Conchita Vasquez Azanza’s sentimental journey
July 20, 2003 | 12:00am
Dressed befitting a lady of her years, la graciosa y simpatica Conchita Vasquez Azanza regally sits in her receiving room amid furniture and fixtures of eras past filled with endearing tales to tell.
"I sincerely feel," she whispers with a twinkle in her eyes, "I have so very much to be thankful for."
Born in Manila "en aquellos tiempos fabulosos" and bred in Palawan "in idyllic quaint El Nido," Tita married a remarkable man "who shared with me the best years of my life." She raised three outstanding and caring sons and two exemplary and loving daughters who are "my very reasons for living." As a bonus, she has 11 grandchildren – "my sources of great joy" – and dotes on her seven great- grandchildren, "my little angels on earth."
"I can’t ask for anything more," she claims as she takes another tiny slice of the delicious cake. "But I understand you continue to play an importannt role in all their lives," I interrupted, a bit remorseful that I did. And like a manor-born fine lady, she just simply smiled.
What do you remember most about your first trip abroad?
It was 1947 and my husband Roman, who was associated with the Philippine National Bank, was to be assigned to head its office in New York. We were a a young family then with two small boys of our own – the eldest was almost two and the youngest was only 10 months. Together with our live-in governess, we departed from the old Manila International Airport which was located in the center of Makati at that time. There was nothing but cogon. We flew via Pan American Airways on a tiny two-engine plane. Our first stop-over was on the island of Guajalin. Their terminal – a quonset hut. Then we hopped our way to Guam and Honolulu and eventually landed in Oakland, California. El Señor Haggedorn of Philippine Airlines met and drove us to San Francisco Airport where we boarded another aircraft to take us to our final destination – New York. Tell me, how can anyone forget such a trip, even if it happened more than half a century ago? Nunca olvidare.
What won’t you leave home without?
My Sunday missal prayerbook and my rosary.
Other than a member of your family, who would you like to be seated next to on a flight?
An elderly woman who I can relate to. Pleasing, friendly and caring. Una charlatan alegre who is full of amusing stories to help pass the time away.
Who is your ideal traveling companion?
In the old days, my choice would be the late Tuding del Rosario, mother of our accomplished concert pianist, Nena del Rosario Villanueva. However, in the later years, I would say the members of my immediate family – from my children to my children-in-law to my grandchildren. They all have a watchful eye and are constantly ready to assist a lady well into her years with her needs, una mujer mayor, who still adores to travel.
Name your favorite cities abroad.
Let me start by saying that my favorite countries, sin duda ninguna, are Italy and Spain. And I love their cities – Roma, Milano, Venezia, Madrid and of course Barcelona, visiting parientes, celebrating reunions, having a grand time.
What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel?
I immediately head for the baño and check it thoroughly and meticulously.
What would you consider a must-do-activity in every foreign city that you visit?
I seek out and pray at a nearby church, search for and stop by the city’s most important museum, be on the lookout for a show, an extravaganza, a palabas. Then I shop but only for cositas most especially in the past when items were somehow not available here. But naturally, this has greatly changed through the years. Oh yes, I always hunt for a beauty salon to do wonders with my hair for I am hopelessly hopeless in that department.
Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite restaurant?
I don’t have a favorite restaurant either here or abroad. But what I do enjoy are Spanish or Italian dishes such as paella or cocido, the several choices of antipasto and the different types of pasta served with a variety of sauces one can possibly imagine con mucha aceite de oliva and an excellent bottle of wine.
Favorite museum?
The Prado in Madrid, the Louvre in Paris and the town of Florence which to me is one big walk through remarkable museums. I get the same feeling whenever I visit Toledo.
Favorite landmark?
The adorable little mermaid by the quiet park across the busy harbor of Copenhagen and the lovable, cute sculpture in Belgium.
Favorite tourist attraction?
The dazzling collection of the crown jewels in the Tower of London and the impressive yet very touching ruins of Pompeii.
Favorite park?
I have very fond memories of Central Park where I spent many, many hours with our children when they were growing up. During our 15 years in New York, we had three more – dos niñas y otro hijo. As they say, then there were five.
Favorite musical?
Flower Drum Song and South Pacific. I can still hum the tunes of their musical numbers. Pensando lo bien, I can still see Mary Martin playing Peter Pan.
Favorite store?
B. Altman Department Store where I obtain things that I care for, things that you see around us.
What do you miss most when you’re away from home?
The dependable, devoted, genuinely concerned and caring household help.
What is the best travel advice you can share?
Ideally, I would say travel light. But, I’m sad to admit, I simply don’t know how.
Describe your most memorable trip.
