Rosa Rosal recalls her magical visit to Hollywood and fond memories of Joan Fontaine and George Montgomery

She was born Florence Dannon. But everyone knows her as Rosa Rosal – a name to behold with great admiration and much love.

An accomplished and acclaimed film star in the late Forties – she won the Famas Award for Best Actress and was crowned Queen of Philippine Movies – Rose at the height of her popularity became the first woman volunteer of the Philippine National Red Cross. "I fondly remember my first official blood donation," she recalls. "It was at the Muntinlupa Penitentiary. The date was July 4, 1950. I started at time when the ordinary citizen still needed to be persuaded into giving a voluntary gift of blood to save someone’s life. It was mainly because of misconceptions about the harmful effects of blood letting." Against all odds, she has not turned her back – an unselfish dedication to duty for the past 52 years.

Rose only quit the movies when the bomba era was born. She quickly switched to television – mostly in public service programs – and became active in it. Her many awards attest to this.

Rose proudly declares she is 70 years old, pushing 71 come October. "For the last 40 years, I tipped the scales at 115 lbs. Oh, you should have seen me when I was single – 101 lbs. at the most – with a waistline of 22 inches," she shares with a smile.

"I try to live a simple, yet meaningful, fruitful life. Here’s my usual schedule – bereft of any emergencies and calamities. Mondays to Fridays I dedicate to my various charity works and projects. On Saturdays, I get together with my old tried-and-tested friends – non-showbiz nor work-related – and we have a leisurely lunch where we talk and share experiences. Then perhaps – are you ready for this – we go malling," she laughs. "Sundays are sacred – they’re exclusively for the family," adds the widow of Walter Gayda. "Activities revolve around my only daughter Toni Rose and my two grandsons, James and John."

"I very, very seldom attend social functions – even for the Red Cross. You can count the times – not more than all the fingers in my one hand," she continues. "Though I retire with my beeper on and my cell phone fully-charged, my luxury in life is to be asleep by 10 in the evening."

The recipient of countless citations, trophies, plaques, medals and awards for unequaled achievements in movies, television and service to the people most notably the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize, she treasures the too-many-to-mention friendships fostered through the years including the country’s Presidents and First Ladies. "I was invited to join the fateful trip of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon. I had just come from a personal appearance but my mom was waiting for me. Then I heard the awful news regarding the ambush on the radio. A tragedy," she states.

Rose gladly admits more people are aware of the activities of the Red Cross today than ever before. But laments more work has to be done. "The population has increased dramatically. The needs have risen to a new heights. And the resources – including funds which are extremely difficult to raise these days – are much, much less. But all that is a challenge, a challenge we are all waiting to accept. There are still people with big hearts waiting to be tapped for assistance of all kinds," she adds.

During a recent endearing visit with Rose – a genuine person through and through – we had an enlightening briefing on the extent of the services of the blood program of the Red Cross complete with a tour showcasing the latest equipment donated by generous donors and companies.

Rose, the hard-working, never-say-never optimist who, like her soulmate Ben Farrales, only takes holidays for a reason, a purpose and an agenda is one special lady – one in more than million. You deserve a standing ovation. Take a bow, Rose.

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

My first trip was to Guam for a show. A personal appearance – that’s how they called it in those days. The year was 1952. I then proceeded to Korea to entertain the Filipino troops involved in the Korean war. And that was when I met President Fidel Ramos for the very first time.

What won’t you leave home without?

My entire makeup kit. You will be surprised what I have in there. From my night cream to...oh everything you can imagine that would make me look good. Whenever I leave home, moreso when I travel, I am always dressed and fully made up at that. Some say it’s my trademark. All I can say is that I owe it to everyone who somehow expects me to look like a movie star at all times.

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

Anyone. This poses no problem at all. You see, I immediately strike a conversation – an exchange that may last for hours. By the time we reach our final destination, I would have found a brand-new friend.

Who are your ideal traveling companions?

My two sisters – Carrie and Tita. We have so much in common and we do take care of one another.

Name your favorite city abroad.

I have been to so many cities and yet at this moment I can’t seem to name one for I like them all. However, I have always loved the cities within the state of California for various reasons. Let’s just say we could start with San Francisco and all that’s north and south of it. What can you say?

