Galing! This Family Built A Solar-Powered Beach House For P2M

Just like most parents, Antonette and Emmanuelle Colobong felt the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their family.

When the opportunity to live outside the city presented itself, they decided to pack their bags and move from Manila all the way to Camarines Sur after purchasing online a 470-square-meter beach property.

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"This is special to us because it's a beach lot and my family loves the beach, kaya right away naging interesado kami rito sa area," Antonette tells the OG team.

Surfside escape

The Colobongs' home by the beach is like a dream. On a regular day, the family, including their dog Lizzy, enjoy frequent dips in the ocean.

When it came to the materials for their home, Antonette and Emmanuelle deliberately chose readily available materials.

"The design of the house was inspired by a trailer truck," Emmanuelle says. "Since hindi nga namin maipasok ang trailer dito sa area, we decided to use concrete, hardwood, at bamboo kasi accessible dito sa area."

The result: A cozy respite for the family from the hustle and bustle of the city.

READ ALSO: Miriam Quiambao On Moving To Boracay: 'The Kids Are Enjoying Their New Life'

A personal design project

One of the most striking features of their beach home are the bi-fold walls made of wood and bamboo, which let natural light and sea breeze in.

But Emmanuelle's favorite part in their beach house is actually their main kitchen, which has a brick oven and a grilling area. Consistent with the rest of the house, the kitchen's flooring and countertops are made of concrete.

"Ito ang favorite kong part ng house namin, ang kitchen, kasi mahilig akong magluto," he says. The man does love to cook. On the side of the main house, there's also a fire pit for spontaneous barbecue and samgyupsal nights.

Solar power

What also make their beach home unique are the solar panels, which provide electricity, since the property is off the grid. Their water supply, for the same reason, comes from a deep well.

All in all, the construction of their main house cost them P1.5 to P2 million. "The reason din siguro kaya gano'n ang range niya is because [of the] location talaga," Emmanuelle says. "Medyo mahirap pasukin and malayo sa city."

Antonette notes that they went over budget because they had the house completed in as little as three months, a lesson they want to share with aspiring homeowners. "I think majority ng mga nagpapatayo ng bahay talagang hindi naman talaga nasusunod ang budget. Kaya lang once na ni-rush mo kasi ang pag-construct, medyo talaga tumataas ang cost.

"Tapos while you're building the house, minsan meron kang maiisip na additional or meron kang gustong baguhin. Dapat marunong kang maglaro ng mga materials na available lang sa area ninyo," Antonette says. "Nakapag-adjust kami doon."

Plans to go back to the city

As much as Antonette and Emmanuelle love their home, they are ready to face a post-pandemic world and want to share their home with those interested in experiencing the same living arrangement.

"May plan kaming ipa-rent siya para ma-experience din ng ibang tao ang living in an off-grid location and an off-grid house," Emmanuelle says. "'Pag nagbalik na ang face-to-face classes ng mga bata, babalik na kami sa Manila."

"The first time we arrived dito sa bahay, iba ang feeling," Antonette recalls. "Parang joy na kuntento kasi kahit hindi malaki ang bahay, hindi siya extravagant kasi nga very simple ang materials namin.

"Pero ang feeling na 'We're home,' ang joy na nakikita ko sa mga face ng mga anak ko, hindi matutumbasan."

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