Vicky Zubiri's journeys of joy and pain

The everglamorous Maria Victoria Fernandez Zubiri is unquestionably a lady in every sense of the word, admirable in joy and in pain.

Educated in the most prestigious girls’ schools both here and abroad, Vicky was nurtured by a caring, growing family that simply adored her to pieces, and she came to co-manage a couture house of fashion that featured creations became the favorites of ladies who lunch. She traveled all over the world, from capital cities to faraway hamlets. An honest-to-goodness bon vivant, she lived la buena vida, a life others only dream of.

Yet, one day her entire beautiful ideal world — the only one she ever knew — crashed and collapsed, totally and completely.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer plus a brain tumor to boot. Two delicate and critical surgeries followed, one of which damaged vital nerves around her left eye, resulting in a pulsating pain in her head, 24/7.

Most gasped that it was an untimely reversal of Vicky’s wonderful, fabulous, awesome existence. But not Vicky! She slowly picked up her life again and, being the health and wellness buff that she is, enthusiastically returned to exercise from yoga to tai chi, from dancing to hiking, from aerobics to martial arts, resulting in a trim, toned body with not an ounce of fat.

Behold the sight: The traveler gamely steps aside to enable to showcase the enchantment of the symmetry and artistry that is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

To help alleviate and ease the throbbing headache, Vicky has found solace in painting, and an exhibit of her watercolors sold out completely on opening night with proceeds going to charity. Putting aside the physical suffering, however temporary it may be, she is also the driving force behind Filfest Cultural Foundation, actively promoting our own Filipino performing artists and classic music.

Vicky Zubiri — the wife of a vice governor, the mother of a senator, a congressman, successful entrepreneur, writer, caterer and hands-on homemaker — is one admirable, extra-ordinary and exemplary lady without compare.

PHILIPPINE STAR: You have been a world traveler ever since I can recall. But would you still remember your very first trip abroad? Tell us more about it.

VICKY ZUBIRI: Ay amor, that was quite some time ago. Soon after my high school graduation from the Assumption Convent, my parents brought me to a finishing school, Las Navas de Marquez Ciudad Ducal, near Avila in Spain. It seemed so very far away, that the familiar phrase which goes “Donde Dios pego un grito y nadie lo oyo” came to my mind several times. In actuality, the school was approximately an hour and a half by train from Madrid. Though the area certainly reminded me of a summer resort, it was super cold starting from autumn ‘til winter as it usually snowed from late November to early March.

Madrid was our final destination. But the journey of getting there was full of detours that eventually ended up in a grand tour of Europe.

Let me backtrack. We sailed from Manila to Hong Kong on the cruise ship President Wilson of the American President Lines. The South China Sea was so rough that both my mother and I were totally seasick and stayed in bed. We only got back on our feet as we approached the harbor.

From then on it was a series of brief stopovers in Bangkok, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin — where my father, the late Dr. Manuel Fernandez, a dermatologist, attended the World Dermatological Congress that included a special tour of East Berlin, then behind the wall, with obvious contrasts to the West and Copenhagen — where I had the best hotdog ever at the Tivoli Gardens. We also passed by Rome, which incidentally played host to the Summer Olympics of 1960 and were lucky to witness the very impressive opening ceremonies. And one of the highlights was the audience with Pope John XXIII at his summer palace in Castel Gandolfo.

Oh, it was a wonderful, unforgettable trip of many beautiful firsts — a summer to remember.

That summer must have been hard to beat. What won’t you leave home without?

I can easily enumerate some items. But my credit cards seem to be on top of my list. (Laughs)

Please describe your present passport photo.

Oh dear, one eye is definitely smaller than the other. (Smiles)

How do you pass time at airports?

Once check-in procedures are completed, whew, I go straight to the airline lounge. Oftentimes I bump into passengers I know and having a chat with them always relaxes me. Should I not know anyone, I start talking to strangers. The feeling of reaching out is so fulfilling, so gratifying.

You must have some ideal traveling companions. Kindly name some.

I enjoy traveling with my husband Joe, my two daughters Beatrice and Stephanie and my three sons Manuel, Joey and Miguel — all complete with their respective families. In other words, my family. My husband, I must admit, does not look forward to travel. However, when he is at it — already in motion, thus on the move — and with me, plus the family, he begins to enjoy and have fun. I also love traveling with my good friends who are all as adventurous as I am.

Having arrived at your destination, what is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel or at a resort?

First and foremost take a bath, quickly unpack to put my things in order and immediately venture out without wasting any valuable minutes by staying in the room. There is just so much to experience out there.

With, as you say, so much to experience out there, what would you consider a must-do-activity in any foreign city that you visit?

