Danny Dolor: Collector of art & cities

Danny Dolor is the consummate collector.

This patron of Filipino history and tradition, arts and culture, heritage and customs has created a fabulous home filled with treasures. Walking toward a covered cupola, whose windows offer a 360-degree view of a lush garden is an education in the art of assemblage.

There are rooms after rooms of collections of artworks by local artists, religious images, exceptional antiques, inherited furniture, rare books, old chandeliers, and numerous awards and citations, from the Papacy to showbiz. Most important, Danny has an eye for finery and a skilled hand for putting desired objects together, making sure that each tableau is never vulgar, fussy or overwhelming.

This love for Filipiniana, a demonstration of his zeal for his country, goes beyond his splendid home. His various advocacies, missions, and presentations seek to bring more cultural awareness to Filipinos, most especially to the young. You could say these initiatives, such as the restoration of important heritage buildings or the staging of musical tributes to great Filipino artists are a living collection of the Pinoy spirit.

It is no surprise then that Danny, a lover of life, is a collector of countries, as well. Upon asking him my very first question, “What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?” the traveler shared more of his collections, offering, say, the passenger manifest of his first cruise, a personalized stationery from the same voyage, the well-preserved programs from plays and musicals enjoyed while on the journey, and other souvenirs — some of them strange — as part of his answers.  And that was only the first query.

On his many excursions, he continues to consume life voraciously, whether through museums, libraries, or shows. But Danny always gladly comes back to the Philippines, his home — an unmovable trip — that he loves most of all.

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

DANNY DOLOR: Back in 1957, I went on a Hong Kong and Japan cruise on board the SS President Cleveland of the American President Lines for 11 leisurely days. I recall the breakfasts, which were served on the Promenade Deck, where one of the highlights was seeing a gorgeous lady named Sonia Corominas. And just like a scene in the movies of the glorious past, she paraded up and down the deck complete with a hat and a poodle. But that was not all! Come nightfall, she would reappear—all glamorous—for the formal dinner in either a Christian Dior or a Cristobal Balenciaga gown with a long cigarette pipe a la Hedy Lamarr, the Hollywood star of MGM’s Golden Age. It was a wonderful trip filled with all things beautiful—la buena vida, the good life!

Shopping along Nathan Road in Hong Kong was a pleasure back then. The well-trained sales persons assisted you on your purchases. It is so unlike today, where there is an absolute absence of customer relations — on top of being harassed and pressured to buy. I also remember each crossing on the Star Ferry. It was so very memorable.

In Japan, I enjoyed the fabulous shows of the Takarazuka Revue, which is similar to The Rockettes — those long-limbed girls who would execute high kicks in unison — of Radio City Music Hall in New York. If I recall it right, there were 300 girls singing and dancing. I likewise experienced Asakusa Rokku, the theater street, Tokyo Odori, a dance show, Kabuki, the classic drama, and Nichigeki, a form of martial arts.

In all our ports of call, I took side trips for arts and culture or day-long nature excursions. It was an immersion in most things Japanese, from tea ceremonies to the baths. The entire holiday was just fantastic, amazing, magical. I booked similar cruises for the following several years and the excitement and enjoyment never diminished. In fact, every single trip enhanced my experience.

What won’t you leave home without?

My favorite rosary and a bag full of medicines for minor ailments such as colds, fever, and the like. I am blessed that I never got ill during trips. It must be due to my excitement and anticipation—thank God! Today, I include vitamins, supplements, maintenance medication, and balms for body aches (laughs).

How do you pass time at airports?

I hate plane rides. Period! Even going to and staying in airports is an ordeal. I get there, say, three hours before departure to, as they say, soften the blow. I am usually the first to check in as I hate to rush for as it heightens my nervousness. But even with that taken into consideration, I remain a wreck inside and out. I try to read, shop, people-watch. I try and try and try, but the recurring thought is always — could this be my final trip? And then again, I tell myself not to worry. I am at God’s mercy.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

I have had several for the different times of my life and to different destinations. Some wonderful people come to mind. In the ‘50s, for, say, the American President Lines cruises, it was our old family friend Narding Torres. A funny guy, he is great company to be with. Later, in the ‘70s, it was the late interior designer and frequent traveler Edgar Ramirez, with whom I had so much in common with. These days, it’s my godson and ward, Mark Anthony Zuño, who, at 24 years old, is both intelligent and street smart. He takes care of organizing everything, most especially now when technology plays a big part in my travels.

