For Naty Crame Rogers, all the world’s a stage

Granddaughter of General Rafael Crame, the first chief of the Philippine Constabulary after whom Camp Crame was named, Naty Crame was one of six chosen from over 600 applicants for the well-paid and glamorous job as the very first flight attendants of Philippine Airlines in 1946.

"It was like a beauty-and-brains contest. They selected the best and the finest," says Naty who at 78 still possesses much of the beauty and all of the charm she had at the end of World War II. "Every PAL arrival on the islands was like a social event. People would wait at the airports to see the planes and admire the flight attendants. The job was part of our patriotic struggle to put the Philippines back on her own two feet."

But soon after, a young, handsome fighter pilot named Jose "Joe" Rogers, who was actually on loan to Philippine Airlines from the Philippine Air Force, fell in love and married the young, pretty stewardess. Naty then resigned since all female members of the cabin crew were required to be single.

But Naty did not just settle down. In fact, there was no way to slow her down. She went back to the University of the Philippines to complete her degree in Philosophy and Letters. She then sailed to America, where she completed a Teaching English as a Second Language program at the UCLA and eventually earned a masteral degree in Speech and Drama Education from Stanford University.

Upon her return to the country, she taught Speech and Drama at the Philippine Normal College and soon got actively involved in the local theater. In the years to come, she successfully carved a name for herself as a stage actress.

How can anyone forget Naty’s outstanding portrayal of Paula in Nick Joaquin’s widely acclaimed Portrait of the Artist as Filipino for which she received a nomination for Best Actress in the supporting role?

All her theatrical activities in Manila had to come to a temporary halt when she joined Joe in Bangkok for five years where he served as our country’s Representative to the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).

Not one to just sit down and enjoy the life of a diplomat’s wife, Naty attended, among several seminars around the world, a linguistic workshop at the University of Texas and became a professional associate at the First Drama Language teaching course at the East West Center in Honolulu. She likewise visited London as a British Council grantee in Drama and Theater in Education as well as Connecticut as an associate of the United States Information Service Voluntary Visitor Program to the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.

Naty is the recipient of various distinguished awards and citations. She received the Most Outstanding Citizen in Education and Culture Award given by the City of Pasig, the Kalinangan Award in Drama by the city of Manila and the highest award bestowed upon by the Cultural Center of the Philippines – the Gawad Award in Theater.

Higher institutions of learning and well-respected organizations have continuously honored her for her numerous achievements in the fields of humanities, education and theater.

In recognition of her valuable contribution to the cultural upliftment of her country and people, St. Scholastic’s College presented to her the highest award –the Pax Award. To mark the Philippine Centennial, the Cultural Center of the Philippines chose her as one of the Century’s Best One Hundred Filipino artists.

Today, Naty is a professor emerita of Speech and Drama Education at the Philippine Normal University, the artistic director of the Children and Teachers Theater of St. Scholastica’s College and the founder and director of the Philippine Drama Company in Sala Theater.

I would not be surprised at all if more awards – even perhaps the ultimate honor of declaring her a National Artist in the Theater Arts – came her way.

Let’s meet the pathfinder with a gentle heart – Naty Crame Rogers.

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

Naty Crame Rogers: I remember everything though it happened some 55 years ago. The year was 1946 and I was on my first international trip as a flight attendant of Philippine Airlines. The destination: Hong Kong. We took off from the Nielsen Airport right in what is today the heart of Makati. Along the flight, you must recall it took some four or so hours, passengers were throwing up and we had to attend to them while trying to keep our balance, working on the aluminum flooring with our three-inch-high shoes. We were on our feet most of the time and there was no place to rest. There was no heating system. But we lived up to the demands of the job. Approaching Hong Kong I noticed the bare, rocky, craggy mountain beside the runway. It was too close for comfort. I held my breath. From where I was seated, I could see the wing tip almost touching the mountain. I had the fright of my life. Welcome to Kai Tak Airport!

As an international flight attendant in 1946, what was it like criss-crossing the Pacific Ocean?

