How Marivic Rufino chased the Phantom in 5 cities

Regina Maria Victoria Rufino is a lady who wears many scarves of several colors.

In society, the former model and cover girl is a scion to one of the country’s buena familia, and is the epitome of grace and refinement, élan and elegance.

In business and industry circles, she is the adroit marketing and PR maven, the successful producer of sell-out concerts and multi-awarded television specials, and a well-read opinion page columnist as well.

In the art world, she is a cultural worker known for her mastery of the paintbrush and light, both as a painter and photographer.

To friends, she is the loyal one, thoughtfully keeping in touch over time and despite the distance.

To the less-fortunate, she is a shining angel who has channeled the proceeds of her art exhibits and concert productions over the years to three of her favorite charities: The Assumption Sabbath Place in Baguio; St. Mary’s House in Tagaytay, a home for victims of incest; and Serra’s Center in Pasay, a refuge for abused girls.

And to her family, she is known as the big-hearted Mama who never fails to pray for the well-being and naturally dotes over her only son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, nephews and nieces, cousins and their kids, extending to the rest of the clan.

That’s our girl, Marivic. And lots, lots more!

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

MARIVIC RUFINO: My parents forever traveled in style. And as expected — just for starters — we always wore the proper suits. My first trip was to Japan in the splendor of the late autumn to visit my two brothers, Raffy and Guilly, who were studying at the American School of Tokyo. I must have been only nine and had to be absent from school. However, Dad and Mommy genuinely believed that travel is the best education, where one learns about different countries, peoples, histories, traditions, arts, cultures, and even cuisines. We stayed at the iconic Imperial Hotel. Tokyo was a modern, bustling city, but I loved Kyoto’s serenity, with its Zen gardens and majestic, ancient temples. I also recall we first took a riverboat then the cable car to the mountains in Nara. On our way home, we had a weeklong cruise from Yokohama via Hong Kong on the President Cleveland of the American President Lines.  One evening — and this, I will never forget — there was a strong typhoon and I got so seasick that I could not find my cabin. Oh, that was truly traumatic!

What won’t you leave home without?

In addition to the basics which include a moisturizer with sun block, a hat, some antihistamines for nasty allergies, and disinfectants, I always have with me a wooden rosary from Fr. Fernando Suarez and my cellphone with lots of pictures of my “kids.” And I mean the entire caboodle — from my son and my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren, my nieces and nephews and their families. Lately, it’s a teddy bear named Patricia. Upon learning I was going to be gone for months, my grandson Bryan tucked it away in my luggage without my knowledge. I only discovered it upon my arrival at the first destination. And ever since, whenever I travel for long periods of time, I have Patricia with me.

Describe your present passport photograph.

The photo shop at the Department of Foreign Affairs uses ghastly overhead lighting so the new photo looks rather futuristic.

How do you pass time at airports?

I people-watch and, most times, I sketch those who are sound asleep. I also read, most likely a book of poetry or a biography of an artist or an art collector.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

 It all depends on the destinations and the reasons for such a holiday. I love traveling with the family to San Francisco and to any Disneyland, my foodie-cousins for culinary adventures and food trips and my twin soul to wherever and whenever.

What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel or a resort? Due to being highly allergic, I bring along disinfectants — alcohol, sprays, wipes — and do the bathroom. And then move on to the actual bedroom where I attack the telephones, the television remote control, the… (Laughs)

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

I must confess I’m an old soul and I love going to old churches and cathedrals. I literally church-hop, where I never fail to light some candles. The Notre Dame in Paris is a favorite. I likewise look forward to getting lost in museums, where I absolutely, completely immerse myself with the masterpieces of time, especially those from the Renaissance period. And to balance it all, I enjoy walks in the parks and communes with nature — with the greens and the flowers, with the swans and the ducks by a body of water. But I must not forget to try the local cuisine at a good, reputable restaurant.

Describe your most memorable trip.

I am so very blessed, there have been several memorable trips. The long European sojourn before I entered Marymount International School in Barcelona, Spain comes to mind. Among the many highlights would be the private audience with Pope Paul VI at Castel Gandolfo outside the Vatican with my parents and my sister Asunta, and the pilgrimage to Lourdes, France for my Dad’s healing. Both were uplifting spiritual experiences.

I likewise remember that the best extended trips were during the years where I studied in Barcelona, Rome, and New York.

How can I ever forget my concert production days with Filipino musical superstars such as Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez in Italy, and Lea Salonga and Ryan Cayabyab in both San Francisco and Los Angeles in California!

And further down the line, among the best trips were those wherein I mounted my solo international exhibits at the ANA Hotel in San Francisco for the Sister Cities Cultural Festival of Manila and San Francisco in 1994, at the UNESCO House in Paris, France for the Philippine Centennial Celebration in 1998, and at the Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Madrid, Spain on June 2011 in celebration of Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. 

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

In addition to my love ones and my kids, I miss my horse Mistral and my pillow.

What is the best travel advice you were given? 

Mommy always warned, “Never take candy from or ride with a stranger.” 

