A Home Arts student from the Philippine Women’s University, she graduated with a Commerce degree from the Assumption College.
Ruth is the mother of two sons and a daughter – Teofisto III (TG), Raul and Stella Marie – and the caretaker of several gardens. "I must have inherited my green thumb from my mother," she claims. "The gardens, most especially my thriving collections of gumamelas, bromeliads and birds of paradise, are a great source of pleasure." She also loves to cook and bake and at one point even taught cooking.
However, life has changed immensely for Ruth. "There are just too many things to attend to – the never-ending telephone calls, the steady flow of visitors and the need to preside over meeting after meeting after meeting," she says.
With her husband as the concurrent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the gracious lady has her hands full now more than ever before.
She is the active chairman of the DFA Ladies Foundation, with her husband as the concurrent Secretary of Foreign Inc., chairman of the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc., chairman of the BATA Foundation, Inc., and honorary chairman of both the Asean Ladies Circle and of the Philippine Ambassadors Ladies Association.
She also serves as the external vice president of the Cabinet Spouses Foundation and is a member of several organizations.
"Tito and I have been extremely busy," she states without a hint of complaint. "I hardly see him at all. When he arrives home late at night, chances are I am already asleep. And when I get up in the morning, no matter how early, he is gone," she continues. "We have a private joke of a greeting that goes, ‘Remember me?’"
The doting grandmother of three, who was once the governor of Misamis Oriental, has found a solution to their spending not enough time together: She joins him on most of his trips here and abroad.
Let’s meet the Second Lady of the Land – Ruth de Lara Guingona – a lady second to none.
Philippine STAR: What do you remember of your first trip abroad?
Ruth Guingona: It was immediately after my graduation from college when I first flew to Honolulu for a memorable stopover before I proceeded to Sacramento, California, and stayed with my sister for over a month. In the company of nephews and nieces – both residents of America and visitors from the Philippines – we visited awesome tourist attractions such as the Grand Canyon and spent what seemed like never-enough-time at exciting theme parks like Disneyland.
It brought fond memories of traveling in a school bus, day in and day out, but not missing out on any of the fun. The only complaint I used to hear from the kids was that there was just too much "togetherness." When someone wanted to drink water, then everyone had to do the same and when one requested for a desperate wee-wee stop, all the children had to go. I can still hear them ask, "Even if we have no ganas, Tita?"
What won’t you leave home without?
Sin duda, my eyeglasses. If I don’t have my glasses with me, I instantly become illiterate. No read, no write. I feel so utterly useless. That’s why I always bring along several pairs – one in my hand carry, another in my maleta, and another in...
How would you describe your present passport photo?
I look very healthy–It’s an ugly me!
What pasalubongs do you bring on your outbound journey? And on your return homeward bound?
Outbound – several tablecloth in various shades and sizes with delicate and exquisite cut work– which are always appreciated. Inbound – unique items from the different destinations for the members of the family. For the good old friends, mostly kalokohan – just to let them know they were in our thoughts while we were away.
How do you pass time at airports?
You will be surprised to learn that I have some friends and many acquaintances at the airports assigned to the various sections. I earnestly search for them and I look forward to such encounters where we update each other on the latest events in our lives. I then leisurely settle down at the executive lounge where I relax and love to watch the numerous aircraft do their thing – take off and land. Now do you know why I enjoy airports?
What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel?
I investigate in great detail where the nearest, most accessible exit is located. I seriously go through all the motions, counting of the number of steps between the door of my room till the exit door. I do this just in case the power goes off when disaster (heaven forbid) occurs. For years I have advised relatives, friends and colleagues to undergo this self-styled drill. You will never know when it could come in handy and perhaps even save your life and others’.
What do you consider a must-do activity whenever you visit a foreign city?
Promptly find a chapel, a church or a cathedral and whisper a prayer while lighting candles of thanksgiving for the safe journey. Chances are it would be my first visit to these places of worship. Therefore at all times I have my three wishes ready – one is to be able to revisit the place.
Name your favorite city abroad.
So far it’s Prague. It’s an ancient city and the beauty of the old world shines in almost everything you see. The façade of ordinary houses and even the government buildings have intricate designs and decor – all seem to be permanent exhibits of the various architects and builders’ masterpieces. It’s so uplifting to be in a rather small city and yet find almost two hundred churches. And to think that once upon a time the country was under a communist regime. Oh yes, how can I forget the centuries-old bridges, the fountains, the libraries, the museums. It’s so fascinating to be in Prague.
What’s your favorite spot in the Philippines?
Naturally it’s my beloved hometown of Gingoog in Misamis Oriental, one of the few places in the country where I can totally and completely relax surrounded by relatives I love and friends I care for. Gingoog is where the ancestral home is, the site of my carefree and happy childhood days.
What do you miss most when you are away from home?
On trips abroad, I may be enjoying a Chinese lauriat or savoring the great pleasure of some regional French cuisine or the local dishes of a destination. But soon, I’d be longing for the simple home-cooked Filipino meal. This I honestly miss when I am traveling to foreign shores.
What is the best travel advice you can share?
Aside from learning the intricacies of "the great escape" via the nearest exit located from your room, try to seriously read on and remember the do’s and don’ts of each and every country you plan to visit. It will certainly eliminate a lot of possible complications.
Who is your most ideal traveling companion?
My good friend from way back when, Mennen Dychao of Cebu. She is down to earth and loads of fun. A great joy to be with. As a bonus, we have the same likes and dislikes, similar habits and peculiarities. She is like a sister to me.
What do you collect?
I collect unique salt and pepper shakers from the many places I have been to. I also have cute pairs such as the grandfather who sneezes every time you give him a shake and the grandmother that automatically says "God bless you." I have a woman in a bikini and a man in swimming trunks. Oh, I have naughty ones as well.
If I had more time, I would...
...Listen to classical music or arias while I try to sing. You see, years ago I took up voice lessons at the Centro Escolar University. But then I started smoking and only quit when I had a heart attack and spent 10 days at the intensive care unit. I tried having singing lessons again but it was too late. I had ruined my voice. My professor said it was like going to grade one once again. So there you are. I am still trying to sing like the good old days.
Describe your most memorable trip.
All my trips are all memorable in their own special way.
Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you do upon returning home?
This is funny and I must admit a bit embarrassing. When I get back home even from just a trip to Cagayan de Oro, I head straight to the garden, check the plants and I admire the flowers. It is only when they hear my voice while I confer with the gardener do they – starting from my husband Tito to the loyal household help – realize that I am back home again.
Name the country you have never visited but would like to visit someday?
From what I have seen from media and from what I have heard from my second son Raul and friends, there seems to be only one place: Austria.
Looking back at your travels abroad, what would you say is your biggest regret?
Not being able to share my encounters and happenings with my husband and the rest of the family whenever I travel. How often have I found myself in the middle of an unforgettable experience and yet have no one dear to share it with. Such an event was when I prayed before the image of La Virgen de la Monserrat. How I wish Tito were with me. The entire sensation, memorable as it was, sad to say was not 100 percent complete.