Aside from spending time in museums — oh, I just love them in various degrees — I thoroughly study the schedules of ongoing cultural events, concerts, musicals and plays. And I must confess that I have been pleasantly surprised and blessed many times to discover what’s presently showing in town.

Out of all your numerous trips, please describe your most memorable one.

It’s got to be the three-week visit to India in the ‘90s with my good friend Vicky Lopez Tuazon, where we joined a group organized by the American Women’s Club. We initially flew into New Delhi. We found the people endearing, the food interesting and the city exciting with all its historical and architectural sights and marveled at its history, arts and culture. Our love affair was enhanced when we embarked on a seven-day tour on the original train used exclusively by the Maharajahs which is now known as the Palace on Wheels. It traveled mostly through the deserts of Rajasthan to allow full days of sightseeing in Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. How can I forget the two palaces in Udaipur — the City Palace and the Lake Palace on Lake Pichala, which was transformed into a hotel seemingly floating on water. The entire experience was truly fascinating.

The tour didn’t end there. Vicky and I found the time — and why not? — to go on a horsetrail ride up to the foot of the Himalayas, where we tried passionately to bargain for the prices of the hand-woven carpets, heard the unmistakable sound of gunshots from Srinagar, while the locals all willingly shared stories revolving around the borders of two nations. Can you just imagine the sights and sounds of the serene beauty of the area, punctuated by gunshots? It’s both beautiful and tragic. (Sighs)

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

The comforts of home and everything that goes with it. I mean everything, without exception!

Is there any travel advice you wish to share?

Oh, yes! Always carry with you familiar medicines — especially antibiotics — prescribed by your doctor.

What is the strangest thing you’ve done on a trip?

Oh dear, a visit to the washroom — please make that toilet — on the old trains used by the ruling Maharajahs, once upon a time. And guess what? From where I was, I could see the railroad tracks on the ground. (Laughs)

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

Ay amor, Paris. Please don’t ask me why. Let’s just say there is no city like it. Paris was, is and will be my fave — always! Para siempre! (Smiles)

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

Me encata, Palawan and the place steadily grows on me.

Family bonding: Mom and Dad, Vicky and Joe Zubiri, with their sons and daughters, in laws and grandchildren, gather for a group portrait at the ranch in Bukidnon. Seated left to right Paolo Zubiri, Stephanie Zubiri, Vicky Zubiri, Bea Zubiri Bannon with Matthew Bannon. Standing left to right Manuel Zubiri, Xavi Zubiri, Ana Zubiri, Joe Zubiri, Christian Zubiri, Joey Zubiri, Aiden Bannon, Scott Bannon, Andrea Zubiri, Audrey Zubiri, Adriana Zubiri and Miguel Zubiri.

Favorite airline?

Clearly a toss-up between Cathay Pacific and KLM.

Favorite airport?

Naturalamente, los dos aeropuertos de Paris – De Gaulle y Orly.

Favorite museums?

Sin duda, the Louvre Museum in Paris. I’ll simply never ever get tired of the Louvre.

Favorite landmarks?

Most of the landmarks of Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Place de la Concorde… Te digo I just love the city. (Smiles)

And your favorite play or musical?

Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia, I was either happily humming the melodies or joyfully silently singing along. I truly had a ball!

Next question might be somewhat difficult. Name your favorite mall or store.

(Without missing a beat) Bon Marche in Paris. No other comes close.

And your favorite restaurant or bar?

La Colombe d’Or at St. Paul de Vence in Provence Alpes-Cote d’Azur in France. It was the haunt of great writers and artists and today, on its walls hang the original paintings of Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Fernand Leger while it serves excellent cuisine. One can almost say “ooh-la-la!” (Laughs)

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

The concert season in Verona, Italy. The entire package, from historic location, to sterling productions, to iconic performance. It’s heaven-sent. Can one ask for more?

What are your favorite pasalubongs?

From here, small Philippine handbags. They’re exquisite and lovely. From trips abroad, I usually have religious articles from pilgrimages or from the Vatican. Such items are always appreciated.

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

Keychains. (Rolls her eyes.)

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

Take a long, relaxing, hot bath. (Closes her eyes)

Name a country you wish to explore.

It’s a choice between Ireland or Bhutan. No, let’s make that Ireland and Bhutan. From what I have read, seen and heard from either newspapers, magazines and guidebooks, from documentary films and travel shows on television and from dear friends who have been to both countries, they’re definitely on my travel itinerary.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Getting a never-ending education in all aspects of life and the unique opportunity to meet people, reach out and share.

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

The ride to the airport and the waiting for the flight.

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

Here I go again — Paris. (Smiles) Please don’t ask me why or else I’m warning you, you’ll be sorry you even thought of the question. (Laughs)