Bea Alonzo has finally revealed the real reason behind her recent trip to Spain!
The 34-year-old GMA-7 actress announced on her 100th vlog episode on YouTube last Saturday, May 14, 2022, that she bought an apartment in Madrid, Spain.
Bea said, "Recently, nagpunta ako sa Madrid. And a lot of you have speculated that it's because of work, but it's actually not for work.
"It's very personal and since you have seen me grow sa YouTube, parang hindi na ako nahihiyang i-share ito sa inyo.
"And I'm quite excited actually to inspire you even more. The reason why I went to Madrid is because I bought a house in Madrid."
On why she picked Spain as her second home, Bea explained, "I love Spain! Because of the pandemic, naisip ko, 'You only live once!'
"So I have to go for it."
Read also: Bea Alonzo in Spain for R&R without boyfriend Dominic Roque
Bea has been checking out apartments online for over a year, and admitted to having many apprehensions in the beginning.
She revealed, "Since last year, I have been looking for an apartment. Nag-umpisa lang iyan sa pagtingin-tingin sa Internet."
"'Kaya ko ba? 'Kaya ba ng budget ko?' 'Nakakatakot ba?' 'Ano ba yung mga rules?' 'Mahirap ba?'"
One of the factors that led Bea to her decision is Spain's Golden Visa which, according to schengenvisainfo.com, is "issued to a non-EU national who intends to make a significant investment in the Spanish economy."
"I chanced upon an article and also, I spoke to my ninang... And she told me na nagga-grant ang Spain ng Golden Visa.
"If you have a Golden Visa, instantly, you will become a resident.
"Kung magwo-worry kayo kung magiging Spanish citizen na ako, nope. I was there for, like, five days. And I went there to do apartment hunting."
Read also: Bea Alonzo reveals highlights of Madrid trip
APARTMENT HUNTING
Bea sought the help of Filipino-Spanish real-estate agent Paolo Piccio to find the perfect apartment for her and her family.
In her vlog, Bea listed the key factors she considered before making the purchase.
She said, "The first thing is the location. Siyempre kapag nag-iikot kami, we won't be scared to go out at night and to go back to our apartment.
"And the other criteria is it has to have two to three bedrooms. Of course, I'm not only buying this just for myself, I'm also buying this for my family.
"And the third criteria is that it has to have a lot of windows. Spain is a sunny country, and gusto ko yung maramdaman ko yung pagiging vibrant, pagiging energetic yet traditional ng Spain."
Bea's ideal apartment also needed to meet two conditions to ensure a comfortable stay for her and her family.
The first, that it would be located in a building that has an elevator.
The actress explained, "Hindi lahat ng buildings sa Madrid merong elevator. So I needed to tell my broker na dapat may elevator for my mom, and, of course, for the kids."
Her second condition was, "And also kailangan ng heating and cooling system."
THE APARTMENT
Bea visited a total of six apartments in Madrid.
The apartment Bea bought is located at Chamberi. Although she admitted that the property was way out of her budget, Bea said the house is definitely her style.
The property is considered a "new build."
In Spain, "new build" properties refer to heritage or old buildings that have been renovated and restored without changing their exterior.
According to Bea, it was designed by interior designer and architect Tristan Domecq, who also designed the house of Zara owner Amancio Ortega.
The location is one of the many things she likes about the house.
She said, "It's good for families, mas tahimik itong neighborhood na ito. It's like West Village in New York. So medyo hip pa rin siya kasi malapit pa rin siya sa Malasaña but quieter."
Bea also loved the Carrara marble on the kitchen island and the other high-end finishes that were used in the apartment.
"Overall, this is really my style. My only apprehension is that it only has two bedrooms and again, it's over my budget... But I also happen to say that my mom would love this."
Before she made the big decision, Bea asked her mom Mary Anne Ranollo for some advice. Ultimately, she decided to pick the Chamberi apartment.
She said, "To be honest, guys, I'm 34 years old, but pag mga ganitong malalaking desisyon, mas gusto ko pa rin na hinihingi yung opinion ni Mama.
"And therefore, I followed my hear and so I got house number two."
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