Borgy Manotoc: ‘I feel sad every time I have

Fernando Martin Marcos Manotoc seemed to be flying high the last time I saw him. Completely out of character, I said to myself. But as the stimulating conversation progressed, I noticed with great relief that he still had both his feet on the ground. Strange phenomenon?

He had every reason for being in such a great mood. After all, he was celebrating his very last day at the International School. And yet, he could not help but reflect, at least on this particular day, in quick spurts and brief moments, on the first day of the rest of his life.

Martin, popularly known as Borgy, the eldest son of Imee Marcos and Tommy Manotoc, an incoming freshman at the University of San Diego this fall, is an amiable no hang-ups, good-natured regular teenager. A highly visible Bench image model and a product endorser, he should not only be seen but heard more often. Don’t let his athletic frame fool you, he’s got a brilliant mind that has something to say. And listen carefully–we all should.

Philippine STAR: Describe your first trip abroad.

Borgy Manotoc: It was a trip I don’t recall at all. I was born in Honolulu on April 9, 1983 and before turning one, the family visited Manila. That was my very first.

What won’t you leave home without?

Nothing in particular. I am used to change whether moving around for brief or longish stays. Honestly, it comes easy to me.

How do you pass time at airports?

I find myself a quiet corner. Read men’s and sports magazines such as Sports Illustrated. Listen to zazzy hip hop and rhythm and beat types of music.

Who are your ideal traveling companions for a holiday?

My mom – most especially to Europe. We share the same interests and she seems to know almost everything about the continent. I remember my visit to Paris. I would have missed half of what the city had to offer if I was not with mom. My dad for sports-related holidays. My brothers and young friends for trips to the beach or resorts.

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

I always try to create an "at home" scenario whenever I am billeted in hotels. I unpack completely, arrange the clothes and shoes in closets while the other items end up in drawers and lastly store the empty luggage. All out of sight. I then check the sites and attractions to see and the activities to participate in at this particular destination.

What would you consider a must-do activity whenever you visit a foreign city?

Talk to the local people. Hard-core travelers usually do, while the here-now-gone-tomorrow tourists seldom do. Chances are the locals have their own ideas or perhaps even beliefs about almost anything and everything under the sun! But with an open mind, the encounters are great learning experiences.

During your travels, a wish has been granted to have a meal with three personalities. Who would they be?

Only one comes to mind and he is Nelson Mandela. The gentleman has suffered so much in the past and yet today lives his life to the fullest. An inspiration. Meeting him would certainly be an unforgettable, enriching session.

Of all the persons you have met, who has impressed you most?

My mom. I constantly learn something admirable about her from different people I meet almost on a daily basis. It’s something remarkable she has done in the past – achievements in many fields such as education – that she has not told us about nor even touched on however briefly. And to think I have known her all my life! But that’s my mom. I am continuously impressed by her in more ways than one.

Name your favorite city abroad.

Paris, hands down. Oh, definitely it is the most beautiful city in the world. I know it’s a cliche. It may even sound corny. But it is true. The aura, the very essence of the place gives it a very distinct feel. I love Paris!

What’s your favorite spot in the Philippines?

My dad’s home in Alabang for extended Sunday lunches. The get-togethers of the Manotoc side of the family are well attended – from my paternal granddad all the way to uncles, aunts and cousins. The food is simply delicious and the company could not be better.

Name a museum you will never forget.

The Louvre. Unbelievable! So many treasures in one single area. The sheer number of art masterpieces is frightening. I did the site for two solid days and I barely touched the surface. Unbelievable!

What do you look for in clubs?

First and foremost, the interior design. The visual impact must stand out and grab my attention. Second, the feel of the club – the kind of clientele, the type of crowd. Third, the music.

Name a world event you wish to be a part of.

Summer Olympics – wherever it may be. This is one time where all excuses of the-buts-and-the-ifs of nations collapse, when all the barriers of all kinds are dropped and everyone cooperates to make it one big festive global event. I love to be there. Oh yes, members of my family remind me I was in Seoul, Korea. There are photographs and souvenirs for proofs. But I have no recollection at all whatsoever. Guess how old I was then.

Describe your most memorable trip.

A few months ago, together with 15 good friends we went to Ilocos and stayed at my uncle Bongbong’s beach house to celebrate my birthday.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

Absorb or take in as much as you possibly can. Learn whatever, wherever, whenever you have the chance. Don’t take anything for granted. Enjoy and try to have wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

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

Apart from my family, I miss my room – my personal space. To be more specific, it’s got to be my bed. It’s special. We brought it all the way from Singapore. It’s only when I settle in bed after all the traveling I do that I really get the true feeling I have returned. Home at last.

Looking back at your travels abroad, what would you say is your biggest regret?

Being trapped in a shopping mall in Paris, doing the stores, shops and even the stalls for four solid hours. Meanwhile a whole world awaited to be discovered with every guarantee to please the senses – making you a totally different person due to the exposure and new experiences. I never felt so wasted. It was horrible. It was tragic.

Through the years, the family has taken up residence in several foreign cities. What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say Honolulu?

Running around the lush garden and playing on the beach. But it’s all a blur. A lot of my recollection comes from photographs.

Morocco? London?

Morocco – "Driver of the King." Long interesting road trips, passing by fascinating areas, visiting intriguing ruined castles.

London – Horseback riding at Hyde Park and my first taste of school.

Portugal?

The enchanting city of Sintra. We lived at the bottom of a hill and when evening came our view was of the illuminated castles – not one but two! Simply breathtaking. I still visit Portugal to this day where summers seem to be endless. I genuinely feel sad every time I have to leave and move on.

And what about Singapore?

Six good years. The most organized place I have been where people are disciplined and everything works. I salute the young. Even at an early age, they know what they want in life and focus all their efforts in achieving their goals.

You have 24 hours of fantasy. How would you spend your day?

Wake up on the beach of Boracay with close friends for company in time for the dramatic sunrise. Awesome! Enjoy a full Filipino breakfast at my uncle Bongbong’s beachhouse in Ilocos with the entire clan – the Marcos side of it. By mid-morning, hit a few balls with my athletics idol John McEnroe at Wimbledon. A leisurely lunch at my dad’s home in Alabang just like we do on Sundays. Then endlessly walk the streets of Paris and get lost doing it. Sunset and accompanying cocktails find me in Phuket. Rush to London’s West End to catch a musicale. To be followed by dinner in one of the city’s multi-awarded, star-studded yet understated and very English restaurants known for its nothing-like-it cuisine. Then back to Boracay to sleep on the beach.