Probing Cheche Lazaro’s world

Cheche Lazaro has led a life worthy of her television programs – filled with drama, travel, remarkable success and recognition both here and abroad.

A perennial hands-down winner and recipient of coveted awards and citations for her admirable achievements as a show host, reporter, broadcast journalist, an exemplary Filipina, Cheche, an associate professor at the State University, is constantly invited as a speaker or lecturer to various global conferences involving issues or women, communication and the media.

One morning last weekend at the family home which she shares with husband Delfin and mother Fanny Aldaba-Lim (daughter Liza and son Charlie have since left the nest with its artifacts from extensive travels around the world), Cheche paused from all her commitments to share her passion for travel, discovery, adventure, cuisine, fun... and before we say anything more, may we present the founding president of Probe Productions, Inc., the producer of the Probe Team, 5 and Up, Agrilink, The Good News, Game Plan, I-Witness and Cheche Lazaro Presents. Presenting the world Cheche Lazaro:

Philippine STAR: How did it all start? What do you remember most from your first trip abroad?

Cheche Lazaro: I must have been 11 years old and together with my mom and sister, we visited several countries in Europe. What I remember most is that we wore identical clothes, enjoyed Tivoli and adored the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. The stories of Hans Christian Andersen were among my favorites and I actually believed a real mermaid somehow turned into bronze. Ay, the sweet innocence of childhood!

What won’t you leave home without?

My ever-present camera. I love taking pictures. Since I am so forgetful, it helps me recall places, events and things. I am likewise lost without my Compaq computer that serves as a diary.

How would you describe your present passport photo?

Arrgh! In one word – ugly !

How do you pass time at airports?

Walk around the shops, take photographs of the flight monitor, the actual departure gate, a baby sleeping, two ladies chatting, a gentleman meditating – nothing really dramatic or earthshaking but are important images for me to remember the trip by. I read the newspapers, update my diary and try to sketch whatever I can of what I see.

Name your favorite city abroad.

Salzburg for its history and for its excellent perservation and conservation of the old city. I cherish walking down the cobbled stones of the tiny streets passing through nooks and crannies with exciting discoveries and pleasant surprises at almost every turn and corner such as a patch of the greenest green bursting with the most colorful flowers. I love Salzburg for its fresh air, its hills and countryside – the Bavarian scenery and lest I forget, its link to music. I feel I am stuck in the Sound of Music mode.

What’s your favorite spot in the Philippines?

Palawan, because it is so pristine and clean, because it still feels untouched and unspoiled.

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

Unpack completely, look out the window, appreciate the view and immediately go out and explore.

Let’s talk favorites now. Name your favorite airport.

Airports are constantly changing these days. I admire the tried-and-tested Amsterdam’s Schipol, the very first to go mega and a model for several forthcoming gateways around the world, Frankfurt for its sheer size and untarnished efficiency and Singapore’s Changi for its squeeky-clean look.

Your favorite hotels and resorts?

I go for an authentically preserved old, old hotel, while the resort must be far, far away from the madding crowd. With only nature’s sounds surrounding you. Ideally, the hideaway should not have electricity, thus, no equipment or appliances – not until you desperately feel the need – and boom the power is promptly restored will all the other services readily available.

Your favorite building?

The Parthenon in Athens. Though in ruins, it withstood the cruel test of time as a symbol of man’s achievements in architecture with its perfect symmetry.

And your favorite landmarks?

The curious Manniken Pis in Brussels, the impressive bronze statue of Hermes in Olympia, the sculptural perfection of David in Florence together with the unfinished and yet ever-so-powerful works depicting the four slaves, a genuine reflection of the genius of Michaelangelo.

You must have a preferred garden or park.

Les Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. It sure reminds me of Maurice Chevalier.

Which is your most treasured museum?

The Prado in Madrid for the Goyas and the Velasquezes, the Uffizi in Florence for its Rafaels and Botticellis and the Rijk in Amsterdam for Rembrandt’s "The Nightwatch."

If you could bring home a piece of art, what would it be?

One of Sir Elgin’s marbles.

