GMA-7 actress Mikee Quintos is fully enjoying the process of designing her new home—a task that feels natural to her as an architecture graduate.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Mikee shared that her new space is still a work in progress, but the experience has been deeply satisfying.
"Sobrang nag-e-enjoy ako," Mikee told PEP.
The conversation happened during the grand opening of Furniture Republic’s newest showroom in Makati City on November 28, 2025.
"Pagod, pero na-e-excite akong gumising every day," she continued.
"Alam mo yung naiinis nga akong napapagod ako, kasi kung puwede lang hindi ako matulog, tuloy-tuloy ako e. Like, I enjoy it. Saya."
MIKEE QUINTOS: NEW CONDO
Mikee made the big move in August 2025, finally leaving her family home to embrace independent living.
PEP asked about her primary factors when selecting a unit.
For Mikee, two things were non-negotiable: a spacious kitchen and roomy bathrooms.
She explained: "Pinaka-importante sa akin, banyo and kitchen. Kasi iyan yung... hygiene, e, di ba? So yun yung pinakamahirap i-manage also.
"Also, my unit right now, kaya ako na-attract sa kanya, most units na nakita ko, yung kitchen, yung stove, nakatapat sa wall.
"Gets? Parang nakadikit sa wall. So honestly, kasi ang konti ng anggulo kung magshu-shoot ako ng food content."
Mikee continued: "E, etong unit ko right now, nakalabas yung buong stove counter. And daming puwedeng anggulo kapag nagluto ka."
"And also, I like na nakikita ko yung guests ko while I cook. I like cooking for my friends e. So parang yung Japanese style set up na nagluluto yung chef sa harap mo."
But among all the areas in her new condo, which one has become her favorite?
Mikee answered: "Meron akong flavor of the week. Parang I fall in love with a corner of the space every week, a new corner of the space every week.
"Ngayon, yung new couch.
"Tapos last week, yung vanity area ko na bago. So basically kung anong bago."
MIKEE QUINTOS: DESIGNING HER OWN SPACE
With Mikee still in the middle of designing her new condo unit, PEP also asked her for tips on choosing the right furniture.
Drawing from her own experience, Mikee shared three important factors to consider.
"Definitely yung sturdiness. Number two, aesthetic. And three, the size, of course.
"Beause, as a designer myself, isa sa mga pet peeve ko na hindi niyo ko-consider madalas is yung space requirements and yung comfort.
"Minsan, kapag nagandahan tayo sa isang furniture, hindi na natin naiisip kung saan natin ilalagay. Like, 'Wow, ganda!'
"But you didn't consider yung space na lalagyan mo. Is it too big for the space you're gonna put it into?"
Mikee advised: "So bago pumunta sa mga furniture store, get the measurements of the space na lalagyan niyo para pag sinukat niyo yung mismong furniture na kukunin niyo na hindi kayo... di tayo nanghuhula.
"Na-i-imagine talaga natin kung kasa siya or hindi sa space na lalagyan."
Meanwhile, when asked to describe her design inspiration, Mikee said she’s drawn to a mid-century vibe with minimalist colors, complemented by pops of color through furniture, art, or display pieces.
Mikee told PEP: "Right now, medyo mid-century yung vibe na na-a-attract ako.
"A mix of everything. I like yung plain white tapos may pop of colors. I can play with it more kasi... and basta nami-mix and match ko."
For Mikee, these three factors are her top concerns—and for her, ignoring them only leads to wasting money.
She said, "Bahala kayo. Mas masakit sa mga bulsa yung ginagawa niyo."
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