Leo’s Secret Villa, Paco, Manila

Paintings are silent poetry. Often they come from the artist’s highest happiness or deepest sorrow. Some of Mariko Jacinto’s visual artworks are like that. And they are on display all year round at her beautiful pre-war home in Paco, Manila.

Mariko, a half Filipina, half Japanese, is an artist, restaurateur, and mother of five. Her place is more popularly known as Leo’s Secret Villa. And because of its eclectic interior design, it was already featured in the world's best-selling homes magazine - Elle Decoration Philippines and Netherlands.

Leo by the way is her gentle brown aspin that guards the house, along with the friendly caretaker Kuya Ramon, who is also a trusted driver and cook. She was still in NYC during my time of visit because her family just opened a branch of their home grown restaurant Pizza Rollio in the Big Apple. 

I fortuitously discovered Mariko’s home when I stayed two years ago at Coco’s Garden Guesthouse. Greg Dorris (the owner of Coco’s) and Mariko are good friends, and their homes are the only two available (among the small community of pre-war houses in the area) at AirBnb listing. Being a mapagkunwaring art aficionado, I got excited to take a peek of the artist’s home. As they say an artist’s home is usually one of a kind.

Mariko’s home is a modern colonial American house-inspired, painted in white and blue. From the outside, it looks nothing extraordinary, but once inside, the home slowly reveals its quirky and lovely character.

Her living room may have mismatched furniture and decorations but it is definitely one of the most gorgeous that I’ve seen. Every wall is filled with paintings; every nook and cranny deserves something personal and pretty like old family photographs, heirloom pieces, chinaware, ornamental mask, grand piano, mirror, lamps, crystals, chandeliers, mini-sculptures and antiques. Her space, stylish and elegant, mirrors Parisian salons and ateliers, where anytime sooner members of the alta sociedad would converge.  

Leo loves to lounge and cool off in the sala, especially during mid-afternoon when the scorching Manila summer heat of 37 degrees kicks in.

The sofa with cushions is comfortable; the single seater couch with a portrait throw pillow is chic.

Hard bound and coffee table books on art, culture and interior design, which the living room needs.

Mariko studied visual arts under the tutelage of Sam Adoquei, Oldrich Teply, Frank O’cain, and was deeply influenced by Van Gogh, de Kooning, and R.B. Kitaj.  She had solo exhibition in the Philippines and New York. Almost all the artworks on display in the dining area and all over the house, are her creations, based on her personal experience and travels abroad. Upon closer look, they are mostly portraits (that are sensual), abstract, still life and figurative with a common theme on humanism and ephemerality. Essentially, she’s immortalizing some of the best parts and moments of her life and youth.

A spacious air-conditioned room with one double bed and one single bed, is good for two to three persons. It comes with a private bathroom, mini fridge, and study area. It is also adorned with several portraits. There’s no TV but they provide free and fast wi-fi.

Guests may use the kitchen or ask Kuya Ramon to cook for an additional fee. Or more conveniently, just order to-go food from nearby restaurants and dine in the house. 

I was also privileged to visit Mariko’s studio tucked behind her home. I witnessed more of her paintings that I assume belong to the Club Scene and Tibetan culture series. She was a party girl but now a practicing Buddhist. Buddhists believe that there is a need to savor every moment of life, to find peace in even the most mundane activities, to transform bad experiences into something nourishing and healing. It’s good to know that she also uses art not only to tell the world of different cultures and religion, but also as a form of therapy.

Mariko’s home has a mini garden and is surrounded by trees and plants. The neighbourhood is quiet, the home’s atmosphere is relaxed, laid-back despite being in the center of crazy Manila. Thus it makes for a perfect alternative to hotels for travellers, especially foreigners visiting the city. It is such a charming home, reflecting the amazing character and soul of the owner.

She’s anything, wild and free.

  

From Leon Guinto in Taft or Paco, take Pandacan-bound jeepney (Pandacan-Leon Guinto route). Get off in Quirino Ave. extension cor. Zamora St. (landmark is the police station). From there, it is a three-minute walking distance to Leo’s Secret Villa (right in front of Coco Garden Guesthouse). Use Google map for convenience.

  

Leo’s Secret Villa

#1236B Penafrancia St.

Paco, Manila

(Strictly by reservation)