TV show “Rated K” likened the Makati mansion of boxing legend and now Senator Manny Pacquiao to a tony hotel, with its sleek furniture, well-edited accessories and soothing neutral color scheme.

Pacquiao, a Born-Again Christian, explained that the house is a symbol of his renewed life, as well as a peace offering to his wife Jinkee for his wayward ways.

“There are plenty of Biblical sayings,” said Pacquiao, referring to the tarpaulins of verses from Proverbs, Job, Psalms and Deuteronomy displayed around the house.

Originally designed by consultant Anton Mendoza for banker Lorenzo Tan, the L-shaped house in the gated community of Forbes Park was acquired by the Pacquiaos in 2011.

Jinkee initially planned to adopt a neoclassic style and opulent décor to reflect their newly minted status. However, when she met design consultant Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda, she was told that the European theme didn’t suit the house’s modern architecture.

With a total floor area of 1,526 square meters, the house has a concrete shell with huge expanses of glass, teakwood and stone features that would complement contemporary interior design.

Budji+Royal Architecture+Design firm rendered its signature Tropical Moderne style, characterized by understated elegance, coziness and nubby and organic textures. The neutral color palette, punctuated with contrasting accent colors, and natural materials, exude the soul of a tropical landscape. The furniture is a combination of tropical hardwood and modern materials of steel and glass.

Judicious editing

Already spacious, the rooms appear even larger and more luxurious, thanks to Pineda’s judicious editing of furnishings and artworks to create breathing space and a calming effect. The long, horizontal lines of plush, upholstered sofas and low seats enhance the relaxing atmosphere, while larger elements, such as dramatic lighting fixtures and abstract murals, draw attention to high ceilings. Vistas of the garden and natural lighting highlight the tropical ambiance.

“We introduced Filipino furniture such as Kenneth Cobonpue’s outdoor set and Rene Alcala’s mother-of-pearl mosaic mirrors with Italian pieces to keep the tropical look,” said Layug.

Pacquiao loves to hang out in his office, which is dominated by an Italian executive desk made of solid wood, a leather top and a granite base. He plays chess with friends in an adjoining table.

“The house was decorated according to their needs,” said Layug.

Pacquiao’s major trophies are displayed in a handsome kamagong cabinet by Layug. Bible sessions are held in the home theater with plush leather seats. Since the family loves to bond in the swimming pool, the poolside was decorated with Cobonpue’s Croissant chairs and Layug’s outdoor pieces. Given that the couple owns a lot of clothes and fashion accessories and the children have their toys, cabinetry and shelves are prominent in their rooms.

All told, the design team projected the humility of the boxing legend by keeping the décor as clean as possible. This is consistent with Pacquiao’s Christian lifestyle. He doesn’t want his children to be blinded by the flash of fame, but to experience God’s grace in a tasteful but unpretentious environment.

Reprinted from COCOON magazine