Broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo shares some photos on Instagram about the construction of her new home which she will share with the elderly, children and PWDs who have no proper homes.
“It’s taking a while for us to finish our house, not as fast as we expected,” she initially said on her caption.
“Let me tell you about how we ended up in a farm first. This dream has been with me since 2008 or 2010—to build a house in a farm for elderly people and for families with PWD. There are not that many spaces available to have some quality time with them, and my frustration too is, spaces for the elderly or PWD often come as an afterthought,” she related.
“As I began contributing ideas to the design team about the house, I knew I wanted to create a space where visitors could truly connect—whether young or elderly, that we hope to share with close friends and family. Not a BNB, but a COMMUNITY! BAYANIHAN talaga. This is who we are, nagbibigayan, nagtutulungan,” she added.
The process, she stressed, is taking time because this concept is new to her.
“But thank God for leading me to people with the expertise I needed. Much respect to Architect Gas, who helped bring to life the L-shaped house we envisioned. However, it was my friend and sustainability architect, Nina Quintos, who reminded me that it’s all a process. Nina has been my sounding board, listening to my wild ideas and understanding when I say, “I want the house to embrace and comfort its inhabitants,'” she said, noting that “vague as it is, Arch Nina understands me and helps me communicate my ideas to the team.”
“So yes, we’re building a house that we hope to share with children, PWDs, pets, and the elderly. I’ve learned that this concept isn’t new—it’s known as Universal Design. And so, we call it… UNI. I didn’t even realize my fur baby had such a meaningful name! In truth, she was inspired by a sea urchin!” she said. (NIGEL CHAVEZ DE ESTRADA)
