President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III turned into a tour guide Thursday after “graciously” allowing his Cabinet members see his new residence dubbed as “Bahay Pangarap.”Aquino showed the Cabinet his new home before a marathon meeting on the country’s 2011 budget.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda described the residence—located inside the 1,307-square-meter Malacanang Park—as “spacious, elegant, but not fancy.”
Communications group Secretary Ricky Carandang meanwhile said the place possessed low-key elegance. The place also had a touch of Asian architecture.
“It’s elegant and tasteful but not showy and not ostentatious,” Carandang said in a phone interview. “It looks like a hotel but it’s understated.”
Carandang also noted the residence’s furniture didn’t look lavish.
“They don’t look expensive but they don’t look cheap,” he added.
He mentioned Aquino also showed them his bedroom and his recreation space, which the president himself would convert into a music room.
“He’s an audiophile so he’s very meticulous. Siya mismo mag-seset up,” Carandang added. The Bahay Pangarap’s swimming pool, however, appeared unused, according to him.
Meals served in Bahay Pangarap were also plain.
“Today we had Mechado. When we have meetings it’s usually pinoy fare. Usually pinoy comfort food,” Carandang added.
