"I’m addicted to traveling," says Cher Calvin, newscaster/TV host for News Central Primetime, Points of View, ANC News Live and F. "My parents took me to different places during my birthday, since it falls in summer in the States," says Cher.
Among the beaches she adores are those found in the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands. She likes St. John, St. Thomas and St. Tropez but her ultimate favorite is the Virgin Gorda. "It’s probably my most favorite beach in the world because it’s so romantic, it’s so sexy," she enthuses. As for the cities, Cher says she’s grown fond of Paris, London, Berlin and Barcelona.
So what does she think of Manila? "Manila’s more about the people," Cher says. "It’s not like I live in the most beautiful city in the world but I do know that I live in the city with the most beautiful people, you know, in their hearts and everything. And I think that’s why a lot of foreigners stay here in Manila." These words come from a lady who was only supposed to stay two weeks in Manila but who now says, "It’s already been four years and I honestly can’t believe I’ve been here this long. I had to get a job to support my vacation," she laughs.
Being such an experienced globetrotter has taught Cher the importance of having reliable luggage. "I like big luggage pieces and the hard shelled models of Samsonite that’s got all these nice compartments," she says. "When I traveled to Europe for a month, I had this luggage that only had one compartment and I had to unpack and repack every two days, which was such a nightmare!"
"Samsonite has been around forever and the warranties are important to me. So, if something happens to my luggage, I know that I can call up Samsonite and it’s not like they’ll be out of business and say, ‘oh, we can’t fix your luggage." "I even have that round luggage from the 60s, which is like a family thing already!" she says excitedly. "It’s really cute and it’s still functioning even after all these years. Samsonite products are so durable and reliable, they never even break down and that’s why I really like them," she says.
Already an extensive traveler at age six, Daphne appreciated the joys that traveling brings, one of which is being able to shop at different places. "Shopping abroad gives you the chance to see the latest styles, especially in the fall," she says. "When I go to Canada during winter, the old summer’s clothes are on sale so I can get really good summer stuff, especially in New York."
When she is in the Big Apple, Daphne makes it a point to visit Soho. "But I can’t say I buy everything there because it’s so expensive! But when you’re there, you really feel like you’re in the center of the fashion world because both big and upcoming artists and designers are there," she says. In Toronto, Daphne likes to shop at Club Monaco. "It has simple clothes, like everything’s in black and white, very minimalist."
Before she became an avid globetrotter and shopper, Daphne knew she had to find a job to support her expensive lifestyle and this she did when she worked as an urban planner for the Canadian Urban Institute. The job further developed her desire to travel as it enabled her to visit developing countries like Cuba, Mexico and the Philippines. It was in 1985 that Daphne decided to make the Philippines her new home though she still travels to Canada regularly.
"When I was still working for the Canadian Urban Institute, my first major purchase was a Samsonite hard case. I like hard cases because nothing gets dented and it’s good for packing. You can fill it up and everything’s in order or you can leave it like half empty and everything’s still perfect," she says. "I like Samsonite because of its different ranges, they have items for light or heavy traveling. I also like the color range very much, it’s not so wild and it’s not too trendy that you have to change luggage. For me, you only need one really good luggage, one that’s going to last forever and I found all these and more in my Samsonite."
So what’s her greatest shopping find so far? Daphne, who recently married broadcast journalist Patrick Paez says, "It’s somewhat cheesy but really, it’s our wedding ring. Because we found it in the place where we least expected – in a store that sells only pearls. We were surprised to find that they sell these really lovely rings without pearls so we were very happy when we found our rings there."
She recently went on a trip to Australia with her F co-hosts and staff and she says she finds Australia a truly exciting place. "Australia tops my list because it simply has its own charm. I went to Sydney and I like how the people there are so laid-back. I mean, they work but they still know how to have fun. I just love the place, it feels so healthy out there and it’s so conducive for raising a family," she narrates.
Locally, Angel likes Boracay. "In Boracay, it’s like you’re in a different level altogether because the people are so friendly. When you’re there, it seems like everyone’s enjoying and everyone knows you. You get to be as comfortable and no one will mind you. I like that a lot," she says.
"I bought my first Samsonite bag, which is made of canvas but after 10 years of wear and tear, it’s still with me and that’s just amazing. Samsonite always seem to have the right product for every traveler," she says.
For fashion concerns, Angel says just bring the basics. "Bring stuff like one for walking and one that would fit all of your other formal outfits. Never bring anything too heavy or chunky. Bring clothes in basic black and beige so it can go with anything, nothing too colorful."
For toiletries, Angel advises bringing only the essentials. "Bring the small, sample-sized ones that you normally find in hotels. If you don’t want them, just empty the contents and use them later on for your next travel."
She says that staying in locally owned establishments gives you better cultural exposure to the region and directly benefits the community’s economy. "Eat the local cuisine and enjoy provincial fare because by doing so, you support the local growers, fishermen, wineries, etc. Your purchases should support local artisans and help perpetuate their traditions, crafts and culture."
Eventually, Angel plans to see the world with her nanay and two children. "I want them to see and experience everything that I get to see and experience. It’s one of my biggest goals."
Samsonite is available at its flagship store located at The Podium in Ortigas which houses Samsonite by Starck, Samsonite Black Label footwear and other high-end product collections.
Samsonite producers are also available at The Travel Club and at the luggage sections of Duty Free Philippines, The Landmark, Shoemart Department Stores, Robinsons Department Stores and Rustan’s.