY, except in the little cutesy items that adorn the space. But then again, what is Asian in the first place? It is so diverse, your Chinese Buddha might conflict with your Indian Buddha, side by side with the Quiapo’s Holy Nazarene. I guess it’s all a matter of mixing the right stuff to make it look well made (arranged). And why was it called Modern or Contemporary? Is it because it is housed in a space made of concrete with interiors rich in varnished moldings and halogen lamps? Is this the Modern Filipino House Today?
