Their two children used to take her and her husband on vacations overseas during their wedding anniversary every December. But when the pandemic hit, this came to a halt.
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When Erlinda fell in love with a 2,000 square meter property in Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), she had no idea their two children would purchase it as a gift for them.
"Noong una [namin] nakita 'tong lugar, nakaka-in love kasi nature, napakapayak ng pamumuhay," she tells the OG team.
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"Kuwinento ko sa kanila na parang magandang bilhin 'yon. 'Kung may pera nga lang, sana, mabili na natin 'yon.' Meron naman pala silang naitatabi."
The tiny triangle house
Initially, they had set up a hut on the property, but being situated in the mountains, it soon attracted termites. A fan of tiny homes, Erlinda thought of building a more durable but small home, which they eventually christened Casa Pondevida.
A charming triangular-shaped home, Casa Pondevida has all the essentials of comfy daily living: a living area, a minibar, a kitchen, a bathroom, a view deck, and a sleeping area.
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Erlinda bought most of the house's materials online and sourced the rest from neighbors. She purchased the main door from a demolished house for just P1,500 and spent P300 for the staircase using a neighbor's old billiard tables. Being a seamstress, she sewed pillowcases, sheets, and curtains.
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Probably the highlight of Casa Pondevida's interiors is the bathtub. The bathroom even has a Bluetooth speaker so visitors can listen to music while inside.
On the second floor of the house is the sleeping area that opens up to the view deck, the perfect location for drinking cups of coffee. The area is so breezy that there's no need for electric fans.
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Outside, visitors can use the hammock, bonfire pit, camping area, and take selfies at the pugad, a viewing deck designed like a nest.
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They can also use the hut for videoke or cooking. There's even a heart-like piece of outdoor décor they call the "BTS Heart" because Erlinda's daughter is a fan of Suga from the K-pop group.
All in all, Erlinda and her family spent only close to P1 million for the construction of the house, including the lot. Eventually, the Pondevidas plan on adding a zipline and a swimming pool, which they consider their ultimate dream.
"Tipid-tipid lang para kahit paano, natutupad yung mga binabalak mo," she advises those planning to build a house.
To her children, Erlinda has nothing but overwhelming gratitude. "Mga anak, ang suwerte namin," she says to them with tears in her eyes.
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"Nakatapos sila nang matiwasay kahit mahirap ang buhay. Nakinig sila sa advice na tapusin yung pag-aaral. Talagang pinagsikapan lang [namin] na mapag-aral sila. Kaya salamat na meron kaming ganito na bigay ninyo, [mga anak]."
For those interested in experiencing life in Erlinda's tiny house, they can book the entire property for six persons for just P2,500 a night when they visit its Facebook page: Casa Pondevida – Triangle House at DRT.
OG (Only Good) Channel is Summit Media's first-ever video brand with its own channel on Youtube. OG features content that gives ONLY GOOD vibes with entertaining and informational video series about Amazing Staycation Destinations, Unique Homes, OPM Music, Buhay Abroad, Popular Memes and Trends, and Real Stories about Real People. If you need a dose of good vibes today, visit and subscribe to OG Channel.
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