Of all the plays and musicales you have seen during your travels, which one is your favorite?

Les Miserables. It is emotionally tugging. Beautiful songs. It is based on history and you get a feel of the French Revolution.

You must have a favorite scenic drive. Which one is it?

The drive through the hills of Salzburg and the Grand Corniche in Monaco. Though many consider it to be a rather dangerous drive, the view of the harbor of Monte Carlo is simply awesome.

Name your favorite restaurant.

Bucas Al Orafa, a hole in the wall of a place in Florence which my husband and I discovered many years ago. We love the food and always have a meal or two there whenever we are in the area. You have no idea of the great lengths we go through, like a long drive in the countryside, just to have lunch or dinner at reasonable restaurants with the Michellin stars. But it’s all worth it and much more.

What is the most fabulous beach you have been to?

Boracay. Nothing like it.

Name the site where you have experienced the most memorable sunrise? Sunset?

Same site for both experiences – Boracay!

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Seeing new places, meeting new people, and gaining new experiences.

Now for the downside, what do you dislike most about travel?

Feeling exhausted after a long, long flight.

You have crisscrossed the globe many times. Name the highest point you have been to, the lowest depth, the coldest spot and the hottest area.

The Glaciers in Alaska. The Tubattaha Reef off Palawan and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I froze to death in the Chech Republic where it was 10 degrees below zero and we were shooting outdoors. I was most uncomfortable in Athens where the temperature registered almost a hundred degrees.

Name the event you are dying to experience.

The Salzburg Music Festival.

Who is your most ideal traveling companion?

My husband, Del. He is beyond compare.

If you were granted a wish during your travel to have a meal with three personalities, who would they be ?

Pope John Paul II for he appears to be a radical thinker in a highly conservative structure. Mother Teresa, whose works humble us. An ordinary person yet her will and determination was truly extraordinary. Diana, Princess of Wales, has a story to tell and as a reporter I want to hear it. May I include Sister Cristine Tan, for I admire what she is doing in her own quiet ways. Born to a wealthy and educated family, she has chosen to live among the poor. She is today’s version of Robin Hood in the nicest sense of the word.

Being a journalist, you must have a dream interview. Who would it be?

Jackie O. The world continues to be fascinated by her.

Who would you like to sing a duet with?

Pavarotti. And after our song together, I would request him to prepare a pasta meal for I understand he is a fantastic cook and I love Italian food.

Who would you go shopping with?

Anybody who shares the same passion.

In today’s world of instant communication, you decide to send three postcards. Who will you mail it to?

To my daughter Lisa, a friend in Germany who keeps in touch with me via postcards and an officemate who enjoys receiving them.

What would you consider a must-do-activity in every place you go to?

Take photographs of the faces of the people . Eat at a local restaurant. Purchase some miniature three-dimensional typical houses. I started with one sometime ago. Today, these houses occupy one entire wall at our home.

Who or what do you miss most when you’re away from home?

When I travel for work, I miss my husband. I likewise miss my closet. Inevitably, I find myself wishing I had brought some items which are not presently with me. So I miss my closet and everything in it. I also long for the amenities and the comforts of home.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

Keep an open mind – never pre-judge. Explore the place and meet the people. And you will enjoy the traveling experience more.

What is your greatest fear when traveling?

Being late and not making the flight. It has happened – once!

Allow me to peep into your suitcase. What pasalubongs would you bring for your relatives and friends abroad?

Sampaloc preserves from Sister Cristine Tan’s Alay Kapwa, Philippine recipe books and postcards, CDs of Philippine music and performers such as the Bolipata brothers.

Which items would you not mind to put in your hand-carried luggage in any of your journeys?

Anything that will reduce my overweight charges. I will even wear them as earrings.

Please fill in the blank. Where in the world...only in the Philippines?

Where in the world can you change schedules only 10 minutes before the event – only in the Philippines. Where in the world can you find the most sincere smiles – only in the Philippines. Where in the world do you have the greatest potential for tourism and yet is not fully tapped – only in the Philippines.

Aside from the Philippines where would you want to live?

Somewhere in Europe if I had my young life to live again.