[ad_1]
Michael Bublé (left) and Minette
Fifty years ago, Michael Bublé’s late grandfather, Demetrio Santaga, “proudly” built a house “with his own hands” in Vancouver, Canada, where he settled after emigrating from Italy.
The house had been vacant since Demetrio’s death in December 2018. But now it has a worthy owner: Minette, a former community health worker in the Philippines hired by the Bublé family to care for Demetrio.
In a recent episode of HGTV’s home renovation show “Celebrity IOU,” the singer revealed that one of his grandfather’s last wishes was to entrust his home to Minette, whom the latter treated not only as a nurse, but also as his “best friend” and “confidant”.
“It became a family almost instantly,” Bublé told presenters, twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott. “I wanted this legacy to live. I wanted Minette to live here.
Demetrio was well aware of Minette’s financial responsibilities to her family in the Philippines. And she realized that her friend’s situation would be easier if she no longer had to worry about paying the rent.
“She does not keep the money she earns. She has a lot of family in the Philippines. And the money she earns sends them all back,” said Michael. “He will be excited, knowing that we would be easing his load a little and We will allow her to continue helping her family without making it so difficult for her. “
The 44-year-old singer-songwriter figured it might be time for Minette to reward herself for all her hard work.
“He is a compassionate, kind and empathetic human being with a great sense of humor and zest for life,” he said of Minette. “But she did nothing by herself.”
Michael, with the help of the “Celebrity IOU” team, revised and transformed the Demetrius-style home from the 1970s into a more elegant and modern space. And as he took the hosts around the house, he couldn’t help but become nostalgic and remember his childhood.
“The best moments of my life happened here. My most formative years and the songs I learned and the style of music I fell in love with happened here, ”he said of the living room, where he and Demetrio listened to their favorite artists.
Bublé and Minette with Drew and Jonathan Scott
“He was my best friend, growing up. He was my hero. He would play his records for me. “This is Dean Martin … Ella Fitzgerald,” she would tell me, “Michael recalled.” He said that since he was old and might die soon, I had to learn some songs for him before he left. “
“Then I learned them and sang for him. We sing together, ”he added.
And in Demetrio’s later years, he would play his grandson’s songs at full volume because he already had hearing problems. She also kept in touch with Michael regularly, via Facetime, even when the latter was on tour. “I miss him every day,” said Michael.
After three weeks of renovation, the house was ready to open its doors to its new owner. An innocent Minette, who had just returned from a vacation in the Philippines, was tricked by Michael into thinking she was going to be interviewed for a documentary.
Minette burst into tears when Michael made the big reveal. “She is truly a special and beautiful woman. My grandfather would be very happy. This was his dream,” he said.
“My grandfather’s greatest wish was not only that I keep the house in the family; I wanted this to be your home because I loved you so much, “Michael told Minette. INQ
Read below
EDITOR’S SELECTION
MOST READ
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and over 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download from 4 a.m. and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For comments, complaints or inquiries, contact us.
[ad_2]
