How often do you travel?
I travel a lot. Every other week I go to Davao and we have spent Christmases in Boracay for the last seven years. I go abroad approximately four times a year. I like going to Europe. Normally, I go to London because we have a home there and my sister lives there. Some of my favourite places, lately, have been Croatia and Montenegro for their quaint islands. We went sailing and the water on the beaches was so clear.
How do you prepare for a trip? Do you travel light?
I always travel heavy. My problem is that I plan my trip early, so I also pack early, usually two days before departure. Then I end up taking too much. My travel essentials include sun block, moisturiser and my make-up kit.
What’s your ideal vacation?
I love travelling with my daughters and I want to go to a new place every year. This year, we plan to visit Russia and Poland in Eastern Europe.
Do you have any fond memories of Greece from the time you first visited during the Miss Universe pageant?
Yes, in fact, I went there again 20 years later and it looked exactly the same. I have very fond memories. At that time, no one knew where the Philippines was and there were hardly any Filipinos there. When I went back, we stayed in this quaint inn run by two Filipinos, a four-bedroom abode filled with antiques. We had two rooms out of four, so they really took care of us. It was so nice and romantic overlooking the Aegean sea. During the Miss Universe pageant, I stayed at the Grand Bretagne Hotel.
What about other memorable destinations?
I went with the Asia Society group to visit Bhutan. It was all nature and greenery. The rivers are so pristine because it is a Buddhist country and so they respect nature. In the dzong (monasteries) and their homes you find hand-painted artwork everywhere. [On the flight to Bhutan] I also had the chance to meet the “second Dalai Lama” of Tibet. He escaped with the Dalai Lama and he shared stories about him and how they escaped death during their exodus.
Are there any restaurants that you would recommend?
I eat everything and I also try to eat local food. In every area I go, I visit a Michelin-star restaurant. One of my favourites is El Bulli in Rosas, Spain. It took us three years to get a reservation. They serve you 45 dishes and there is one chef assigned per person.
Did your charity work take you around the Philippines?
Yes, around the country and also to India and Vietnam. We build homes for Christians and Muslims alike. We try to be equal to all. Unlike other housing projects, we encourage beneficiaries to pay back the homes that we build, which is part of our value formation.
