Zsa Zsa Padilla embodies the idea that homes reflect the personalities of their owners.
Unveiling her newest masterpiece, Zsa Zsa opens up to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on March 2, 2024, during SM Home's launch of the Martha Stewart bed sheet collection, about the charm of her latest abode.
"I have a new home, I just called Zsa's Place," she says.
"I'm gonna reveal it soon because it's almost done, so that's been keeping me busy."
Read: Casa Esperanza: Zsa Zsa Padilla and Conrad Onglao's resort-like second home in Lucban
MUSEUM-LIKE HOME
Zsa Zsa's journey into home designing began with Zsa's Place, a project she embarked on without her partner Conrad Onglao, the principal architect of C.T. Onglao Architects.
While Conrad takes the lead in designing their other homes, such as their farm lot Casa Esperanza in Lucban, Quezon, Zsa Zsa found her niche in crafting a space that reflects her youthful spirit and love for nostalgia.
"I've never really wanted to design anything, especially with Conrad [Onglao] around. You know, he completely did Casa [Esperanza] by himself," she reveals.
"Because I said, ‘I can't help you there. Your look is too professional and too polished.
"‘Mine is just like, you know, what books are in my coffee table.’"
Her distinctive taste is reflected in her fondness for animation, particularly evident in her collection of volumes from the esteemed Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, which notably boasts its own museum.
"They're Ghibli because that's me, it's my personality. I love Ghibli films. So yung mga ganon."
Aside from these books, her living room also features the "Tres Marias" portraits by her friend Eva Dulay to honor Zsa Zsa's three girls: Karylle, Coco Quizon, and Zia Quizon.
MEMORABILIA
Walking through Zsa's Place is like stepping into a curated museum, adorned with Zsa Zsa's accolades that stood the test of time.
She elaborates, "When you go to this house, you will see actually, it kind of looks like a museum already, because of all my gold record or platinum awards are there.
"Of course, it's a thing of the past. So, you know, memorabilia that I've kept for so long, I don't know what to do with. Yeah, it's there.
"And it's nice to reminisce because I've seen my posters of all my concerts: in Araneta, Folk Arts Theater, with other performers. It's all there.
"Mahihirapan na ako dun sa materials ko. I have all forms: VHS, betamax, CDs."
Read: Zsa Zsa Padilla's dirty kitchen criticized for "dumi" and "kalat"
However, transforming a home into a haven of sentimentality comes with its challenges, particularly in preserving and relocating the aged items.
The 59-year-old singer acknowledges the expense and effort involved but remains resolute in creating a lasting tribute to her remarkable career.
She says, "The problem is, transferring is very expensive because through the years pala, it collects molds.
"So, it's a process. You have to clean it up before they transfer it, and it's a little expensive.
"I'm trying to do something kasi for my anniversary concert. I was supposed to do it. I wasn't prepared kasi last year.
"So, this time, hopefully by September, I'll be able to do it."
In a sneak peek of Zsa's Place via Instagram, she credits Jerome Chang for portraits depicting herself and her daughters.
She adds in the caption, "I also have two room full of costume (never ends, we need a sale soon!)
"I’m working on my music room next so will be buying equipment."
FARMHOUSE
Unlike the couple's other homes, Zsa's Place is something she acquired herself: "I bought it actually. Conrad didn't build it for me.
"I bought it, and then we kind of improved it because it needed a kitchen outside. It needed so many other things, but now it's complete.
"And my sister's coming kasi from vacationing and she said, ‘I want to sleep in all your homes.’"
Her sister's sentiment comes from the fact that beyond Zsa's Place, Zsa Zsa and Conrad continue their passion for collecting homes, each with its unique charm and character.
Their farmhouse retreat, recently blessed and adorned with collector's items and relics, mirrors a different era and evokes a sense of timeless beauty.
"Yes, we don't collect bugs. We like to collect houses," Zsa Zsa discloses smiling.
"Kasi Conrad, di ba? Actually, we also have a new house in our farmhouse. So, he was busy with that."
She describes this other house as decked with a "completely different look with antiques.
"So beautiful," she exclaims.
"I really cried. I cried when I saw it. It's so beautiful.
"We just had it blessed before I left for the U.S. last January. So, this time naman, I'm blessing my own place."
In an Instagram post dated March 22, 2024, Zsa Zsa uploaded snaps from her house blessing which coincided with Karylle's 43rd birthday on the same day.
Caption: Zsa Zsa Padilla (left) with daughter Karylle (right) and the presider (center) for "Zsa's Place" house blessing.
READ MORE:
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- Zsa Zsa Padilla, 54, is still a kabogera in swimsuit!
- Zsa Zsa Padilla recalls first date with partner Conrad Onglao: “No sparks.”