Albert and Liezl with children Alyanna, 15 (now 21), Alfonso, 14 (now 20), and Alissa, 9 (now 15). The Martinezes are so happy with this QC home they've lived in for the last five years. "It's quiet," the lady of house says. It's like you're near to everything but when you're here you seem far—away from the pollution and the busy streets." Behind the family is the $2,000 Mexican armoire which contains family albums. The carpet originally belonged to their foyer in the States.

(YES! September 2001 issue)

On Sundays, the dining room comes alive with "special foods on special plates" set on a table with plaster-cast legs. On other days, the $1,000 crystal candlesticks stand on a commode that once languished in Amalia Fuentes's garage.

(YES! September 2001 issue)

"I want to go minimalist," Albert confesses. On the other hand, Liezl enthuses: "We go to antique fairs in the States; here, warehouse sales, Pampanga factory. Mas nakakatuwa if you were able to get the greatest bargain. It's like an achievement!" A "mini hallway" leads to the balcony where the family has a view of the Montalban Mountains.

(YES! September 2001 issue)

Liezl calls this the "English breakfast nook." It is where the family takes most of its meals and where the kids do their projects. The straw doll on the wall is something she liked in the States but did not buy, thinking she could get it cheaper in the Philippines. To her surprise, while still in the States, she received it as a gift from a friend!

(YES! September 2001 issue)

A slanted front door was dictated by feng shui. The chandelier was a gift from Amalia. The three identical paintings are an abstract interpretation of the curtains they had in the States. Note the tiny flower accents.

(YES! September 2001 issue)

Beyond these windows is the masters' bedroom. It is right in the middle of the house because their Japanese contractor said the house energy was concentrated there. Lit by lamps in the evening, the room opens to sunlight in the morning. Albert reads the morning papers and his scripts there.

(YES! September 2001 issue)

A patio right outside the dining area is where they get a great view of their man-made pocket falls.

(YES! September 2001 issue)