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

I conduct a thorough inspection of my room. I check the bed, the cabinets, the bathroom, room amenities, pillows, hangers, check, check check! I am worse than an executive housekeeper on a rampage. I even check the scents. Then, I draw the curtains and remove my shoes. I totally unpack my suitcase, putting clothes and other items where they belong, some hanging in the closet, some on counters, and some on shelves and in drawers. Then, I have a snack at the hotel coffee shop.

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

The obligatory visit to the National Museum and, if and when time permits, the other smaller or specialized museums that the destination is famous for. For example, when I was in Singapore last month, I visited the National Museum of Singapore. Then, I went to the National Maritime Experential Museum, the Raffles Hotel Museum, the Arts and Science Museum, and the Singapore Science Center and Museum. Time was really on my side then. My battle cry: Have museum, will visit. During the same Singapore trip, I also watched cultural events such as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Esplanade. The show featured Zhang Hao Chen, the famous Chinese pianist who made his performance debut at the age of five.

Describe your most memorable trip.

My top choice would be my attendance to the Consistory Rites, which is the proclamation ceremony of the new cardinals lead by the Holy See, for Ricardo Cardinal Vidal of Cebu. I was privileged to have an audience with Pope John Paul II and cocktails soon followed. Cocktails and the Vatican seemed contradictory. Don’t you agree?

Here’s another memorable one: There was the nine-city tour of California in 1983. Together with the Tribung Pinoy, a singing group that performed traditional Filipino music in concert halls and auditoriums around the world, we visited San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, to mention a few. We were even invited to do home concerts by leading members of several Filipino communities. I felt that our countrymen residing overseas were yearning to visit our islands again — a sentimental desire to come home. Ruben Panis, the Filipino fashion designer, who was the darling of Beverly Hills and Hollywood celebrities such as ZsaZsa Gabor before his murder in Los Angeles, hosted a simply difficult-to-forget dinner. I even watched the Yul Brynner in King and I at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.

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

My home! My entire home! Everything and anything connected with my place. I just love my home. That is why when I’m away I contact my mayordoma daily to check on it. You should have seen the telephone bills! It really should be less these days due to technology.

What is the best travel advice you were given?

Prepare for a trip as if it is your very first one. Remember how you then packed, with care, your clothes and other essentials days before departure? And once done, you reviewed and reviewed everything, most especially your traveling documents? Also, never do anything in a rush. Give allowances for the just-in-case eventualities. Last minute hiccups can ruin a trip. Take excellent care of your belongings, at all times. I’ve heard horror stories of missing or stolen money, valuables, or important documents. Lastly, bring along your usual and familiar medicines. I realize you may be on holiday, but you’re not exempt from getting ill. And that, you must never forget!

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

I brought home an empty plastic water bottle all the way from Fiji, simply because I loved the design. I also spent three nights in Greenwich Village in New York with Joaquin Imperial and Edgar Ramirez. Need I say more? (Laughs)

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

I’m blessed to have visited several cities with character. Among them would be the mission towns of California such as Santa Barbara, where President Ronald Reagan once had a ranch, and San Juan Capistrano of the swallows fame. Macau has a beautiful blend of the old and the new. It’s able to preserve the old heritage buildings, tradition, arts, and culture and yet welcome the progress of new hotels and casinos with unbelievable modern technology and mind-boggling entertaining shows.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

In addition to my very own Lipa, Bohol is a favorite. I love their old churches by the sea with conventos. Their historical sites and rural areas are marked with tradition. It has nature activities such as river cruises. There are terrific resorts on desirable beaches and old mansions with heritage antiques. The local cuisine features unadulterated flavors. The hospitable people have genuine concern. And all these blessings are readily found and successfully sustained in one island!

Favorite airline?

Philippine Airlines — yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s where a heartwarming experience starts before the actual flight begins. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, my favorites included KLM and Air France.

Favorite airport?

