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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2023 13 Genaro Lagdameo and his partner Reuben Dator. Photo taken in their lovely home. By Kirk Freyermuth This month's resident spotlight is on Genaro Lagdameo. Genaro is a well-known interior decorator who has had many famous clients over his career including Don Selleck, brother of actor and personality Tom Selleck. Genaro was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. He received a BA in Interior Design at the University of Santo Thomas in 1979. He launched his career as a furniture designer, moving on to Barker Brothers in Los Angeles where he won multiple awards for top design. In his first year as a designer with Homestead House, he was recognized as one of the top 20 design consultants in the country. Genaro oversaw the update of The Lodge Lobby and Bistro. He donated all of his time and managed to secure the materials at wholesale cost, saving the association a great deal of money. Cindy Graves, the Four Seasons Activity Director, hired him after she saw his work as a designer at the Pasadena Showcase. The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is an all-volunteer army of enthusiastic and dedicated dreamers, doers, and donors. People gladly give their time and talents to produce the annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design. The proceeds from the Pasadena Showcase, along with the donations they receive, make funding three annual music programs possible. They also award gifts and grants to other nonprofit organizations that provide music programs. The Showcase has existed for over 50 years and each year chooses to decorate a large home that may be viewed by the public. Genaro's vision of the entry to The Lodge was to preserve and enhance the appearance of the rooms and refresh the look and colors, not totally remake the space. He chose the colors of the fabrics to show off the beauty of the tile floors, for example. Genaro moved to Four Seasons with Reuben, his partner of 31 years. They stumbled on the community, somewhat by accident, when they were looking to relocate to the Coachella Valley. They both have felt so welcomed here, leading to feelings of safety, comfort, and joy. Genaro's life motto is to make a difference in people's lives and to develop spiritually. His belief is being retired does not mean that he can no longer be productive. RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Genaro Lagdameo: Living a Well-Designed Life