Take a Quick Tour of VP Leni Robredo's Condo
You'll love her small but efficiently organized storage room!
When you imagine a politician's home, you're probably thinking of mansions and huge penthouses--which is why to some, Vice President Leni Robredo's condo comes as a surprise in such a way that while it has ample space, it's a far cry for more affluent homes of other famous personalities, and the layout is so relatable, you may have already seen something like it in one of your tita's homes.
"Very comfortable kami rito," she shares to veteran journalist Karen Davila, who was the first person to ever get a tour of the space. "Hindi na ako nag-hangad na magkaroon ng malaki. Of course, naghangad kaming magkaroon ng sarili, kasi ito sa in-laws ko 'to, pero never na naghangad ako ng malaking bahay, kasi never naman kaming nasanay.
"Even in Naga, maliit 'yong bahay namin... Nakita ko kasi kay Jess dati, ýong semblance ng normalcy, napakahalaga sa public servant... Kaya ako, 'pag pasok ko sa pinto, nanay na ulit ako."
Entrance and living area
The unit doesn't have much of a foyer as as the space by the entryway has been transformed into a mini gym, but a well-planned living area that includes an entertainment center and a cozy sectional sofa makes up for it.
The walls in gray and cream offer texture to the space, and backlit wooden shelves act as separators between the living and the dining areas.
Dining area
Instead of the usual wooden dining table, VP Leni opeted for one with a glass top, which is easier on the eyes given the area. This is complemented by two chairs in gray and a bench seat that helps conserve space.
Above the bench seat sits a painting of the Robredo family by Migs Villanueva, which the Vice President had commissioned. "Itong picture na 'to is a picture of us na parang napaka-memorable for us... So gusto ko siyang parang i-imortalize."
Mini gym
The mini gym by the entrance was VP Leni's gift to her kids, who, during the quarantine, kept on buying exercise equipment. "Si Aika, bumili ng spinning bike. Meron siyang pang-boxing... Noong quarantine silang tatlo nandito, exercise ng exercise... Nandito 'yong bike, paminsan 'yong treadmill nando'n. Ang kalat!" The enclosed space was meant to keep everything in one place.
Storage room
If there's any doubt in your mind that VP Leni loves to organize things, then let this space put it to rest. Items are categorized and kept in identical baskets, and each basket has been labaled for quick inventory. This helps the family take stock of what they still have and what they need to buy.
The space also features the family's cute but efficient kitchen, as well as a terrace where the VP cultivates herbs. You can watch the rest of the tour (as well as her words of wisdom) in Karen Davila's vlog:
