Why Christian Bautista loves Rome

People know him as a suave balladeer and a skilled actor, but there’s more to Christian Bautista than his showbiz career.

Devoted to his close-knit family, he enjoys playing golf with his dad and basketball with his two younger brothers. When they were all unattached, spending time together was all about sibling bonding. Now that all of them have steady girlfriends, they go out on group dates and other activities.

A voracious reader even at an early age, he credits his parents for instilling in them the value of this pursuit. When he’s not poring over books, newspapers or magazines, he’s playing with his beloved dogs.

He’s a successful performer and recording artist in the Philippines and other parts of Asia, but Christian still dreams of taking center stage at the Madison Square Garden in New York someday soon. And yet for all his dreams of conquering new worlds, he remains a country boy at heart. It’s evident in how he peppers his conversation with references to his hometown of Imus, Cavite.

A quintessential quiet guy, he’s known for his wholesome persona, which is the real him and not just an image he projects. But just because he keeps mostly to himself doesn’t mean he shies away from the world. Far from it.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA: It’s still so vivid in my memory. I was around nine years old, and I went to Los Angeles with my parents and my brothers Joshua and Jordan. We visited my dad’s relatives, and my uncles and aunties were the perfect hosts. They drove us around everywhere, even all the way to San Francisco in a van. We had such a great time!

I even recall my first US excursion: Toys ‘R Us. All those toys! Can you imagine my state of mind?

What won’t you leave home without?

I always bring a small, handy Bible that was given to me by my mom as a high school graduation gift. I read it constantly, even when I’m on one of my trips.

Describe your present passport photograph.

My eyes have this “Bulaga!” look. (Laughs)

How do you pass time at airports?

I have my Kindle with me so I can read anywhere, all the time. My parents trained us to read since childhood, so my interest in the printed word has never been diminished. I scan the newspapers for headlines and current events, plus Time and Newsweek for more in-depth analysis and to know the state of the world.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

My brothers: Joshua, who is an English teacher, and Jordan, who takes care of the family business. We have a few townhouses in Imus, and Joshua handles the maintenance and rentals.

I also like traveling with my barkada, friends even before I joined showbiz, so I’ve known them for years. Luckily, we complement each other. Each of us takes care of an aspect of travel that we know best, so we’re all good.

What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel or a resort?

I instantly dive into the bed to test it. I also check the sheets, pillows and comforter. I once checked into a room that had a wet bed, but that’s another story! (Laughs)

What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?

I’m a firm believer in immersion — the deeper, the better. It’s one of the reasons why I travel. I love to interact with people no matter how briefly and to experience a country’s culture and lifestyle. I also make it a point to eat local food, to taste it even if I’m not sure I’d like it. I think experimenting that way is an essential part of being on holiday.

Describe your most memorable trip.

It has to be my first trip to Rome and the Vatican some three years ago. I was there as part of a show for the Filipino community. On my days off, I would go to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other heritage sites and attractions that I read about. As I was touring around, I felt like I was part of all those films or shows about Rome and the Vatican that I like to watch.

I studied landscape architecture at UP-Diliman, so I was so impressed by the sights. I could feel the presence of history and appreciate the design everywhere. Sa cobblestones pa lang, masaya na ako.

What do you miss the most when you’re away from home?

Aside from my immediate family, I miss our house and everything in it. I miss picking and eating the fruits that grow on our trees or simply sleeping in the hammock we have in the yard. I also miss taking walks with my dogs.

What travel advice do you wish to share? 

I have this mental checklist that I constantly update, depending on what kind of trip I’m going on. Is it a combination of work and vacation, or is it purely leisure? By knowing what to expect, I can figure out what I need or don’t need to take with me. That’s how I end up traveling light.  

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

I jumped into a river in Cagayan de Oro from a bridge that was around two to three stories high, if I’m not mistaken. My brothers and I were daring each other to do it, so we did. Those three seconds before I hit the water must be the longest three seconds of my life! (Laughs)

Let’s talk favorites now. Name your favorite city abroad.

I left my heart in San Francisco (hums a few lines from the Tony Bennett classic). It’s a beautiful city, and the weather there is like no other. And the view by the bay… how can I forget the Golden Gate Bridge? Seeing its bright orange color against the blue sky is breathtaking. And that’s just for starters.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

Tagaytay, because it’s soul-enriching. There’s the cool weather and the gorgeous view of Taal Volcano surrounded by the lake. Every time I’m there, I feel so peaceful and tranquil.

We have a new tradition, if you can call it that. After our Christmas get-together with family and relatives, some close friends and my barkada from Imus drive to Tagaytay at around 10 p.m. We just spend time together, taking it all in while drinking hot coffee.

Favorite airline?

Philippine Airlines because mabait talaga ang mga tao. I really value the hospitality of the crew, and it warms my heart to see so many familiar faces. I always feel at home whenever I fly PAL.

Hats off also to low-cost carriers like Cebu-Pacific, Air Asia and Zest Air for their unbeatable promo rates. Going on vacations within the country or even abroad isn’t just for the select few anymore.  

Favorite airport?

Without a doubt, Changi International Airport in Singapore. It’s hard to beat, from its efficiency to what it can offer in terms of shops, food, entertainment and amenities. You can even go to the spa, take a shower or do a quick workout there if you have the time. There’s even a prayer room if you want to have a quiet moment and a hotel in case you’d like to sleep or rest. It’s like a mini-city.

