Joel Cruz’s controversial mansion at Camp John Hay, Baguio City
Joel Cruz – the famous owner of Aficionado gained both pride and controversy because of his mansion built in Baguio’s famous Camp John Hay.
A four stories high mansion owned by the famous Joel Cruz earned criticisms from everyone who has already seen it. Negative and positive comments such as “Parang mall, OA”, “Ang ganda” et cetera came out from mouths of people who has already seen it personally or even in television.
The said mansion of Cruz was built three years ago and will take five more months to finish completely according to the security guard on duty in Joel Cruz’ house.
The mansion was built few meters away from one of Camp John Hay’s most visited spot: Mile-Hi center, a strip mall inside the camp, and near an often-visited golf course.
A view of Cruz’ mansion from Mile-Hi
In the mansion’s facade, a sign which says “White House of the Lord of Scents” generated much attention from people.
In an interview with Inquirer, Cruz said that his mansion’s facade was an idea from his architect, and that his title “The Lord of scents” came from a show entitled Celebrity Duets, where he won as champion.
- “White House of the Lord of Scents” – one of the controversial parts of Cruz’s mansion.
The controversial mansion was made up of concrete and glass, which according to an article in Inquirer Lifestyle about Cruz’ mansion, is not appropriate with the view of Camp John Hay. READ MORE
Cruz explained in his interview with Inquirer, that “it was not that far from the camp’s log cabin theme”. He said that it was a design called “modern log home”.
Cruz also noted in an interview with Inquirer that “another architecture in the Camp did not strictly follow the camp’s traditional building designs. Le Monet Hotel was already built with a modern style of architecture long before Cruz’ mansion was built.” READ MORE
Joel Cruz’ mansion in side view
Environmentalists also complained. Cruz said to Inquirer that “they replaced the trees they cut by planting new ones in his property also.” READ MORE
A taxi driver said in an interview while on the way to Cruz mansion: “Madami lang naiingit kaya sila nagagalit.”
Another taxi driver said in an interview: “Nakakapagtaka nga lang kung bakit pinayagan na ganyan. Parang ibang tao na nga ang may ari ng Camp Joh Hay e. Parang commercialized na. Madami na ngang Korean na nagnenegosyo dun. Hindi na nga Camp John Hay yan e. Pag may sumakay sakin na Korean, sasabihin: Take me to Kung Jun Hee. Iba na pala may ari ng Camp John Hay ngayon.”
Joel Cruz’ pool and elevator also attracted comments from poeple. RR Agustin, a friend of mine said in a personal interview: “Pool at elevator sa isang bahay? Not the usual. Ano yun, mall?”
mjurgeanne 