Modern Splendour
Alice Eduardo opens home and heart, giving us a peek at her exceptional new residence that is designed to welcome loved ones into her sanctuary of peace
Alice Eduardo welcomes us into her sanctuary
Coco Chanel once said, “An interior is a natural projection of the soul.” This declaration could not be truer when speaking about the new home of Alice Eduardo, astute businesswoman and philanthropist. The three-storey, sevenbedroom structure is as expansive and generous as her spirit, with exceptionally tall ceilings and vast panoramic windows that look onto the lush garden.
“I really wanted space, big rooms and bountiful light,” shares Eduardo. “I wanted to make sure that everywhere I looked, I could see greenery and sunshine.” The main home is designed by Architect Ed Ledesma and embraces the natural elements. Travertine stone slabs were personally selected in Tivoli, Italy by the homeowner and are seen in both the interior and exterior of the property. “I felt they added a unique blend of mountain-born beauty to the space,” she says.
Bringing warmth to the stone is the earthy narra wood panelling that covers the canopies at the main entrance and lanai, as well as the interior ceilings. “I love the richness of narra wood and how it brings a sense of comfort,” says Eduardo.
One of her favourite features is an impressive cascade wall on the right side of the house, which runs from the ground floor to the lower ground floor. “The sound is so soothing and reminds me of the sea,” she says. “I really wished to hear the waterfalls from all the rooms.” Water is an important element of the home,
reflected in the wraparound pond at the entrance and in the long lap pool, jacuzzi and fountain in the garden. The luxuriant tropical vegetation was landscaped by Ponce Veridiano and is meticulously tended to by one of Eduardo’s long-time landscapers.
She worked together closely with Architect Ed Calma on the interiors, deciding on neutral earth tones all over the home to provide the perfect canvas for her exceptional art collection. “I love all my art pieces!” exclaims the avid connoisseur. Unique and majestic pieces from Philippine masters adorn her walls, bringing vibrant life and colour to the space. Flanking the entrance are a soulful piece by Juan Luna from his Chula series, a spectacular and fiery Jose Joya and Ang Kiukok’s fusion of cubism. Other paintings are Filipiniana scenes by Vicente Manansala, several superb works of Benedicto Cabrera’s Sabel, Romulo Galicano’s figure paintings, ethereal works from Romulo Olazo’s Diaphanous series and Juvenal Sanso’s dreamy landscapes.
“It’s hard to choose a favourite, but if I had to, it would be the Anita Magsaysay in the dining room. I find the colours so enchanting. There is this translucence and luminosity to the painting that almost makes it seem like it glows,” she says. Other notable artworks are displayed throughout, such as several sculptures by Ramon Orlina, Michael Cacnio and Eduardo Castrillo. She also has a large collection of antique vases, pots, and jars. The large vessels are filled with verdant foliage. She is particularly fond of her fiddle leaf fig tree plants which are notoriously high maintenance. “I have three sets of all of them and rotate them regularly so they can thrive and flourish,” she shares.
The construction magnate is an incredibly busy woman, “I’m very hands on with