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

I eloped! (Laughs)

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

I graduated from Marymount International School in Rome and I’ve loved Italy ever since, with Firenze at the top of my list due to the Renaissance art, culture, architecture, cuisine. I have gone back to Florence many, many times. People claim that, in a past life, I was a Tuscan artist. Déjà vu.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

Baguio — the city of my birth and where my parents maintained a beautiful home during my happy childhood days. This is where I began riding a horse when I was still a toddler and I must share this with you, that my first love was a horse! (Laughs)

My current fave spot is Balesin Island.

Favorite airline?

I have no particular favorite for I take different airlines, depending on where I’m going and which one offers the best route and timetable or say schedule. However, if I had more time, I would like to travel via the Orient Express or the French TGV.

Favorite airport?

Changi International Airport in Singapore. It is so efficient, impeccably clean and it has beautiful orchid pocket gardens. The fact that the airport doesn’t allow smoking is a big plus!

Favorite museum?

Musee D’Orsay in Paris, France.

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

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, which I have sketched so many times. Dating to around 190–220 BC, this Winged Goddess of Victory or Nike stands on the prow of a marble sculpted ship that overlooks the sanctuary on the island of Samothrace, northwest of the Aegean Sea. Seeing that it stands over 18 feet high, how does one take home this extremely heavy and valuable ancient marble sculpture from the Louvre?

Favorite hotel or resort?

Casa Pueblo in Punta del Este, Uruguay. It looks like a giant white sand castle on a cliff overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. It is the residence and museum of Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Villaro, a younger contemporary of Pablo Picasso. It is interesting to note that Villaro launched his book at age 86. Casa Pueblo evolved from a private home and the artist expanded it over three decades into a huge yet cozy hotel. One has to explore the winding hallways to discover hidden nooks and pools.

Favorite landmark?

Le Pyramide du Louvre, or the Louvre Pyramid. This large glass and metal structure, surrounded by three smaller pyramids, serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Commissioned by then French President Francois Mitterand in 1984, it was designed by the architect I.M. Pei and finished in 1989. It has since become a major landmark of the city of Paris, gaining more fame when it was used in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code.

Favorite building?

The La Basilica di San Pietro in the Vatican. More popularly referred to as St. Peter’s Basilica, this fine example of Renaissance architecture is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. 

Another is La Scala in Milan, the world-renowned opera house in Italy. Most of Italy’s greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, have appeared at La Scala during the past 200 years.  To tread the stage here is to say that the artist has truly arrived.

Favorite park?

The beautiful Tuileries Park in Paris. Created by Catherine de Medici, this park became famous where Parisians meet, promenade, relax and celebrate. This is one of those parks where you can grab a chair for free and sit wherever you like. It also features several fountains, numerous sculptures and two museums, the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume and the Musée de l’Orangerie, which displays Claude Monet’s large water lily paintings.

Favorite musical or play?

Phantom of the Opera, which I have seen five times in five different cities. My most-loved version was in London.  I also love La Traviata, which I saw at La Scala in Milan.

Favorite mall or store?

The museum stores of the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Musee D’orsay in Paris, France, where I find beautiful books and exquisite pieces such as earrings that were influenced by art. I likewise favor Flax, in San Francisco for art supplies, and I enjoy browsing in the old bookstores on the Left Bank in Paris. Believe it or not, I don’t really enjoy shopping!

 Favorite restaurant?

Azrak and Martin Berasategui in San Sebastian, Spain.  Both restaurants are Michelin 3-star rated with superb cuisine. 

Favorite bar?

I used to go to the bar of the Rome Cavalieri Hilton because it has the best panoramic view of the seven hills of Rome and the dome of the Basilica of San Pietro.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in. An art festival in Venice such as the Venice Biennale perhaps? Wishful thinking.

What are your favorite pasalubongs — inbound and outbound?

Pearls and semi-precious chokers for my friends abroad.  I bring home handmade gifts by foreign artisans or some tokens from the museum shops. Plus fun, naughty toys for the single friends.

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

Severe allergies from eating shellfish. I had the worst attack of hives in Paris and badly needed steroid injections.  

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

I give thanks to the Lord for a safe journey. Then I contact the family.

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

Macchu Picchu, Peru. I am totally fascinated by the classics of the old world, be it in the form of architecture and old temples, and my second choice would be St. Petersburg, Russia for its art collections at The Hermitage.

Name a country you wish to explore.

More than any other place: Argentina! I’ve been to Buenos Aires but would like to see the Iguazu Falls; the semicircular waterfall that stands between Argentina and Brazil — a truly spectacular sight! Also Bariloche, where the skiing is said to be fantastic, and perhaps, Patagonia. One day!

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Being inspired to do a new series of Dreamscapes, absorbing a new culture and tasting new flavors. I like going back in time — to Barcelona and Rome to reconnect with my old school friends.  It’s like being in a time bubble where we discover that we have grown wiser, more graceful and grateful for many blessings.

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

Missing my kids. Jet lag, and being out of my comfort zone. Not having decent public bathrooms in some cities. 

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

Spain or Italy — but only for a few months of the year. That would be most ideal. And the rest of the “living” would be done here in the Philippines for I genuinely love these islands and the people, despite the pollution and politics. It is my home!