’Twas another year of visiting celebs

Celebrities open their doors to Inquirer Entertainment on a weekly basis, the better for fans to see them in settings that bring out their real personalities.

The stars we visited in the past year were a varied lot, but each one gladly revealed facets of their lives through favorite items in their respective sanctuaries. Every piece of furniture or decor turned out to be extensions of themselves. More importantly, they allowed us to see what they love to do, away from work, how they recharge by surrounding themselves with familiar things.

In this and a few coming issues, we take another look at “Homebodies” that we had the pleasure of seeing up close. Really up close. We’ve picked snapshots that we think are most expressive of their individualities.

Some of these photographs didn’t make it the first time, and we’re glad they’re finally seeing print.

So, here they are again—Barbie Almalbis-Honasan, Mon Confiado, Cesar Apolinario, Lexi Fernandez and Jay Taruc to tell us what, for them, makes a house a home.

Barbie Almalbis-Honasan

Barbie Almalbis-Honasan

Her collection of guitars (above) consists of a Fender Telecaster and a Stratocaster, a Gibson, a Parker Fly (plus her own designed Elegee), and an RJ Super Vintage, among others. The Strat, her first axe, was a present from her parents. They also gave her the black Parker Fly. Her husband, visual artist Martin Honasan, gave her the Paul Reed Smith Hollow Body. At left, the singer-songwriter tinkers with her Yamaha piano. Her two kids, Stina and Liam, are naturally drawn to music as well. “I played music to them when they were in my tummy,” Barbie tells us. ROMY HOMILLADA

Cesar Apolinario

Cesar Apolinario

The attic is his favorite spot, he says. “It’s where I’m most attuned to my artistic side. After work, I go there to listen to music and relax. Sometimes I stay there until 3 a.m. I know I’m in trouble when my wife starts screaming at me to come to bed.” Below, Cesar glances at his photo collection of fighter planes. JIM GUIAO PUNZALAN

Mon Confiado

Mon Confiado

It was rare for Mon and his two siblings, he says, to receive Christmas gifts while growing up poor in Sampaloc, Manila.  The hardworking actor is now the proud owner of a three-story house in Antipolo City—where the holiday season starts in October. At one corner of the house (top) is a checkered wall made of leather and suede; at left, miniature versions of the cars and motorcycles which Mon has owned through the years. JIM GUIAO PUNZALAN

Lexi Fernandez

Lexi, who turns 17 today, would rather sleep with her mom Maritoni and younger brother Liam in the master bedroom. The teen star admittedly enjoys staying home playing Rock

Lexi Fernandez

Band or Wii with Liam, or frolicking in the lanai with dachshund Barbie and Persian cat Yuki. “Barbie has been my guardian since I was small,” she says. “Our favorite hangout is the kitchen.” At right, 13 native Christmas lanterns add a splash of color to the lanai and pocket garden. ANDREW TADALAN

Jay Taruc

Jay Taruc

Its clean lines and ultra-modern design give the Quezon City home of Jay Taruc the look of a cutting-edge gallery of contemporary art. Below is his wife June’s work space where she also tutors their son Luis on school days. At right, walls of the office stairs are lined with paintings by Charlie Co and Alfred Esquillo, among others.  RICHARD REYES