Why Chari La’O Bagatsing can’t forget Mother Teresa

Chari La ’O Bagatsing has retained all the attractiveness and charm of a flight stewardess and the genuine care and concern of someone who stood proud and tall beside the man of her life assisting him in his activities within the political arena.

"Oh my flying days – that was so very long ago. You could almost say it was ‘once upon a time,’" she laughs. "But it has made me a highly flexible person, someone who is always above all possible moods," she continues, turning serious for a moment.

"At present, my husband, former Manila congressman Amado Bagatsing, and I are back to being private citizens. However, the ‘guardianship’ of the constituents never seem to cease. We’re both not complaining for we are always eager to help and support whenever we can."

Today, in addition to her active involvement in several associations with noble causes, she hosts a 30-minute Monday to Friday radio program, Ang Alitaptap sa Ating Mundo with Chari B on DWAN 1206 at 10:30 in the morning. "I talk about everything under the sun – usually tips for a better life," she declares.

Chari admits that she often wonders what happens to confiscated drugs. This unsettling thought keeps her awake at nights. "I suggest that they burn all that stuff in the crematorium before it falls into the wrong hands."

In between sips of a special concoction of coffee, Baileys cream and ice, the loving mother of four and the doting grandmother of six, claims she is happiest when she goes on pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines in Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugore, Guadalupe and Akita, to mention a few. "I must admit I have my own miracles. Such visits do wonders for me – my character, my spirituality, everything," she confesses.

For more confessions on her many travels, read on.

Philippine STAR: What do you remember most about your first trip abroad?

Chari La’O Bagatsing: When I was in high school, I joined a student educational study tour to Hong Kong and Tokyo. We sailed on one of those luxury liners and returned back home via jet. One of our chaperone-teachers was the late Estelita Juco, a dear friend of the Princess Takamatsu, a close relative of the Emperor Hirohito. The Princess invited us all for tea at the Imperial Palace. I can still remember how thrilled we all were. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our entire trip.

Philippine Airlines must have given your first "extra set of wings" for the holidays. Where did you go?

After a couple of years flying the domestic routes of Philippine Airlines, as one of our fringe benefits, we were entitled to complimentary international trip passes. So together with a co-flight stewardess, we went all over Europe as far as our tickets would take us. Those were the days when PAL had some tie up with KLM. We did Italy, Spain, France and Holland. I have fond memories of Rome, Sorrento and Capri. Wherever we went, the Italian gentlemen woud greet us with shouts of "Que Bella" and this truly boosted our young egos. You must remember we were young and single at that. The Spaniards, on the other hand, were so simpaticos and adored everyone and everything from Las Islas Filipinas. In every destination, we visited all the must-do sites and attractions and had enough energy to shop. On some days, we walked around the cities such as Paris and Amsterdam till our feet hurt. Oh yes, we stayed in pensiones which provided us the rare chance to interact with the locals. We enjoyed every minute of our first trip to Europe and with a baon of – are you ready for this – $600 for pocket money to cover all expenses. Can you beat that?

What won’t you leave home without?

I always bring my traveling neck pillow. I can’t sleep without it. I also carry my rosary with me at all times. The rosary makes me realize, moreso as I progress in years, of my own mortality.

Describe your present passport photo.

Do I dare say youthful-looking but with a few lines as a testimony to life’s many experiences. (Laughs)

How do you pass time at airports?

Somehow I don’t spend too much time at airports waiting for my flights. I don’t know if it is because airports seemed to be my second home during my days with PAL. But with the little time I have, I go to the Duty Free Shops for some items – necessities required for the daily routine – that are not available in the city shops. I then try to prepare for the flight by being in a relaxed mood after reading publications such as Architectural Digest and other women’s magazines.

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

No matter what the star rating classification the hotel may have, I instantly remove the bedspread and check the bedsheets, the linen. I then invade the bathroom and generously spray everything with Lysol and rub some areas with alocohol which I bring from back home. I also sanitize all the phones thoroughly. After all that – you can call it my check in ritual or mania – I contact the housekeeping department and request for extra pillows.

