These Palawan Houses Are Rustic And Dreamy
From a Mexican-inspired villa by the sea to an earthy bahay kubo, these Palawan homes will make you dream about island life
Palawan was once called “the last frontier,” and in spite of the recent influx of tourists, it is still considered a tropical paradise. With its beaches and forested areas, the largest province in the country is an idyllic place to set up a vacation house, or a permanent home. Get some island-living ideas from these Palawan homes that have appeared in Real Living.
Build a tree house
Architect Arlene Maslog created the perfect, playful family home in her husband Bong-Bong’s old family house from the 1960s. The tree house/playhouse completes the carefree vibe. Arlene had this made out of leftover wood, and added a swing because the kids didn’t have a swing in Manila.
Up-cycle in island colors
Most of the furnishings, especially the Ambassador chairs in the living room, and the rattan and mid-century dining chairs in the kitchen, are pieces that came from Bong-Bong’s parents’ and grandparents’ homes. They were just refurbished and washed in a soft aqua color to update it.
Make the most of the outdoors
The house came with a huge backyard, and instead of building another structure, Arlene filled the yard with vibrant Bandera Española blooms, where her children and some pet geese frolic in.
READ: A Colorful And Charming Family Home In Palawan
Get inspo from exotic lands
This sprawling Puerto Princesa home has almaciga ceilings, Vigan tiles, and narra floor planks, and curved plaster walls reminiscent of houses in Mexico. A combination of masculine leather sofas, teak furniture, and rustic accessories complete the interiors.
Set up living areas inside and out
The downstairs area was supposed to be converted into a garage, but the owners decided otherwise, and created a covered lanai complete with Oriental yoke-back chairs.
Face the sea
Wicker lounge chairs are set out near the red palms in the yard so that visitors can watch the sunset at Honda Bay.
Create a classic bahay kubo
Instead of building the expected concrete house, the Banzuela family built a traditional bahay kubo within the clearing of their grove of mahogany trees. The classic bahay kubo structure fits perfectly into the laidback vibe of Puerto Princesa.
Utilize Pinoy building methods
The Banzuela bahay kubo looks simple on the outside, but is complex on the inside. “Experimental lahat ito,” explains Cristine Banzuela. “It took so long kasi labor-intensive.” The family even waited to find a bamboo pole with the right curved shape to make into the stair railing.
Go all-natural
The kubo has an octagonal plan and a large wooden post in the center that supports the thatched ceiling and roof, with intricately woven rattan joining each truss, column, and beam.
