December - January 2010

 

Which was your best holiday in the Philippines?
Always at El Nido. The staff there are very attentive. I always ask to go to a deserted island and for them to pack some lunch. And so in the morning after breakfast they’d take me on a boat to this uninhabited island. You could nudebathe if you want. The last time I went to El Nido, my daughter was still a toddler. She’d have an afternoon nap on the beach, on a blanket I’d lay out under a monoblock table for some shade. While she’s sleeping, I’d get a plastic chair, carry it to the water, stick it into the sand, and sit on it with water up to my waist. One time, I convinced some musicians – a violinist and guitarist – to come with us on a boat to the small and big lagoon and play classical music. The minute they started playing, all the wild monkeys came out to see what was going on. I got off the boat and just floated in the calm water, listening to the heavenly music.
But I also yearn for adventure travel, backpacking with my daughter. My honey (husband) doesn’t like to travel too much but my daughter and I share the same passion for adventure.

Tell us about one adventure trip. 
I went to Camiguin with my daughter when she was just in grade two. We went via a Superferry and when we arrived in the island, we hired a tricycle and found this cottage at the far end of the beach and stayed the night. We toured around via a habal-habal (motorcycle).
 
And your favorite resort?  
First, El Nido (Miniloc and Lagen), Palawan. Second would be – now I only end up going to Batangas for diving – Aquaventure Resort where I stay all the time because I’m at home there; everybody knows my travel arrangements and what I need. I like Fridays in Boracay. It has a nice location with a nice beach, spacious area, and excellent food and service.

Your travel essentials?
My tanning lotion with SPF, my plastic bags for dirty clothes and litter, a windbreaker because it gets cold on a boat, my Glutamax (lightening soap) when I am on the beach, my soap and my after-sun lotion.

Your favorite dive destination?
Balicasag Island in Bohol is the best diving place; the water is so shallow for several feet and then the sea floor drops sharply and you are underwater with a wall filled with corals on one side, a myriad of fish on the other, and the deep blue. Balicasag is not popular with tourists so the amenities are simple.

Your favorite local buys?
When I go to Cebu, I buy all these shellcraft, mangoes, the saltless danggit (dried fish). I usually buy the local specialty food. In Dumaguete, they have wonderful skinless longganisas (local sausage). 

Your favorite fashion shopping stops?
Usually in the Makati area – Rustans and Rockwell [Powerplant Mall]. For clothes, I particularly like Zara. I go to SM and shop at Sakaya for my costumes in my shows and plays, Shoemart or Janilyn for shoes, Aldo or Rustan’s for accessories. I also like Criselda Lontok creations.

Favorite restaurant?
On weekdays, Mario’s. On weekends, I go to Spices at the Pen or Umo at Dusit.

Any travel advice?
When I travel, I always wrap my clothes in several plastic bags. I distribute my money. I always bring medicine. I travel light. I went around Europe for three months with only two backpacks.

You love travelling with your daughter?
Yes. I drive my BMW and she’s my navigator. We have our Lisa Stansfield music blaring loudly. I have my bonbon, my little burner and often have steak from Santis, pasta, tomatoes in my cooler. I go to Batangas to dive. In Batangas we go to Sepok Island where there’s no one else. I always look for a place that’s secluded. That’s also why I like Palawan a lot. There are coves that you can have all to yourself.

Tell us about how living in Boracay Island is like.
I resided in Boracay from 1988 to 1992. The first time I went to Boracay, there was no electricity. There were lots of fireflies; you walk with a gasera (gas lamp); there were no tricycles so evenings were peaceful. And my favorite months there are September and October because you get sun and rain. Even if it’s stormy in Boracay, I still enjoy the place because that’s the time when everything is so quiet. When it’s raining, people tend to stay indoors but I go out in the rain, swim, and just enjoy it.  

Where do you want to holiday next?
I want to try the boutique hotel of Happy Ongpauco in Tagaytay. (Visit www.theboutiquebnb.com) 

The worst hotel you’ve stayed in in the country?
I was shooting in Ilocos area. I stopped over somewhere in Pangasinan or La Union in a resort by the ocean that’s owned by a Filipina, who is married to a German or a Swiss. The husband was not a nice host. Lots of dos and don’ts. The bed frame in my room was in pebble wash finish with a mattress on top. I found it strange that when I wanted to take the mattress down and sleep on the floor, he didn’t like it.

What do you avoid on holiday?
Crowds, drinking crowds most especially.