Thus ended Popi's long search. From the time she found her dream apartment, it took only a week for her to move out of her mother's house and into her own. But first, Popi had her mom and friends check out the place for themselves, if it was really safe. "I had them come over and I showed them just this unit. I just walked into it and fell in love with it. It's got natural light; it faces east so you get the morning sun. There are windows that provide natural air-you don't have to use air-con all the time; an electric fan will do. There are two balconies where you can put plants. Plus I can cook here!"

There's this other side to this multi-faceted artist you'll be delighted to discover. She can wield a slide rule with the same flair as she can a ladle. "My specialties are salads and pastas," she says. "But just tell me what you want and I'll cook it for you."

Moving-in day: The place was like an empty canvas waiting for Popi's creative hands to transform it into a work of art. "It had nothing but water heaters which was good because these are the hard things to connect," she describes. "I had the place repainted-it was white already to begin with, so I just retouched it. It took only one day-the building had it's own maintenance crew to do it."

It took only one day-actually, eight hours, three trucks, 15 boys and five drills-for Popi to turn an empty house into a home she can call her very own. "But I knew exactly what to do," she says. "I already had a mental layout. As soon as the furniture walked through the door, I knew where to put it. After all, being an architect, that's what I do."

Even her landlady was amazed at the transformation. "Kaya love na love nya ako," Popi says with a giggle. "The funny part was I only had one day to do the whole condo-it was the only time I had. It wasn't slow-it went from empty to this."

Bed and board: A mattress serves as Popi's bed.
It's headboard is an Olazo painting titled "Peonies".

Popi's friends who are getting married and looking for a place of their own have fallen so in love with this house they tell her, "Popi, thank you for furnishing our house, you can move out already."

So how was Popi's first night living alone?

"Funny but my first few nights were not as scary as I expected them to be," says Popi. "I felt secure. There are actually three police stations within five minutes of this place."

This well-appointed cabinet is where Popi keeps her books. Hanging on the wall is a series of pencil sketches by Roberto Chabet. At right is Popi's cross-stitch work.

When you enter Popi's apartment, guess what you'll see first. Why, it's the kitchen! "Kain na tayo kaagad," says Popi. "Your house reflects your personality; it's an extension of yourself. As for me, nobody would come to my house if you're not really a good friend. Plus, I needed more space to work in the kitchen which will be filled up when my cooking stuff arrives."