What would you consider a must-do activity whenever you visit a foreign city?

Visit a church in thanksgiving for a pleasant journey and for taking me to my destination.Whenever and wherever appropriate and applicable, I say my prayers and make three wishes.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

Keep your travel documents in a safe place at all times. I have heard often enough of terrible stories about such important papers reported misplaced or simply missing. The entire trip could turn into a nightmare. Another advice is don’t bring too much money when you plan to shop. It could get stolen or you may be tempted to spend more, or perhaps too much .

Name your favorite city abroad.

Vienna in Austria. Though I did not stay too long, I liked everything I saw – from the scenery which is awesome, to the people whom I found so friendly and warm. Oh, how can I forget the evening lights illuminating the Opera House and the City Hall.

What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?

My all-time favorite spot is where my grandchildren are. My home, their homes, wherever they may be. It's that simple for they bring sunshine into my life.

Let’s talk favorites now. Your favorite island?

Without a doubt, Corregidor for its role in our history.

Favorite hotel?

The grand old Ritz Hotel in Madrid – the venue of unforgettable memories.

Favorite musical?

Cats – even just to listen to song Memories.

Favorite museum?

The Louvre in Paris. It never ceases to amaze me.

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

Any mother and child by any painter as long as I like the way it is done.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

In addition to Amado who is on top of my list, it has to be my two daughters, my daughter-in-law and my sisters. We honestly enjoy the same things – be it sightseeing, shopping, dining.

Who would you like to have "bumped into" – dead or alive – during your travels?

Jackie Kennedy Onassis. I have read several of her biographies and I have reason to believe that she was a very strong-minded person who brought up her kids properly against all odds. As any human being, she committed some mistakes. But she was able to cope and live her days the way she wanted to. She went through a lot of pain and had her own struggles, too.

Name the person you most admire.

Mother Teresa. I was most lucky to have met her when she came to the Philippines for a visit several years ago and I have my mother-in-law to thank for. While she was still alive, my mother-in-law was constantly very concerned with the children of Tondo. On that particular day, she requested and assigned me to bring some lunch boxes to Mother Teresa who was in Tondo. I was in awe when I finally stood before her. What a blissful sensation. Such humility. Such genuine love for the poor. I froze at first. I hesistantly moved closer and kissed her. Pregnant with my youngest child, she said in her soft distinctive voice – almost a whisper if you ask me – "You are going to have a girl." She then blessed the baby in my womb. Guess what? My youngest is a truly blessed young lady.

Name an event you would like to participate in.

Do the Via Crucis during the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem on Good Friday.

What pasalubongs do you bring – outbound or inbound?

Outbound – something not too heavy nor too bulky but something definitely Filipino such as embroidered placemats or carved wooden items for the dinner table or the kitchen. Inbound – it all depends on where I am coming from. Say from Guadalupe and Lourdes – holy water and rosaries. If I'm coming from the States, it would be something small and functiona. These are my expressions of sincere appreciation of people I care for and love. By sharing some small token, it conveys the simple message that I remembered you and thought of you even though I was miles and miles away.

Name a place you would like to visit.

More cities and towns of Austria.

Name a country you wish to explore.

Austria pa rin. I have only been to Austria once and I feel – parang bitin. I would love to see the showrooms of the Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburg family and the Belvedere Palace. A boat trip down the Danube would be a must.

Looking back at your travels abroad, what would say is your biggest regret?

Come to think of it, my biggest regret is not having taken more pictures during the holidays and pilgrimages simply because it was too cumbersome to carry a camera.

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

Upon arrival, I immediately head for the church for another personal thanksgiving ritual. Then I rush to the beauty parlor for manicure, pedicure, hot oil, body massage – the works!

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Travel keeps me in touch – first hand at that – and connected with different countries and its people. It gives me a unique, wonderful, and truly magical opportunity to experience in more ways than one – something different each passing day. Nothing can beat that.

What would you say is the worst part of travel?

Living in a suitcase. The constant packing and unpacking – at times it may seem that’s all I have been doing, day after day, day in and day out. It only seems!