TV HOST Rovilson Fernandez on the roof deck of his new home: “A lot of planning sessions are conducted here.” Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan
Commercial model and TV host Rovilson Fernandez was perfectly content living in a condominium unit (for eight years!) until his friends talked him into transferring to a three-story townhouse.
“I thought I was going to stay in that condo forever—I loved it there,” Rovilson told Living Stars during a visit to his newly built home in Taguig City. “Now I realize buying a house is the logical thing to do, especially if you plan to have a wife and kids.”
Rovilson commissioned actor and interior designer Robin da Rosa—who was visiting, too, when we were there—to help him achieve the “industrial and distressed” look that he wanted. He moved into his new home in October 2010.
“My style is very masculine,” said Rovilson, host of “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV 11. “The house reflects my personality. It is a combination of metal, bricks, wood and cement—durable materials that last a long time.”
Rovilson is also into recycling furniture. “Robin told me that it’s nicer to have stuff given to you rather than buy ready-made pieces,” he explained. “It’s so much interesting, for instance, if they’re from your grandparents or friends.”
CHANDELIER bought in Binondo. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan
He said the chrome-plated kitchen cabinets were salvaged from a restaurant that was about to close down. The reupholstered chocolate-colored sofa in the master bedroom was owned by actress Mylene Dizon, one of Robin’s clients.
Rovilson turned an old wooden window from India into a dining table. The ottomans in the living room were hand-crafted in Pampanga.
The TV host also has a penchant for spotting knick-knacks in the most interesting places. An antique bowl that he transformed into a bathroom sink was from Binondo, Manila. A wooden hiking stick displayed prominently in the dining area was from Sagada, Mountain Province. The wooden and ceramic plates were all from Dapitan Street in Manila; an antique hot iron from Baguio City.
“Robin knows all these little places,” Rovilson said. His “next project,” he added, will be the pool, which was still being fixed at the time of our visit. “It’s going to look great,” he said. “The living area will serve as a deck. Open the sliding door and you can jump in.”
THE PHONOGRAPH was given by his interior designer Robin da Rosa. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan
Rovilson took us to the roof deck, where he spends most his time. “A lot of planning sessions are conducted here,” he said. “I intend to put more plants and trees in the corners.”
Robin noted: “It’s so quiet here. Not only can you see the sunset, you also have one of the best views of Mt. Makiling and Laguna de Bay. At night, it is always chilly.”
Rovilson’s 50-inch LCD TV recently fell from the mezzanine. “Thank goodness nobody got hurt,” he said. “I had three people cleaning on the ground floor when it happened.”
WOODEN shelf for knick-knacks from his travels. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan
He is not in a hurry to get a new TV set. “Since then I’ve been more productive, reading at night and going online more often.”
After the interview, Rovilson and Robin were set to go to Pampanga to shop for more fixtures. “Wooden frames and more chandeliers,” said Rovilson. “I’m a guy! Who would think I’d actually buy chandeliers? Now I have six. The house is gradually acquiring an ‘art gallery’ look—that’s what we’re trying to achieve. I hate the term bachelor’s pad.”
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph