Inside the artful home of Alelee Andanar

Entrepreneur Alelee Andanar takes us to her cosy home and shares the significance of personal spaces and homemade recipes

Businesswoman and tastemaker Alelee Andanar declares that curating a table of special well-loved family recipes is what makes a home. Sharing these unique dishes with family and friends solidifies bonds and, at the same time, gives a glimpse of what her household is like.

She sees much importance in building a spacious kitchen area as she loves to cook, likewise a mini library where she can sit down, read and sometimes, reflect. One other notable feature is the various art pieces that occupy the walls of her home.

Andanar revels in the memories held by sentimental trinkets she’s collected from her trips abroad that fill her home. In a conversation with Tatler, she reveals her favourite pieces and what brings her joy throughout her day.

Above The mini library

The mini library

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What are your favourite spots in your home and why?

My favourite is the open kitchen. It is where I cook while I entertain guests who love to eat. It’s a joy to share part of my home cooking with loved ones and guests. Another favourite area is the mini library. It is where I sit, read and sometimes reflect. It’s also nice to see a compilation of all the books collected throughout the years.

In which area of the home do you spend your time the most?

My bedroom, which has also become the bedroom of my two dogs, Noburu and Kyoto. It’s also where I have my study desk, where I work and do my online meetings.

Above Some favourite art pieces by Juan Manuel Arnabal, a Uruguayan artist from Siargao Artiste in Residence

Some favourite art pieces by Juan Manuel Arnabal, a Uruguayan artist from Siargao Artiste in Residence

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Which is your favourite spot for entertaining?

I’m biased towards the dining area. I think entertaining for me is an invitation into someone’s cooking. The dining area is where we all gather over a home-cooked meal and chat for hours on end until we realise it’s already past midnight.

What are your entertaining must-haves?

If I’m hosting lunch or dinner, I always need to serve mine and my husband’s personal recipes. Entertaining won’t be complete without good lighting which sets the mood of the home, along with a few bottles of wine and good music.

What are your favourite pieces in your home?

I would say artworks by Juan Manuel Arnabal, Federico Tosi, El Juan Chiaval and Stefano Serretta, foreign artists who completed their art residencies in Siargao Island.

Where do you usually shop items for your home?

I make sure to bring home souvenirs and trinkets from my trips abroad, especially from flea markets and antique shops. I also like to diversify and mix and match the furniture at home by exploring different boutiques and shops in Manila.

Above Alelee Andanar with Kyoto, one of two family dogs, at the den and family room

Alelee Andanar with Kyoto, one of two family dogs, at the den and family room

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Can you walk us through your typical day?

A typical weekday in my home means waking up, making my favourite iced oat latte, reading the news and playing with my dogs. I then leave to go to the office and work until I come home to my two akitas (dog breed) who almost always welcome me at the front door.

Are there parts of your home that you would like to be changed? If there are, how would you like to change them?

My garden project is still not finished. I hope to add more plants to it, make it more useful and personalised to complete the atmosphere of the lanai / garden.

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Credits

Photography: Belle Dinglasa