Le Manoir de Bouganvilliers, Puerto Galera

“The straight line belongs to men, the curved one to God.”

This aphorism coined by Antoni Gaudi, seems to be the philosophy of Erick Lautard and his bestfriend Michel when they decided to build their home in the tropical island of Mindoro in the Philippines in 1981. At first glance, their place reminded me of Park Guell in Barcelona, a masterpiece of Gaudi, bursting with colors, full of curves and almost devoid of straight lines. They named it Le Manoir de Bouganvilliers (The Manor of Bougainvillea), after the beautiful flowering trees that flourish within their property.

Just about 4 hours away from Manila, the manor, built on a hill overlooking the Sibuyan Sea, is an ideal get-away, not too far from the madding crowd of White and Sabang beaches in Puerto Galera. It is romantic, quaint, and remarkably bizarre; a fusion of West and East, new and old, modern and classic. The moment I stepped inside, I was already blown away by its grandeur and uniqueness.    

Perhaps Erick wouldn’t mind if his guests ask for a guided tour around his manor. I bet he would love it! An egregious and entertaining host, he is a natural-born storyteller, who carries a backpack of wondrous tales and personal experience from the four corners of the world. I actually appreciated more the history of the place when Erick regaled me with his stories of backpacking adventures across the globe during his younger days; how he met Michel in Greece; and of all the places they’ve been to together, they fell in love the most with the Philippines, and eventually made it their second home, almost 7,000 miles away from their home countries – France and Canada.

In each corner and every surface of the manor are souvenirs from all over the world that have been carefully selected and displayed by Erick and Michel. Every design, art pieces and art works has its own interesting story. Erick enthusiastically  told me how he dismantled to pieces a gold Moroccan hanging lamp so he could avoid paying the hefty customs’ fees at the airport in Manila; or how he painstakingly designed the blue circular archway that makes a perfect photo backdrop. The colors everywhere are bold and bountiful; the attention to detail is exemplary, making the place truly a labour of love and passion. The house, more than three decades after it was erected, is also still a work in progress. I’m certain that after Erick’s travel to Iraq, where he serves as a chef cook for the military, another ornament or piece of art will be added to the manor.

The open living room and dining room is a showcase of their amazing collections that include a Golden Buddha, bululs, sarimanok, animal figurines, shells, and paintings just to name a few. The eclectic décors harmoniously blend Asian, Mediterranean and European style.

The salon, suitably decorated with carpets, sofas with multi-coloured throw pillows, is the perfect place to lounge. In fact, most of the foreigner guests stay here until the wee hours of the morning just making kwentuhan over beer or wine.

The recreation room would be a delight especially for those who love playing billiards.

For the rest, the maze-like place could be explored with unexpected treasure and kaleidoscope of delights in every turn. I was amazed seeing Nefertiti, Pharaoh, a dragon, and Matryoshka dolls co-exist among the decorative valuables.

The manor has ample of rooms interconnected like a labyrinth. Every single one of them has a theme patterned after different cultures. I stayed in Natardja, an Indian-inspired room. I like how spacious and vibrant the room is.

The swimming pool looks inviting, a good alternative for those who do not want to leave the manor and explore the beaches of Puerto Galera.   

Erick is a professional cook and loves preparing appetising dishes for the guests. I particularly love his Asian pasta.   

I love every single minute I spent in the manor that I didn’t leave the house anymore. It’s okay, I’ve been to Puerto Galera countless times. I was happy just relaxing in the hammock, feeling the wind blowing through my hair, gazing at the sea and hills, and watching the sun slowly disappears into the horizon.

And every moment Erick would see me, he would offer me a beer or red wine, which I would politely decline. His hospitality is warm and infectious; even saying that “you can do anything and everything you want here because this is your home”. Of course that statement is open to many interpretations I almost said, “Ay naku Erick ayaw ni President yan!” But, in all honesty, he’s just being affable. He is someone Jim Morrison would adoringly describe as “a friend who gives you total freedom to be yourself”.

From Manila, take Batangas Pier-bound bus (bus stations in Cubao or Buendia). From the pier, take Puerto Galera (Muelle) boat. Then take a tricycle or habal-habal going to Le Manoir.

Le Manoir de Bouganvilliers

Calapan Rd. -  Small Tabinay

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Tel. No.: 0921-3176792