This Idyllic Retirement Home Has a Private Garden Perfect for Special Events
They say a home is not just where you live but it’s who you are. And there are no truer words to describe this “little paradise” in Cavite owned by Dasmariñas Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat and his wife Grace.
One Mango Tree is a comfortable retirement home surrounded by a spacious outdoor and lush gardens in the town of Silang, just a few hours away from the metro.
It was built to be a place of comfort and relaxation where the couple runs to when they need time away from their busy life in the city.
“Because of the stress of her business and my hectic schedule, we decided to come up and look for a place where we can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature,” Rex said.
The couple keeps a 150-square-meter one-storey house. “It’s very simple kasi ayaw namin ng masyadong matrabaho, masyadong mahirap alagaan na bahay.”
Even though the house is not very big, the humble abode has character.
Rex and Grace filled their home mostly with furniture made with old wood, including an interesting floating bed. They also keep a tiny collection of vintage items like an old movie projector and typewriter.
Rex shared that he never really wanted a huge house, but they dreamed of a huge garden.
That’s why in One Mango Tree, there’s an area called Iya’s Garden, named after Rex’s mom, and another corner filled with black bamboo plants, which is an homage to Grace’s late brother.
"’Yung pinakauna kong black bamboo, bigay ng kapatid ko na si Jun. Kapag nandito ako, naalala ko yung brother ko,” Grace said.
Apart from the gardens, there also is an expansive open area, which the couple had opened for guests who want to hold events there. That is also where the mango tree, from which the property is named after, stands mightily.
Rex said that one mango tree was their only refuge when they first arrived in the place. “Mahal na mahal namin ang punong manggang yan. Kasi nung binili namin ito wala pa kami matigilan, diyan kami nagtitigil. Diyan kami nagpapahinga noon,” he said.
The huge place had also allowed Rex to take up his old hobby of caring for pigeons, which has become an attraction, too.
“Nung bata kasi ako, mahilig ako mag-alaga ng kalapati. Dito, nakita ko yung opportunity na mabalikan ko yung aking hilig. Ayan sila, pinagawan ko ng mga bahay. Pag may okasyon dito, nakakatuwang tingnan na lumilipad sila nang sabay-sabay.”
For Grace, one corner of the property had been reserved for the image of Mama Mary. “Devotee kasi kami talaga ni Mama Mary. So ito yung way ko para magpasalamat sa kanya,” she said.
One Mango Tree now hosts events from weddings to private parties. The property, which is near Tagaytay City, is also perfect for vacationers who might want to get that cool Baguio weather without having to travel very far.
The couple hopes by opening their “little paradise” they inspire others to seek and build their own.
“We'd like to encourage you to look for that little corner in the sky. Have your own place of happiness as we have,” Rex said.
Watch the video below.
OG (Only Good) Channel is Summit Media’s first-ever video brand with its own channel on Youtube. OG features content that gives ONLY GOOD vibes with entertaining and informational video series about Amazing Staycation Destinations, Unique Homes, OPM Music, Buhay Abroad, Popular Memes and Trends, and Real Stories about Real People. If you need a dose of good vibes today, visit and subscribe to OG Channel.