I can’t think of a more memorable trip other than my second tour around some countries in Europe. We were still residing in New York. In 1959, a new branch of the Philippine National Bank in Hamburg was inaugurated with its president Eduardo Romualdez and his wife in attendance. Together with Mariano del Rosario and his wife, Tuding, my husband and I were likewise present. From then on we journeyed through the capital cities and if I remember correctly, even a number of pueblos importantes of Italy, Spain and France. One of the highlights was our pilgrimage to Lourdes. The night procession with the singing of the Ave Maria is still clearly etched on my mind down to the little details. Era muy impresionante. Who could ask for more — interesting destinations, great company, even excellent food. Those were wonderful times.
What is the worst souvenir you have ever brought back from a trip?
Some little breakables from Europe that didn’t even make it home in one piece – they were shattered to bits.
Who would you like to bump into – dead of alive – in your travels?
Though I cherish the treasured memory of having seen the Pope at Castel Gandolfo, his summer home during an audience, I still would like to catch another glimpse of this exceptional man. As I was mesmerized by the pageantry involving the ritual of the Changing of the Guard, I would like to meet Su Majestad, Queen Elizabeth II, La Reina de Inglatera. Lastly, having experienced the wonder that is Lourdes, I would be overwhelmed to have a chat with the young lady who was present when it all began — St. Bernadette Subirous.
Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in.
The canonization of a saint. This is the dream of my dreams – el sueño de mis sueños.
What are your pasalubongs – inbound and outbound?
Inbound – una maleta de chocolates y otras cositas pequeñas. Outbound – beautifully done local items con mucho gusto. Pearls are the latest favorites.
Apart from unpacking your suitcases, what is the first thing you would do upon reaching home?
Contact my family that I am safely back home, casually inspect the house and have a good, long shower.
Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.
Buenos Aires in Argentina where my parents lived for over five years once upon a time and Lima in Peru, where my sister resided for about 20 years. My desire to visit both places have intensified partly due to their endearing cuentos de sus vidas while staying in these cities they called home.
Name a country you wish to explore.
España. Quiero conconer lo mejor especialmente los pueblos interesantes con mucho caracter.
If you could be transported anywhere in the world right now, where would you like to be?
The best years of my life were spent in New York which I have always considered my second home. I would like to visit it just one more time and drop by the old familiar places, meet up with dear old friends – a purely sentimental journey.
What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?
The lovely home of my son Roman Jr. and his wife Amelie in Quezon City where we all get together with my grandchildren and my great grandchildren. It’s where I enjoy having my home service manicure and pedicure in the privacy of my room. They pamper me. Lo paso muy bien. Lo paso divinamente.
If you could reside anywhere in he world apart from the Philippines, where would it be?
Entre California o Arizona donde tengo familia.
"I sincerely feel," she whispers with a twinkle in her eyes, "I have so very much to be thankful for."
Born in Manila "en aquellos tiempos fabulosos" and bred in Palawan "in idyllic quaint El Nido," Tita married a remarkable man "who shared with me the best years of my life." She raised three outstanding and caring sons and two exemplary and loving daughters who are "my very reasons for living." As a bonus, she has 11 grandchildren – "my sources of great joy" – and dotes on her seven great- grandchildren, "my little angels on earth."
"I can’t ask for anything more," she claims as she takes another tiny slice of the delicious cake. "But I understand you continue to play an importannt role in all their lives," I interrupted, a bit remorseful that I did. And like a manor-born fine lady, she just simply smiled.
What do you remember most about your first trip abroad?
It was 1947 and my husband Roman, who was associated with the Philippine National Bank, was to be assigned to head its office in New York. We were a a young family then with two small boys of our own – the eldest was almost two and the youngest was only 10 months. Together with our live-in governess, we departed from the old Manila International Airport which was located in the center of Makati at that time. There was nothing but cogon. We flew via Pan American Airways on a tiny two-engine plane. Our first stop-over was on the island of Guajalin. Their terminal – a quonset hut. Then we hopped our way to Guam and Honolulu and eventually landed in Oakland, California. El Señor Haggedorn of Philippine Airlines met and drove us to San Francisco Airport where we boarded another aircraft to take us to our final destination – New York. Tell me, how can anyone forget such a trip, even if it happened more than half a century ago? Nunca olvidare.
What won’t you leave home without?
My Sunday missal prayerbook and my rosary.
Other than a member of your family, who would you like to be seated next to on a flight?
An elderly woman who I can relate to. Pleasing, friendly and caring. Una charlatan alegre who is full of amusing stories to help pass the time away.
Who is your ideal traveling companion?
In the old days, my choice would be the late Tuding del Rosario, mother of our accomplished concert pianist, Nena del Rosario Villanueva. However, in the later years, I would say the members of my immediate family – from my children to my children-in-law to my grandchildren. They all have a watchful eye and are constantly ready to assist a lady well into her years with her needs, una mujer mayor, who still adores to travel.
Name your favorite cities abroad.
