Chita Bayot Zaldarriaga, Guapissima!

Carmen Bayot Zaldarriaga Arnaiz was born to reign. The only daughter and the apple of her parents’ eyes, the cute little darling of a princess became la reina del carnaval–Miss Philippines during the Philippine Exposition of 1937.

The nation’s newest young idols of the moment included Antonio Arnaiz, who together with fellow pilot Juan Calvo, courageously braved the historic pioneering flight from Manila to Madrid.

The following year, the fearless hero took the flawless beauty for his bride in a fashionable wedding of the season at San Marcelino Church. And they lived happily ever after.

A few weeks ago, the soft-spoken ultra feminine señora in a white on white silk lounge attire with the lightess of blue South Sea pearls, captivated me with her countless stories all the way back from happy childhood days, where she spent her summer vacations with doting grandparents in Masbate’s most historic house.

Memories. Fond remembrances. Heartwarming reflections. Beautiful experiences. Confessions.

Her eyes sparkled when she disclosed in a whisper, how she waltzed with President Manuel Roxas and danced the tango with the country’s most sought-after male partner – President Manuel L. Quezon. I then realized how she loved to dance. I even wondered if she lived to dance or danced to live.

Today, at the delicate age of 83, la vuida de Arnaiz, though she may be frail and fragile, remains a queen to all who know and love her, and continues to hold court at their ancestral home – a favorite gathering place for her four children (one son predeceased her), 18 grandchildren and, please hold your breath, 22 great grandchildren.

Listen in to part of our conversation.

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

Carmen Zaldarriaga Arnaiz: I may have been 15 years old or so. Lo siento mucho but I am not quite sure now of my exact age then. Today some dates of long ago all seem to blend together. I recall though that together with my parents, we toured several countries in Europe. I remember Spain the most. We had gran reuniones y fiestas con parientes y amigos.

What won’t you leave home without?

My favorite rosario given by my Mama years and years ago.

Name your favorite city abroad.

Paris – sin duda. It’s a beautiful city by day and an exciting place by night. I adore the night clubs where we seem never to know when to stop dancing. I enjoy the theater –cabarets with their spectacular shows. There is nothing like it in the world. Paris offers the best in everything 24 hours a day.

What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?

You can say what you want – I love Manila. It is the city I know best. Everything you want, you can find here. Some say Manila is dirty, noisy and has no order at all. Others even say really nasty things that I am sorry, I can not repeat. No matter what they all claim, I still love Manila where I am always surrounded by mi querida familia, muchos parientes y buenos amigos.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

My late husband. I loved to be with him for his love of adventure – era aventurero. My best friend, Carmen Mapua, who unfortunately has passed on and mi prima, Carmen Bayot Garcia, who continuamente makes me laugh with all her cuentos.

Let’s talk favorites. What’s your favorite meal? Your favorite drink?

Baked chicken with Kikkoman soy sauce and butter, floating in olive oil. My favorite drink is water boiled with care at home.

Name a movie you could see over and over again.

Gone With The Wind and Cleopatra starring the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor.

Name a book you would recommend others to read.

Any romantic book. Romantic novels do wonders for me. They make me smile. They make me dream. They make me realize how lucky I am.

What are you addicted to?

Chocolates. Pure chocolates. Plain. No nuts. Sin nada de fruta. Puro. Como los Kisses Chocolates – the original ones.

What would I find on top of your nighttable?

The rosario given by Mama. A crucifix. Some of my photos in preciosos picture frames – as the Queen of the Carnival, as the bride on the dia de mi boda and as a model during a fashion show for charity.

What do you collect?

I like to collect nice, pretty and beautiful things. Perfumes, alajas y diamantes (laughs).

What are the three words or statements you always use?

Muy bien, si y porque, gracias.

What do you enjoy most on a Sunday?

Staying at home. And you know why, this is the day my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren visit me as one big group. You see, individually, they come and drop by throughout the week. But on Sundays, the house looks like a pilgrimage site. I look forward to Sundays. My enchanted Sundays.

What do you do when you’re happy?

I go out for a paseo.

What do you do when you’re sad?

Me quedo en casa and I pray.

Describe God.

God is everything.

If you could be transported anywhere in the world right now, where would you like to be?

Right here in my home which is filled with memories.

What is the best part of travel?

To experience un nuevo mundo one has never been exposed to before.

What would you say is the worst part of travel?

Being a victim of tourist traps.