WATCH: Bea Alonzo gives a tour of her new apartment unit in Madrid, Spain
Bea Alonzo now owns a lovely home in Spain.
While fans thought she spent some time in the country for a movie project, it was actually for a “personal event” where she bought a chic and sleek apartment unit outside the Philippines.
Why Madrid? “I love Spain. Because of the pandemic, naisip ko, you only live once so I have to go for it,” she said in a vlog.
She was very specific with her criteria when she went house hunting:
- Good location: “Syempre, kapag nag-iikot kami, we won’t be scared to go out at night and go back to our apartment.”
- 2-3 bedrooms: “Of course, I’m not only buying this for myself. I’m also buying this for my family.”
- A lot of windows: “Spain is a sunny country and gusto ko maramdaman ko yung pagiging vibrant, pagiging energetic yet traditional ng Spain.”
- Elevator
- Heating and cooling system
After weighing her six options, the actress ended up buying the Chamberi apartment designed by Spain’s famous architect and interior designer Tristan Domecq.
“The first reason why I chose the Chamberi apartment is because I really liked the interior. I liked the material that was used dun sa entire apartment, alam ko na hindi substandard materials yung ginamit and I like the design of it all. I actually found the charm in it. Pagpasok mo palang, pwede ka na mag-entertain. Pagpasok mo palang, 'di ba gusto natin naamoy natin whatever’s cooking?” said Bea.
It was over her budget—in fact, earlier in the video, she said she needed “a lot of convincing” for her to opt for it. Bea, however, particularly fell in love with the lighting, finishes, and the balcony, where she can easily delight in the quiet neighborhood and its cultural attractions.
“While the rooms are inside and wala masyadong malalaking windows, I like the idea of being able to say hi to my neighbors in the morning and I like the idea of building a community within that building so that’s actually a very huge factor why I chose that building,” she said.
“I like that it’s near good cafes, all the good amenities are right outside of your doors—gusto ko yung idea na 'yun. And I like the color of the entire apartment. I could see myself designing it with an interior designer and sharing it with you guys. It met all of my criteria,” she added.
In addition, Bea immediately knew her mom would love the place, too.
The local star later expressed her excitement about buying furniture and other essentials, and giving her followers a “proper tour” of her new home. “Malay natin, makabalik ako within this year so I can share with you yung developments ng aking Madrid apartment,” she said.