This Filipina entrepreneur, author, wife and mother welcomes us into her favourite corners in her home—each filled with art, bespoke furniture and all things her family loves
Resplendent with art and colour, the family home of Rissa Mananquil-Trillo is a sight to behold. It is also, first and foremost a sanctuary where she and husband Paolo can retire after a hectic day, as well as a playground where their daughters Celestia and Audra can freely move around and do the things they like most. In this interview, Rissa takes us around her favourite spaces and gives tips on entertaining and shopping for the home.
What are your favourite spots in your home and why?
One of them is the one that is used the most—the main entrance. It features a path full of Paolo’s beloved bonsai leading to a glass double-door entrance by Impy Pilapil, while a colourful ceiling-to-floor Norberto Carating painting greets you as you enter.
The bonsai are very special because Paolo grew and trained them on his own. They’re our daily reminder that when you’re dedicated to something in life, it takes time to prune and perfect it, and that nothing beats hard work.
The glass double-doors have a clear and frosted striped pattern punctuated with four glass sculpture handles on both sides, all by Impy Pilapil. I love being able to see our kids waving excitedly and looking for us before we even enter, or sometimes running after us before we leave for one last kiss or hug. Seeing their faces through those glass doors will always be the best reason to hurry home to.
In which area do you spend your time the most? Why?
First is our living room because this is where we hang out with our kids. I love that it’s also the same spot where our daughters love hanging out with their own friends! My mum always tells me it’s important to have a home your children love and can invite friends over because it adds to their confidence and self-esteem.
It’s a bright area where every piece was also “approved” by our daughters, Celestia and Audra. We like to keep it open and spacious because our daughters love bursting into sudden performances or cartwheels and play games with their friends. You’ll usually see them lounging (or jumping!) on the Sixinch red Cliffy sofa by designer Rainer Mutsch. A black and white pair of crushed metal Lor Calma art piece hangs on the wall. To make the area feel like “paradise”, a massive Offecct Green Island ottoman by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud anchors the room. The round shape provides a space for a plant and gives a relaxing feeling, like you’re lounging on an island. A Kenneth Cobonpue Harry rocking stool in yellow and Chiquita stool in silver add to the whimsy and fun.
Another area we spend a lot of time in is the girls’ room. It’s the cosiest part of the house where memories are made, secrets are shared, and giggles can be heard. There’s just something so magical and warm about this room, especially with the Spinkie canopies in their favourite colours pink and blue. Many times, I escape here when I want time to think and even sneak in little naps. This is also the place where I get the longest goodnight hugs and kisses from them.
Are there parts of your home that you’d like to be changed? If there are, how would you like to change them?
Yes, our den! It’s been used all this time just for storage, but we want to renovate it into a family room. Believe it or not, we only have one TV in our house (in our bedroom) because we try to encourage real play, imagination and creativity for our kids. Now that they’re at an age where more friends come over, we want to transform the den into a space for watching movies and have sleepovers.
