MANILA, Philippines?Proudly, she declares that the baby in the family still lives with mom and dad.

Although 20-year-old singing champion Maricris Garcia won a cool million pesos and a new house and lot in Antipolo on the talent search "Pinoy Pop Superstar" in June last year, she has opted to stay with her parents, moving from Kalookan to Bulacan shortly after.

"Bulacan is really not that far from Quezon City," she asserts. "Via the North Luzon Expressway, the GMA studio is just 30 minutes away."

Bryan Termulo, her PPS runner-up, also lives in Bulacan, Maricris notes. "When his car is not available [because of the color-coding scheme], he rides with me. When it's my turn, he picks me up."

The Garcias' bungalow, next to an open field, affords the budding diva a welcome respite from the hustle-and-bustle of show biz.

"It's relaxing here," she says. "At night, it's very cool."

Needless to say, her bedroom is her favorite nook, her "sanctuary."

"I chose the colors green and yellow for the room because the combination is soothing," she explains. "Green is my favorite."

Speaking of which, jade décor is strewn all over the living room.

Good luck charms

"Some of the pieces are gifts, and my mom also bought a few from a bazaar. She believes jade brings good luck," Maricris says.

Seems it's working.

Maricris, who had been working as a lounge singer since age 15, was rejected when she auditioned for ABS-CBN's "Star in a Million."

On her first try for GMA 7's "Pinoy Pop Superstar," she lost out to Jonalyn Viray. After two years, she re-joined PPS and emerged as grand champ.

Maricris, who is now working on her debut CD with GMA Records, used part of her cash prize to buy a Hyundai Grand Starex van, her biggest acquisition so far.

"I need a big vehicle for costumes, shoes, accessories and makeup."

The rest of the money is in a bank.

Maricris has decided to turn the P1.5 million Avida home she won into a summer rest house.

"My parents, sisters, brother and I can stay there on weekends. It's near the Antipolo church."

It's nippy, laid-back and rustic there, too, she said, like her Bulacan retreat.

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