It took ten years for the Nagcarlan-born landscapist to build his second home in Laguna; a breathtaking three-level sanctuary which he initially planned to keep private. “I was building this house at my own pace,” says Ponce Veridiano, talking about the imposing structure made of wood, glass and concrete that follows the natural contours of the riverside. “Anyway, I have my first home just a few metres away from here where I could always stay. So there was no need to rush this,” he adds. Little did he know that the new house he was creating would eventually have its own purpose other being a weekend home: as a gallery to showcase his new-found love for painting, and a studio that can also serve as a training and exhibition venue for other young artists in the area. “I am 63 years old now and have been landscaping gardens for decades. This is my next chapter. I see myself painting when I retire…painting for leisure. Plus, it also dawned on me that I would like to help less fortunate artists. That would be my legacy,” he declares. With this new vision came the need to finish the decades-old project sooner than planned. To date, Veridiano converted parts of the home into a by-appointment gallery and studio aptly named Studio 88, and began welcoming guests to view his works early this year.
The gates of Studio 88 open to a long foyer sandwiched by riprap walls painstakingly built over the years by a group of artisans from the Mountain Province. To the end of the foyer, the lush foliage peeks through, drawing the eye even further to the other side of the river. “I have always wanted a house by the water so when this property was offered to me, I felt it was meant to be,” he tells Tatler in an interview, with the natural sounds of the river and the chirping of birds playing in the background.
Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de Tatler Philippines.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de Tatler Philippines.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
LAST WORD
We ask the people we feature a round of quickfire questions to give us more insight into their personality. This month: Georgina Wilson-Burnand
LIFE'S A BEACH
Tatler Asia gets an exclusive first look at Rosewood Phuket's new Houses, which include a colossal 21,000 square foot beachfront mansion
DIFFERENT BY DESIGN
Design Hotels Managing Director Stijn Oyen on why its portfolio of properties is truly one of a kind—and what, ultimately, makes a great hotel
HEROES ON A MISSION
Cape, an NGO that champions Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders, has been shaking up Hollywood's storytelling for three decades. But the team feels there's still work to be done on making representation more nuanced and global
BEHIND THE SEAMS
These bright, young sartorial talents are making a mark on the Philippine fashion industry one stitch at a time
GARY
As he reaches a turning point in his life, Gary Valenciano, one of the country's most renowned musical artists, relies on divine guidance to choose the right path
BOLDER & BEAUTIFUL
Georgina Wilson-Burnand, makes a graceful return after many years, embodying the best version of herself yet
IF WALLS COULD TALK
Unfolding like a page in Philippine history, the historic Laperal Mansion serves as a symbol of Filipino hospitality, artistry and craftsmanship
Legacy Reimagined
Delight in Tiffany & Co’s newest campaign, With Love, Since 1837, inspired by its legendary window designer, Gene Moore
Test Of Time
Rolex watches represent a dedication to excellence and sophistication, with precision engineering and lasting durability