The weekend residence of Marivic and Sverre Rogvic in Playa Calatagan.

Very few families have the means or the luxury to build the weekend homes of their dreams.  Indeed, as most Filipinos are caught up in the daily grind to provide a decent habitat for their loved ones, one can thus say that those who are able to provide a second house for their families to cherish are truly blessed. 

In the Rogvic family’s case though, the need to have a second home is not as drastic—although it did provide them with the reason to get away from the crowded city streets of Metro Manila and into the clean, fresh air and sunlight of Playa Calatagan in Batangas.  Greeting us with nary a thought that we were actually strangers to their home, Mrs. Marivic Rogvic was all smiles and charm as she ushered us into the still new and spacious home that she shares with hubby Sverre, son Arne Marvin and daughter, Kristie Marie.

Like the proud mother that she is, Marivic shares that the house—which hews to the Asian tropical theme of Playa Calatagan—was actually designed according to most of the inputs of her son, Arne. “When he has an idea, he sketches them. He suggests what he wants,” she says, adding that he surfed the internet for the designs and treatments that one can now see in their home.

The house actually took nine months to finish and the family moved in only last June. Although, the lot cut was sizable, the multi-level home took up most of the land area. “The house is minimalist,” she notes, adding that the family wanted a relaxed atmosphere that’s suited for entertaining during the weekends. 

Since Playa Calatagan is actually a beachfront property, the house took advantage of the magnificent views of farmland and shoreline by incorporating expansive, glass windows to frame the view. And since the Rogvics like to entertain and cook, the kitchen proved to be well-equipped for the task as it occupies almost a third of the space of one floor.  Like the living room, the dining area likewise has a large picture window that frames a view of the South China Sea.

The design of the house actually took advantage of the natural slope of the land.  As such, some of the rooms—notably the entertainment area—were built on the lower slope and are completely hidden from view.  As mentioned, most of the interior design treatments were suggested by Marivic’s son Arne, whose affinity for technology can be seen in the entertainment center that can be found on one side of the room. Completing the illusion of a real home theater are the “theater seats” that even have holders for soda and popcorn.

Nonetheless, one surprising characteristic of the entertainment area is the fact that it actually opens to a small pocket garden at the center of which is a jacuzzi.  The set-up, according to Marivic, enables them to watch movies while enjoying the jacuzzi—all at the same time.  Not surprisingly, this is one area of the home that’s usually the scene of most of their parties and get-togethers.

The topmost area of the home is where the private quarters are located.  Most of the rooms enjoy a sea-view but nonetheless still conform to the minimalist oeuvre of the house—with one exception.  Although, the room is still quite minimalist, daughter Kristie Marie’s room is a study in boldness, considering the color employed throughout the bedroom—red.  A blank space on the wall, we were informed, is still waiting for a blown-up picture of Kristie Marie, which judging from her room’s look might well provide a graphic counterpoint to the room’s mood. 

For details on Playa Calatagan, call Landco Pacific at 836-5000 or visit www.landco.ph.