Let me start by saying that my favorite countries, sin duda ninguna, are Italy and Spain. And I love their cities – Roma, Milano, Venezia, Madrid and of course Barcelona, visiting parientes, celebrating reunions, having a grand time.
What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel?
I immediately head for the baño and check it thoroughly and meticulously.
What would you consider a must-do-activity in every foreign city that you visit?
I seek out and pray at a nearby church, search for and stop by the city’s most important museum, be on the lookout for a show, an extravaganza, a palabas. Then I shop but only for cositas most especially in the past when items were somehow not available here. But naturally, this has greatly changed through the years. Oh yes, I always hunt for a beauty salon to do wonders with my hair for I am hopelessly hopeless in that department.
Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite restaurant?
I don’t have a favorite restaurant either here or abroad. But what I do enjoy are Spanish or Italian dishes such as paella or cocido, the several choices of antipasto and the different types of pasta served with a variety of sauces one can possibly imagine con mucha aceite de oliva and an excellent bottle of wine.
Favorite museum?
The Prado in Madrid, the Louvre in Paris and the town of Florence which to me is one big walk through remarkable museums. I get the same feeling whenever I visit Toledo.
Favorite landmark?
The adorable little mermaid by the quiet park across the busy harbor of Copenhagen and the lovable, cute sculpture in Belgium.
Favorite tourist attraction?
The dazzling collection of the crown jewels in the Tower of London and the impressive yet very touching ruins of Pompeii.
Favorite park?
I have very fond memories of Central Park where I spent many, many hours with our children when they were growing up. During our 15 years in New York, we had three more – dos niñas y otro hijo. As they say, then there were five.
Favorite musical?
Flower Drum Song and South Pacific. I can still hum the tunes of their musical numbers. Pensando lo bien, I can still see Mary Martin playing Peter Pan.
Favorite store?
B. Altman Department Store where I obtain things that I care for, things that you see around us.
What do you miss most when you’re away from home?
The dependable, devoted, genuinely concerned and caring household help.
What is the best travel advice you can share?
Ideally, I would say travel light. But, I’m sad to admit, I simply don’t know how.
Describe your most memorable trip.
I can’t think of a more memorable trip other than my second tour around some countries in Europe. We were still residing in New York. In 1959, a new branch of the Philippine National Bank in Hamburg was inaugurated with its president Eduardo Romualdez and his wife in attendance. Together with Mariano del Rosario and his wife, Tuding, my husband and I were likewise present. From then on we journeyed through the capital cities and if I remember correctly, even a number of pueblos importantes of Italy, Spain and France. One of the highlights was our pilgrimage to Lourdes. The night procession with the singing of the Ave Maria is still clearly etched on my mind down to the little details. Era muy impresionante. Who could ask for more — interesting destinations, great company, even excellent food. Those were wonderful times.
What is the worst souvenir you have ever brought back from a trip?
Some little breakables from Europe that didn’t even make it home in one piece – they were shattered to bits.
Who would you like to bump into – dead of alive – in your travels?
Though I cherish the treasured memory of having seen the Pope at Castel Gandolfo, his summer home during an audience, I still would like to catch another glimpse of this exceptional man. As I was mesmerized by the pageantry involving the ritual of the Changing of the Guard, I would like to meet Su Majestad, Queen Elizabeth II, La Reina de Inglatera. Lastly, having experienced the wonder that is Lourdes, I would be overwhelmed to have a chat with the young lady who was present when it all began — St. Bernadette Subirous.
Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in.
The canonization of a saint. This is the dream of my dreams – el sueño de mis sueños.
What are your pasalubongs – inbound and outbound?
Inbound – una maleta de chocolates y otras cositas pequeñas. Outbound – beautifully done local items con mucho gusto. Pearls are the latest favorites.
Apart from unpacking your suitcases, what is the first thing you would do upon reaching home?
Contact my family that I am safely back home, casually inspect the house and have a good, long shower.
Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.
Buenos Aires in Argentina where my parents lived for over five years once upon a time and Lima in Peru, where my sister resided for about 20 years. My desire to visit both places have intensified partly due to their endearing cuentos de sus vidas while staying in these cities they called home.
Name a country you wish to explore.
España. Quiero conconer lo mejor especialmente los pueblos interesantes con mucho caracter.
If you could be transported anywhere in the world right now, where would you like to be?
The best years of my life were spent in New York which I have always considered my second home. I would like to visit it just one more time and drop by the old familiar places, meet up with dear old friends – a purely sentimental journey.
What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?
The lovely home of my son Roman Jr. and his wife Amelie in Quezon City where we all get together with my grandchildren and my great grandchildren. It’s where I enjoy having my home service manicure and pedicure in the privacy of my room. They pamper me. Lo paso muy bien. Lo paso divinamente.
If you could reside anywhere in he world apart from the Philippines, where would it be?
Entre California o Arizona donde tengo familia.
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