In this video, I’m finally giving you a full tour of my little mountain cabin here in Ronda. I’ve taken quite a bit of heat online—mostly from local girls—calling it "ugly" or questioning the design, but I wanted to explain the method behind what they see as "madness." To me, this 250,000-peso project isn't just a building; it’s my personal sanctuary and a masterclass in practical, tropical-proof design.
One of the biggest criticisms I get is about the roof. People ask why it’s so low and why there’s no ceiling. Living in the mountains, a ceiling is just an invitation for rodents, geckos, and snakes to move in, poop, and eventually die, leaving you with a nasty mess you can’t clean. My design features a constant air gap all the way around. Since we always have a breeze on this ridge and heat rises, the hot air just flows straight out. I never need air conditioning here; even on the hottest days, a fan on speed one or two is more than enough.
I also get teased about the "multi-step" floor plan. There’s a big step down into the kitchen and another into the bathroom. This isn't a mistake; it’s typhoon insurance. If a massive storm ever rips the roof off this cabin, the water will naturally flow down those levels and straight out the bathroom door, saving the rest of the structure from flooding. It’s about working with the elements, not just against them.
Inside, I’ve kept things minimalist but high-tech. This is my "nerd cave." I have a triple-monitor setup powered by one of the most powerful mini-PCs in the world, an incredibly comfortable office chair, and even a VR headset for exercise and watching movies on a "virtual" cinema screen with friends back in Norway. It’s my space to focus, away from the chaos of the main house construction.
I’ve also been very specific about the lighting. While most people in the Philippines use bright "daylight" bulbs (6,500 Kelvin), I use warm, 3,000 Kelvin lights. Not only is it way more cozy, but insects are actually less attracted to the warmer spectrum. It’s a small tweak that makes a huge difference in comfort.
Everything you see—the tiles, the fence, the water heater, even the green toilet Jessa bullies me about—was included in that 250,000-peso price tag. I also insisted on keeping all the wiring and plumbing external. In the Philippines, stuff breaks. If a pipe leaks or a wire shorts inside a wall, you have to tear the house apart to fix it. Here, everything is accessible and easy to maintain.
Ultimately, if I were single, I would never need more than this. But since I have a family who likes to "collect" things, we’re building the big house up the hill. For now, this cabin is my hideout, my office, and eventually, a place for Liam to hang out with his friends. I think every man needs his own space to recharge, and for me, this little "bullied" cabin is perfect. Thanks for following the VibePinas journey!
