Miracles do happen on Frank & Mila Drilon’s travels

Mila Drilon is a consummate optimist. "It is a special gift," she whispers, "an extraordinary blessing for which I have so much to be thankful for."

A dedicated admirer and a true lover of nature, she is quick to admit how much she appreciates the European’s concern and respect for the environment. "I honestly hurt," she says, "whenever I see the destruction of anything and everything that should have been carefully maintained or meticulously preserved."

The caring individual that she is, Mila is actively involved in the Kidney Center and heads the association of Senate Spouses which provides homes for the elderly all over the country and conducts regular monthly medical missions in the Metro Manila area.

Married to Senate President Franklin Drilon, Mila travels with him whenever possible on his official trips. "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is such a workaholic especially on trips for missions abroad. She is an inspiration. She is simply amazing."

For more travel tales, read on.

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

Mila Drilon: The clouds throughout the flight on my first trip abroad for my first honeymoon. Totally uplifted by the spectacular sight, I could not help but be absolutely awed by the beauty of it all, while I silently marveled at the greatness of God. I was on cloud nine!

What won’t you leave home without?

My wooden rosary which is so huge, massive and bulky – simply not ideal for trips. But then, there is no fear I may fall asleep while at prayer. Another item would be my makeup kit which I must admit is almost empty – it’s all bag.

Other than your spouse or a member of the family, who would you like to be seated next to on a flight?

Surprisingly, a child. Children make interesting company, often speak with their hearts, without any hidden agenda. I enjoy talking to kids. You will be surprised how much you learn from such spontaneous, no-holds barred interaction.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

My husband without a doubt! He does it all – from meticulous planning to detailed implementation. Traveling with him guarantees memorable trips whether official or on holiday. I simply can’t ask for a better travel partner.

Name your favorite city abroad.

San Francisco. It is the foreign city I know best. I feel completely safe with no anxieties whatsoever. It is the place I am most comfortable at. It’s almost like home. Other favorites would include the enchantment of the old-world that is Prague and the unique character of the Bavarian city that is Munich.

What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?

Search for the nearest Catholic church and attend Mass whenever possible.

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite landmark?

The Great Wall of China. Remarkably impressive!

Favorite building?

St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Stirringly moving!

Favorite park?

I love them all. But should I need to name one, then the park in Geneva comes to mind – the sprawling gardens with huge trees and flowering shrubs by the lake.

Favorite restaurant?

Tulio within the vicinity of Via Venetto. I like the antipasto. I love the steaks. I adore the fresh mozzarella. Personally I think no other place comes close.

Favorite musical?

Though I enjoy several musicals such as the Phantom of the Opera, nothing has moved me the way Les Miserables has. Everytime I watch it, I choke. Throughout the entire evening there is a lump in my throat and tears do fall.

Favorite store?

It would include Galleries Lafayette in Paris, Harrods in London and Neiman Marcus in San Francisco.

Favorite hotel?

The Esplendido Hotel in Rome. Though it has undergone extensive renovations, it has been faithfully restored to the look in the good old days. The service remains impeccable. The splendid view of the city of Rome and the Vatican from the rooms is hard to beat – more than enough reason to check in.

Describe your most memorable trip.

Ay naku, this one is truly unforgettable as well. My husband and I were in Rome buying some rosaries at a shop when we learned that there was going to be a general audience with the Holy Father. We sought the assistance of our envoy to the Holy See, Ambassador Tita de Villa for the required tickets which she graciously obliged. During the audience, we spotted Monsignor Jose Sorra, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Legaspi. We slipped in a note just to greet him. Immediately he came over to where we stood and brought us to the presence of the Holy Father. Kissing his hand was a privilege and a blessing – a modern-day miracle.

Naturally, you can’t request the Pope to pause for a photograph. Heaven forbid! So, no souvenir. How tragic! But the memory should last more than a lifetime, I said to myself. We later met a nun who eventually led us to the place where pictures taken during the audience were developed and sold. We patiently started to go over the negatives. You can just imagine how many went through our hands. We didn’t find what we were looking for. But found one of Archbishop Sorra. We placed the order, paid for it and were advised it would be ready in two weeks’ time for mailing. Though pleased for our Archbishop, we were disappointed we could not find our negative. Just as we were about to leave the premises, someone came over and handed to us not a negative, but a picture. Guess what, it was one of the Holy Father and us. Hallelujah! How did this all happen? Another miracle! Two miracles in one day!

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on a trip?

I was at a Prada outlet on the outskirts of Florence going over some of their items on sale. At the corner of my eye, I could not help but notice an extremely smartly-dressed woman – a lady of style. Having done what I had intended to do, I took leave from the store and leisurely went on my way. Soon enough the lady in question started to run after me only to inquire about which Prada shop I purchased the mules I had on from. Caught by surprise, I looked down at my feet and stared at my made-in-the-Philippines slip-ons bought from a neighborhood tiangge. I smiled. I found a new friend, an admirer of our country’s products.

Who would you like to bump into – dead or alive – during your travels?

I would like to meet up with my Mom.