Touch of Bali in entrepreneur’s abode Touch of Bali in entrepreneur’s abode

ANTON GONZALES is one busy 30-year-old who spends more than half of his day thinking or working at his various businesses--Kidz Station, Planet Sports and Nike Stadium and Athlete’s Foot.

With the endless details and decisions he has to pay attention to in his work, all he needs at the end of the day is to relax and free his mind of the day’s stress.

For Anton, there is no better way to relax but to just lounge in his airy and comfortable condominium unit filled with Indonesian art and furniture pieces.

"I am not really much of a collector. Ever since I was a kid, I did not really collect anything in particular but over the years I was able to go to Bali and I fell in love with the place," Anton says.

Since Anton can’t go to Bali everyday, he brought home little pieces of Bali for him to enjoy.

The influence of Balinese culture is apparent in Anton’s pieces such as his side tables, center table, lounge chair and dresser which are all made of teak.

"I loved Bali because it is very serene. I started buying little by little and shipped them out here. I complemented these pieces with some plants because in Bali, there is a lot of greenery," Anton says.

Anton also started collecting Indonesian paintings that figure prominently in his living and dining areas.

"I like Indonesian paintings because these show that they had a real sense of culture. They are not made by really famous people but I like them anyway. I have always had a fondness for Indonesian art," Anton says.

Anton explains that it may have been a subconscious effort for his part to leave his house with no trace of his business. There are no Nike shoes lying around or fitness equipment except for the mandatory treadmill in his room. There are also no kid stuff from his Kidz Station chain of stores.

"I guess I just want to be minimalist. I want the open air and free flowing type of look to my house. When I come home, I just want to read books or magazines. I am really a big fan of reading," Anton says.

But outside his home, Anton is filled with work. He is the majority owner of Planet Sports Inc. that was put up to put up several store chains to fill certain gaps in the market.

He currently operates 40 stores under the different brands, which he hopes to bring up to 70 or even 80 by the end of next year.

Anton is already looking forward to the opening of his fifth and largest Kidz Station store at the Power Plant Mall of the Rockwell Center as well as his flagship Planet Sports store.

"The Rockwell stores will be our flagship stores. These are the largest. The Kidz Station there, for instance, will cover 1,350 square meters instead while others cover only between 250 to 320 square meters," Anton says.

Anton expressed confidence that the retail stores will continue to do well despite the downturn in the economy saying that Filipinos generally love to shop.

"Last year for example, our sales in December were double the November sales. It just shows that Filipinos are willing to spend for Christmas," he says.

Anton hopes that this Christmas season will be as good, perhaps even better, than last year.

Anton continues to build his business as he sees himself staying in the Philippines and making a bigger name for himself.

Single and unattached these days, Anton expects to live in peace in his Bali-inspired home at least for the next year or so.

He says he may have to have his house remodeled again if and when he decides to get married.

"I like simple furnishings and people can see and feel that it is really on the masculine side. Maybe if I get married it will have a bit of the feminine touch, but for now I am very happy with what I have," Anton says.