Believe it or not, the Manila-San Francisco route took a total of three long days. But we must remember our aircraft were C-54 – four-engine prop planes. This is how we hopped to California. Our first stopover was Guam. We refueled through the night. Daybreak would find us in Kwajalein Island where we all lined up, complete with our tin trays, for a hot meal at the army mess hall. We continued to Wake Island– a tiny little dot in the Pacific. Honolulu was next in our flying path. Contrary to Manila where everything was in ruins, devastated by World War II, Honolulu was a heaven. Then the final stretch – Honolulu to San Francisco. We constantly reminded each other that there were no islands in between for the just-in-case possibilities. Back then they said that every time we flew, one foot was in the grave. But work was work and it had to be done. Besides we all had the pioneering spirit.

What won’t you leave home without?

My rosary, which I bought during my pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, and a gold medal of St. Benedict, a gift from my best friend. Oh, I cannot leave home without my toothbrush and my "dainties."

Describe your present passport photo.

Physically, it’s all of me. But it reveals nothing of my character at all.

How do you pass time at airports?

As an actor and as a dramatist, the world is my laboratory. I watch and observe people.

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

Check the bathroom with care and draw the drapes to admire the view. Since I "compartmentalize" my packing, I only unpack the items I need for a particular destination.

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

I write letters home. I must connect with persons I love, sharing with them my experiences.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

Look out of your window at all times and watch the shapes and colors of the landscape. Have all your senses on gear and don’t miss out on what’s happening around you.

Name your favorite city abroad.

At different times of my life, I was deeply impressed and enamored by different cities such as Bali, Palo Alto, Agra, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Bangkok. Today my great favorite is Paris. Who knows what tomorrow may bring?

What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?

"Ang Aming Tahanan," that’s exactly what we call our home. Based on our design, it was built in 1953 when there were no roads or neighbors. Through the years, it has remained our very own shangri-la. I enjoy the place so much, I even work and present our Sala Theater at home. I see myself spending the rest of my life right here surrounded by the people I love and things I value.

Let’s talk favorites now. Your favorite airport?

The small airport of Harlingen, Texas. Inspired by Mexican architecture, it is situated on a valley near the Rio Grande and serves as a jump-off-point to the Padre Island Resort.

Favorite building and favorite landmark?

The Notre Dame of Strasburg and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes; one captivates your mind, the other touches your soul.

Favorite park?

The Garden of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.

Favorite natural attraction?

The spectacular Grand Canyon in Arizona. Its grandeur is truly awesome.

Favorite museum? And if you could take home a piece of art, what would it be?

The Louvre in Paris. My choice would be the Mona Lisa.

Favorite musicale?

South Pacific. It’s my all-time favorite.

Favorite ceremony?

Loi Krathong in Thailand – the rite for all reasons and for all seasons.

Who is your most ideal companion?

Though I have traveled alone on several occasions, on top of my list would be a guy named Joe who has been a wonderful consort all my life.

If you could have a meal with three personalities or celebrities – dead or alive– who would they be?

The Holy Father Pope John Paul II, American President George W. Bush, and the celebrated writer Beth Day Romulo.

Name an event you would like to participate in.

The once-every-10-years Passion Play in Oberamargau in Germany.

Describe the pasalubongs you bring home.

Some small things– symbolisms of ideas.

What do you collect?

Theater masks from all over the world.

What is your favorite meal? What drink do you often order?

Arroz a la Valenciana. I go for either a high ball or margarita.

Name a film you can watch over and over again and the title of some books you strongly recommend.

Midsummer Night’s Dream with Anita Louise and Olivia de Havilland. My three recommended books are Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Causade, There Are No Secrets by Peter Brooks and the Gospel According to the Son by Norman Mailer.

Where in the world...only in the Philippines.

Where in the world do men still serenade their loved ones? Where in the world does the wife hold the family purse? Where in the world do women have reverent and respected positions in society only in the Philippines?

Name some traits you look for in a friend.

Unassuming, insightful and religious. Must be creative with a sense of taste. Strong but quiet leadership– gets things done without fanfare.

Name a place you would like to visit.

Beijing.

Name a country you wish to explore.

The Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.

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

Within the peninsula of Palo Alto near San Francisco.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Coming home.

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

Getting ready for the trip– all the preparations that go with it. It almost makes you want to stay – almost but not quite. Come to think of it – never!