WE VISITED a gentleman’s home in a small village in Makati.

He welcomed us warmly and showed us around his home—a mix of Asian, Filipino, Muslim and western styles, all reflective of this gentleman’s cosmopolitan tastes and lifestyle.

Most notable are old maps of the Philippines found all over his home, most of them acquired in Europe. Artworks depicting Rizal in various stages of his life are also prominently displayed, all diligently acquired through the years from different parts of the world.

In the garden, a majestic Buddha head is the focal point, entwined in branches of a huge tree.

The home has a warm and welcoming feel. Old World charm meets Filipino artistry. The living room has two sitting areas, with furniture from the owner’s trips to Davao, mixed with some heritage pieces from his family in Europe.

The den has the owner’s rare and antique book collection, including a first-edition “Noli Me Tangere” written in Spanish that he found in a market. The market vendor was using the pages to wrap purchased items from her store. The book is now fully restored and kept in a special box.

This was definitely a nice afternoon spent with a very gracious and sophisticated gentleman.