Favorite museum?

Singapore Art Museum on Bras Basah Road. It’s right in front of the condo building we stayed in when Karylle and I did The Kitchen Musical in 2011. We were in Singapore for a while, so I was fortunate enough to visit the museum several times when we weren’t taping. It’s home to modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures, installations and other artworks from Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists.

Favorite hotel or resort?

Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas. With the new road, the travel time is shorter so it’s more accessible now. I’m a beach person, so type na type ko ‘yung places where I can hang loose and just have fun and adventures. It also has an amazing country club where you can do indoor activities like badminton, bowling, billiards, and table tennis.  

Favorite landmark or park?

While in high school at International Christian Academy in Parañaque, I joined a school field trip to Luneta Park. My classmates and I went around the children’s playground, the Chinese Garden, and the Japanese Garden, but what impressed me the most was Jose Rizal’s monument. I couldn’t believe I was standing before it. I was also amazed at how massive Quirino Grandstand is. That visit helped me realize the course I wanted to take up in college.

The first time I visited the Cultural Center of the Philippines, I was so overwhelmed at how awesome it was. Little did I know that I would perform there one day. I’ve been so blessed. Life is just so full of surprises!

Favorite musical or play?

Les Misérables because it’s about love for country, love for your fellowmen. It’s also about the power of redemption. Songs like On My Own, I Dreamed a Dream and Do You Hear the People Sing? have become classics.   

Another favorite is Phantom of the Opera. Music pa lang, I’m transfixed and transported na. The Music of the Night is such a haunting song.

The revival of pop ballet musical Rama Hari in 2012, not because I was part of the cast, but because it is a brilliant piece of work. It was first staged 32 years ago, and it’s a masterpiece by three creative geniuses. Ballet Philippines founder Alice Reyes did the choreography, OPM legend Ryan Cayabyab composed the music, and National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera wrote the libretto. How can one beat this trio?

Favorite mall or store?

Joger in Bali. Upon entering Joger, the staff puts a sticker on you — it’s part of the experience. It’s a souvenir shop that’s famous for its inverted clocks and shirts with quirky slogans. Actually, it has a big sign outside that says “Pabrik kata-kata,” which means “We have a factory of words.” It also sells mugs, slippers, key chains, and other trinkets. Very unique.

Favorite restaurant or bar?

Aubergine Restaurant and Patisserie at The Fort—ang sarap! There’s a large open kitchen, so I get to see the chefs in action. I enjoy watching them prepare food. There’s something about their rhythm and motions that’s just so intriguing. Some of the must-try specialties include slow-cooked fresh Norwegian salmon, Australian lamb three ways, and the chocolate pyramid. I also like the ambiance of the place, with its comfy chairs and subtle lighting.

In my old UP days, I would go to Mang Jimmy’s Short Order. The tapa mix is unbeatable! It was the first eat-all-you-can place that I went to.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in.

New Year’s Eve countdown at Times Square in downtown New York with my loved ones. That would be so awesome.

What are your pasalubong purchases

— inbound and outbound?

For outbound, it’s dried mangoes. All the recipients love it. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t enjoy or like our mangoes. What I bring home depends on where I’m coming from. During my Barcelona trip, I got copies or reproductions of the Sagrada Familia, which was built by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

For friends, I share with them small items like refrigerator magnets, shot glasses or mugs inscribed with the names of the destinations. Would you believe that I even got some table placemats that feature some of the places I’ve visited? (Laughs)

What is the worst souvenir you have ever brought back from a trip?

Maybe not the worst, but definitely the most difficult to take back home was a replica sword from a castle in England. It was seriously big, so I couldn’t check it in at the airport. It was classified as oversized like golf clubs and surfboards. What made it worse was that I had to lug it around while I was touring the UK plus four other countries in Europe! I think there was even a replica gauntlet that went with the sword.

Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you do upon returning home? 

If I’m hungry, I eat and it must be Filipino food. But regardless of the time of day, I try to get some rest or sleep. Definitely, sleep is better.

Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday. 

Cape Town in South Africa. I want to swim in its beautiful beaches and tour the majestic Table Mountain. I heard that it’s a tourist-friendly place, and that the weather is similar to San Francisco’s.

Name a country you wish to explore.

I’d like to explore South Africa and its different faces, interesting history and rich culture. There’s Pretoria, one of the three capital cities, and known for its diverse architectural styles. The exciting pulse of life in Johannesburg, the largest city, and Durban’s sporty vibe.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

I love how it allows me to explore and enjoy the world, to understand how people seem so different yet so similar. Come to think of it, coming home and sharing my experiences with family is great, too.

What would you say then is the worst part of travel?

Unfortunate incidents such as missing luggage. I’ve heard horror stories about what can happen on a trip, from dealing with delayed flights, stolen money or belongings, and misplaced documents.

If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines, where would it be? 

My first consideration is that it should be an English-speaking country, so Singapore would be one of my choices. Plus, it’s near the Philippines. It’s secure, clean and efficient. Everything works. It’s a small country, but it’s sophisticated — the entire world gets in and out. It’s progressive and creative, always reinventing itself, which excites me. It also takes care of its inhabitants.