Born in the Philippines to teenage parents who put her up for adoption to give her a better life, Alpaz went to Canada when she was four to live with her adoptive mother—who abused her. When Alpaz was fifteen, they returned to the Philippines for what she thought was a vacation. “I woke up one day to find her gone along with my passport and other documents. My biological parents were as shocked as I was that she just left me, but [they] did not have the means to do anything about it,” says Alpaz.
The trauma shaped her teen years, but that shifted thanks to a life-changing experience in college. “I went on a field trip and got to meet the natives of our island of Palawan who lived in the mountains. Their way of living inspired me to see life differently, to open my heart, and be more grateful.” Later, Alpaz returned to Canada. “I guess you could say my healing journey started there,” she says. “I share in detail my experiences in a memoir I am writing and hoping to publish this year.”
Her deep plant appreciation began in 2020 when her husband brought home some ferns and custom-made plant shelves. “He is the reason I got hooked,” she explains. “I loved how alive they make our home look and feel; the good energy they hold is contagious.” Common varieties are among her favorites. “I love how fast-growing the pothos is and how the leaves of the bird of paradise unfold; I love anticipating its unfurling,” says Alpaz whose “plantry” is filled with plants and books.
The cozy interiors mix boho, modern, and midcentury styles. “I had grown so much as a person that it was time to express that outwardly. At first, I gravitated towards more rattan and woven objects that are native to the Philippines,” says Alpaz who slowly incorporated more colors and plants. “I just wanted our home to feel like a refreshing vacation, a place where my husband and children were excited to come home to after a long day at work and school.”
Her husband Allan and their children—AJ, Sadie, and Elisia—have been very supportive of her personal healing journey and love of plants. “They encouraged me to finally explore my hobbies and bring out my inner-child creativity,” says Alpaz. “Without them, I wouldn’t have found the courage and inspiration to share my life story and transform our home into a sanctuary.”
/ Written by Jeanine Matlow
Photography courtesy of Romalyn Alpaz.
@bohome.plantry
green thumb.
Here, we share some of Romalyn (Roma) Alpaz’s favorite plant-care tips that keep her “plantry” healthy and happy.
Less Is More. Underwatering is better than overwatering. If the soil is still moist and the pot is fairly heavy, leave it alone for another day or two.
Check In. Plant apps can’t always give accurate advice because they don’t live with your plant. Look, touch, and feel what your plants are trying to tell you. Check on them at least once a day.
Solid Ground. Instead of store-bought fertilizer, Alpaz uses rice water. Before cooking rice, wash the grains two to three times and reserve the last rinse. Alpaz waters with that every five to six weeks. (Research the needs of your specific plants before trying this method.)