Changi Airport in Singapore. One must not forget that its an airport for it does not seem like one. It miraculously removes the hassles of travel. It’s an oasis for all. Oh yes, have you ever been to the Singapore Cruise Terminal? That you must see. Oh gosh! I don’t even know where to start to describe it.

Favorite museum?

I love them all. Truly I do. I love the museums of the Vatican, the Louvre, and the Tower of London. I love the California Missions Museums and I am in awe of the Hearst Castle in La Cuesta Encantada in San Simeon, California. It is a dream place for me.

And if you could take home a piece of art, which one would it be?

The bed of William Randolph Hearst (laughs).

Favorite hotel?

In the past, it was the Hotel InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut Hotel, which overlooks a stretch of the blue Mediterranean Sea. Recently, it’s the Venetian Hotel and the Rocks Hotel, both in Macau, and the Fisherman’s Wharf, a romantic Victorian hotel in San Francisco, California. In Manila, I miss the cozy atmosphere of the old Sheraton Hotel. It became the Savoy Hotel, then the first Hyatt Regency Hotel in the country, and finally the Midas Hotel today. I remember the gigantic chandeliers, which were made of beige capiz shells, were very impressive. And their daily luncheon shows were something to write home about.

Favorite landmark?

The Huntington in San Marino, California. It’s a library, art gallery, museum, botanical gardens, and more—all rolled into one. Aside from housing some rare books like the manuscript of Canterbury Tales, there are more than a dozen specialized patches of nature like the Rose Garden or the Chinese Garden spread across 120 acres of rolling lawns.

Favorite musical?

Early on, it was Aida with the Celerina Pujante Cayabyab and the Arrigo Pola, the mentor of Luciano Pavarotti. It was held at the Far Eastern University Auditorium, which was then the best venue in town in 1957. In 1970, it was Aida again, this time at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), with the enchantress Conching Rosal, the great soprano who starred in the first Tagalog version of the opera Carmen. Her voice would float above the orchestra’s music. She was also an old family friend, so her performances were super meaningful. Today, the latest production of The Phantom of the Opera, in my opinion, is the most awesome production since the CCP opened its doors in 1969 with Ronald and Nancy Reagan as guests of honor of the Marcoses.

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

A full-scale opera festival either in Italy or Greece and the Oberammergau Passion Play, which has been performed in Bavaria, Germany since 1634. Not the usual retelling of Christ’s passion, the seven-hour play, which is held every 10 years, in the final year of each decade, involves over 2,000 people, who are all residents of the village.

What are the pasalubongs — inbound/outbound?

I am not a pasalubong person, whether leaving from or returning to the country. I’m just not there. I’m sorry.

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

After visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Penha in Macau, I chanced upon a group of vendors in the churchyard. Guess what I bought? Hmmm… A small ceramic container, which could be used for medicines, with a classically painted lid. It looked so pretty. But, on the ride back to the hotel, I removed the top and it revealed a lurid act — two paintings of the Kamasutra of Vatsyayana! Remember, I bought it in a churchyard.

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

I get rid of anything that may remind me of the trip, starting with my maletas and traveling documents. Then, I check the entire house and garden together with my mayordoma. Once satisfied with the ocular inspection, I request for copies of the newspapers that saw print while I was away to catch up on what’s going on.

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

Buenos Aires, Argentina! I want to join a tour of the Estancias or the ranches where one may savor the best Argentinean beef and drink the local wines surrounded by spectacular views. I want to visit the tomb of Eva Duarte Peron—what an intriguing life she had!—at La Recoleta Cemetery. And, of course, I want to dance the tango! (Laughs)

Name country you wish to explore.

I have not been to any country in South America. Though some nations are more interesting than others, I would be happy visiting any of the places in the region. I’m also fascinated by the Orient Express and the many destinations that it passes through. I believe that being on the train is the really the highlight. The stopovers are just secondary.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Believe it or not, it’s arriving home—home sweet home! I terribly miss it. Friends would often ask why do I still travel (laughs).

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

I am terrified of getting sick in strange surroundings while traveling. Even a simple cold, sore throat, headache, or toothache can spoil one’s vacation.

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

Probably in a small town in California I visited in 1988 called Thousand Oaks. It was named after the many oak trees in the area, and was deemed one of the best places to live by Money magazine.