Marilu has been traveling extensively since her early childhood days. "The entire clan is a firm believer that travel provides the best possible education. We looked forward to frequent holidays abroad together as it was an opportunity and a privilege afforded to members of the travel and tourism industry," she explains.
Manila-born and Sydney-bred ("with only a brief but enchanting interruption for some enriching courses in Spain"), Marilu joined the sales and marketing team of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in the city, where she met and later married Australian hotelier David Batchelor.
Soon after, David was promoted as resident manager of the legendary The Peninsula Hong Kong where they stayed for eight years. "Out of which the last two we actually resided at the hotel," she says. "They were wonderful times – the many friends we made, the several celebrities and numerous personalities we met, the caring staff that treated us more like family while they adored and doted over our boys James and William," she continues.
All throughout their Hong Kong stint, she was actively involved with a charitable group aptly called Bayanihan, which built a center exclusively for the use of Filipino overseas workers. The center offered workshops and seminars on financial management, entrepreneurial courses and computer studies.
Then, slightly over half a year ago, the Batchelors packed their bags once again for David’s new assignment: general manager of the Peninsula Manila.
"It’s great to be back, reunited with family and friends. My roots are here. David admits his new mandate is indeed a challenge and he is glad to be here. And so are our boys. I am loving it more and more each day," shares Marilu.
"I can’t wait to discover more of our islands. As you see, supporting David in his new job in whatever manner I possibly can is a priority," she declares. "Oh yes, I have touched base with some friends and have volunteered to assist them in a number of their worthwhile projects."
So meet Marilu Toda-Batchelor who enjoys tennis, loves to travel and worships her family.
PHILIPPINE STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad ?
MARILU TODA-BATCHELOR: How can I ever forget my first trip abroad? I was only all of seven years old and my parents took my three brothers and I on a round-the-world trip. From Sydney to Rome to New York to Disneyland... It seemed like we spent most of our time on a plane flying from one destination to another. But traveling with three brothers like mine, there was never a dull moment!
What won’t you leave home without?
My two little boys, James and William. They join my husband David and I everywhere, wherever we go. They are great traveling companions – full of eagerness and excitement, enthusiasm and energy.
Other than your spouse or member of the family, who would you like to be seated next to on a flight?
The engaging, witty travel writer and best-selling author Bill Bryson. Can you tell me of a better way to be entertained and be amused on a long flight than to be seated next to someone who has so many adventurous yet hilarious travel stories?
Who is your ideal traveling companion?
When I was growing up, traveling anywhere just wouldn’t be the same without my brother Carlos. He has such a great sense of humor. I remember one trip when we just continuously laughed our way through Italy! Today, I would have to say that my ideal traveling companion is my husband David. We love the same cities and adore the same resorts. He likewise has tons of hard-to-find patience for my shopping.
Name your favorite city abroad.
New York! I love the energy, the intensity, the buzz, the fashion, the galleries, the restaurants, the theater, the shopping.
What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?
Walk! Walk! Walk! The best way to see a city is to walk it. Some of the most charming scenes, nicest views and prettiest landscapes I have stumbled upon while leisurely strolling the many streets. My Dad and I, totally by chance, once walked straight into a vibrant, ongoing street festival in Germany. It was simply amazing!
Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite restaurant?
Spring Moon at The Peninsula, Hong Kong for the best Chinese food ever! Nobody, but absolutely nobody, does it better. I also like Bather’s Pavilion on Balmoral Beach in Sydney. But the best meal – the meal of all meals – I’ve ever had in a restaurant was at Robuchon, a three-star Michelin restaurant in Paris.
Favorite museum?
El Prado in Madrid.
And if your could take home a piece of art, which one would it be?
Anything Picasso.
Favorite hotel?
The Peninsula, Hong Kong for its rich history, the finest of service, and impeccable attention to the minutest detail and the distinct style in which they do everything.
Favorite resort?
The Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand and the Amandari in Bali, Indonesia.
Favorite landmark?
The Sydney Opera House bears a special meaning to me. During my wonderful time spent in Sydney, my brother and I had an apartment right on the bay overlooking the Opera House. And with the water glistening around it, this architectural wonder was a sight to behold.
Favorite musical?
The Phantom of the Opera.
Favorite store?
We’re going to have to make this one plural – stores, with several s’s. One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to shop. So my choices would range from my old haunts in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong for funky, hip clothes, to the shops on Oxford Street in the Paddington section of Sydney, to the Hermes Store on Faubourg St. Honore in Paris.
What is the best travel advice you can share?
Always read on the particular place you’re headed for. And if necessary, do some additional research. Ask from well-traveled friends for suggestions and recommendations – list of must-see, must-do, one-of-a-kind dining places and local exotic restaurants, unique shops and exciting bargain bazaars.
Describe your most memorable trip.
My husband David is a Formula One Grand Prix fanatic. As expected, this passion has also rubbed off on our two boys, James and William. So last year, we all went to one of our most desired destinations – Monte Carlo – in time for the Formula One race. They were six and three years old at the time and were super little travelers. They saw the cars really up close and even met some of the high-profile drivers. Just seeing the expression on their faces made it a truly magical trip.
What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?
We were lining up, in the longest queue I’ve ever seen, to get on the giant ferris wheel, – a relatively recent must-do in London – when some of the organizers approached us and asked if they could take our photo along with some other tourists, riding in one of the carriages. We said sure – why not especially realizing that we didn’t have to stay on line any longer. We settled nicely in one of the carriages and the camera went clicking away. Guess what? The following day, there we were, with the other fellow holidaymakers, on the cover of The Sun, the most widely circulated newspaper in the United Kingdom!
Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to witness or participate in?
I would love to watch the finals at Wimbledon.
Let’s fill in the blanks. "Where in the world...only in the Philippines."
Would you find a race of people that, in spite of the many challenges they face every day, still manage to genuinely smile and be happy?
Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.
My brother Joey recently moved to Miami, Florida and that’s where I want to go and visit him.
Name a country you wish to explore.
The Philippines! I’m looking forward to seeing as much of this beautiful country during our time out here. Remember I was only four years old when the family moved to Australia.
If you could be transported anywhere in the world right now, where would you like to be?
Relaxing by the pool at Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand.
Looking back at your travels abroad, what would you say is your biggest regret?
I spent some time studying in Spain. And I now think I should have stayed a little bit longer, but I didn’t. You see, I was missing my family too much!
What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?
An enchanting island by the South China Sea which spells a lifetime of special memories – all memorable, all unforgettable!
If you could reside anywhere on earth aside from the Philippines, where would it be?
I’d like to try New York City.