Curating a beautiful life

MANILA, Philippines - Elegant Oriental silk with fine, gold embroidery; handsomely carved objets d’art weathered by the sun, wind and age; and antiques that bear wonderful, romantic stories of their travels across Southeast Asia — these were some of fine and beautiful things that surrounded Monette Mapa when she worked as the general manager of Old Asia, the well-loved lifestyle boutique known for its one-of-a-kind decor pieces and artifacts.

Her husband Mike, a successful businessman, grew up with the same love for the finer things as it was his mother Pachot Mapa, the consummate collector who established Old Asia in 1988, who first nurtured his appreciation for arts and culture.

For both Mike and Monette, the Old Asia flagship store at the Power Plant Mall was not simply a store, but a home of many fond memories. “When I was working as the general manager, my house was just a short walk away from the office. I didn’t have to leave the premises of Rockwell. My business was there, my home was here. And that allowed me to be a hands-on mom to my daughter, Teddy,” shares Monette, adding that after school, sometimes her daughter would drop by the store, and they would catch a movie, get ice cream, or go on a shopping date at the mall.

But after 15 years in business, Old Asia closed its doors last year when the grand matriarch decided to retire.

Though this closed a beautiful and significant chapter in the family’s lives, it also signalled a new exciting, beginning, one that Mike and Monette has been looking forward to for some time now — enjoying the rest of their lives in retirement bliss. “There’s so much we want to do!” exclaims the youthful couple, still undoubtedly giddy after 25 years of marriage.

And the fitting stage for this new phase in their lives is none other than their beloved home of 15 years — Rockwell. More than just providing a safe and cozy respite in the middle of the city, Rockwell has become the couple’s home of choice because of the exciting, vibrant community life that’s right outside their doorstep.

“We have everything we need. There’s Mass at Ateneo (de Manila University- Graduate School of Business); there are coffee shops, cinemas and the mall for her; and the gym and restaurants for me,” says Mike. 

Illustrating how comfortable and convenient life has become for them within the community, Monette shares, “My friends and mother live in the same building complex, so if I ever need to borrow a cup of sugar, I just have to knock on their door!”

Initially, the couple had no intentions of residing in Rockwell as they bought the property years ago as an investment, and to have it leased or rented out. “We came from two, big households, so we never envisioned ourselves living in a condo,” reveals Monette. But they were mistaken, the moment they stepped into the quiet, relaxed community and stayed a night in the condo fit for their small family and dog, they fell in love. “One day we decided to live here and never left!” chuckles Mike.

As one of the first tenants, Mike and Monette saw first-hand how the vision of Rockwell became a reality — flourishing from a barren plot on the periphery of the Makati CBD, which used to house the old thermal plant, into a vibrant, premier community. “It has really grown to cater to everyone’s needs,” shares Mike, adding that he was equally impressed by the security and safety systems of Rockwell, which include 24/7 ambulance services.

When Mike and Monette were busy happily raising their family and nurturing their careers, Rockwell had been the fine stage that allowed their beautiful lives to unfold.  And now, as they enter a new phase in their lives, Mike and Monette find that Rockwell is still the perfect playground for them. “Rockwell has everything. If we were to leave, where would we go? What’s better than where we are now?” ends the happy couple. Indeed, there is no better place you can be. Photography by RITA MARIE • Creative direction and overall styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Associate styling by Tara Subaldo • Shot on location at the EDADES TOWER