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

A very thorough check of the bathroom from its general state of being spotlessly clean to the fluff of the towels. Seeing me doing the inspection routine I really would not blame you if you suspected and concluded I was a detective on a job.

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

Search and drop by a Red Cross Office where we share our experiences and learn about their latest available equipment on blood banking. It’s always a fulfilling and fruitful visit.

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite hotel?

Any property belonging to the Marriott chain of hotels. I’m just so very at home with them.

Favorite restaurant?

I must admit I really don’t have a particular one because whenever I travel I try as many restaurants as I possibly can. And most times I am hosted by friends. But my choice in Manila is Le Souffle. Unbeatable ambience. Excellent food and service without fault.

Favorite landmark?

The dramatic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Simply spectacular. Believe it or not after all these years, after so many visits, I still get excited every time I see it.

Favorite musical?

I don’t watch musicals for I don’t go out nor stay up late at night. I have no time for matinee shows for I follow a rigid schedule whenever I am abroad.

Favorite store?

I can’t think of any. But being a Born Again Christian, I often go to Christian stores where I purchase spiritual books. Among my most admired authors are Billy Graham and Chuck Swindell.

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

My daughter Toni Rose and my two grandsons James, aged 21, and John, 19. Oh, they are both so grown up now – young men as a matter of fact.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

Travel light. I always do. Are you surprised? Also don’t be such an impulsive buyer. Make up your mind early on which items you plan to take home. Check out several stores. As a suggestion, pick out the best the destination has to offer. For example, I bought my watch in Switzerland and from Denmark I got a crystal vase. And what did I purchase in Paris? Nothing – absolutely nothing! It was just too expensive. My consuelo is that my memories of Paris will definitely last a lifetime.

Describe your most memorable trip.

In 1979, I became a Born Again Christian. I read the Bible – cover to cover. Soon after, I had this desire to go to Israel. It became a dream. I really wanted to visit the country. And in 1998, I did. We went out of our way to do all the things we had to – Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem. Name a tiny little place mentioned in the Bible, chances are we were there. I even climbed Mount Sinai – remember Moses and the Ten Commandments? Yes, I climbed all of 700 uneven steps. At sunrise it was a sight to behold. How can I ever forget my baptism with my immersion at the River Jordan with my foster parent. The entire trip was truly memorable. All my experiences were unbelievably unbelievable.

What is the worst souvenir you have ever brought back from a trip?

At the moment of purchase, it was without a doubt, the best souvenir. But somehow it turned to be the worst by the time it reached Manila. You see, I bought this lovely, lovely crystal vase. The merchants packed it themselves. As it was horribly bulky, I refused to handcarry it. And guess what? Upon arrival back home, the vase came in a hundred little broken pieces. Learned several lessons in one single experience. That’s life.

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

Oh, quite a number. Let’s start with Mother Teresa for unselfishly dedicating her life to the poorest of the poor. Diana, Princess of Wales, for her sincerity and drive to accomplish projects she believed in no matter the odds. Oprah Winfrey and Larry King for their generous hearts ready to assist whenever possible. And let’s not forget Ingrid Bergman, a terrific actress – the best we have ever had.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in.

The Oscars. I think it must be the dream of almost everyone connected with the film industry. I must admit I am still a star struck, a movie fan. But I only appreciate celebrities whose lifestyle, beliefs, convictions and achievements are truly admirable, praise-worthy and commendable. Let me share with you a brief, little story. In 1956, I won the Famas Award for Best Actress. Manny de Leon, the big boss at LVN Pictures, my home studio, prepared a letter of introduction to Hollywood. It was a magical note. Doors were instantly opened. And I was most welcome. There I met Joan Fontaine – she was so fragile and yet so beautiful – George Montgomery, Dinah Shore, Charlton Heston and many, many more. I even attended the premiere nights of several films. The entire Hollywood visit – oh no, I have no words to describe it. So can you imagine me at the Oscars?

If you could enforce one law to the fullest, what would it be?

Instill discipline in everyone, in every aspect and in everything we do. Then soon progress will follow.

If you had more time in your hands, what would you do?

A number of activities. But first and foremost to nag, nag, nag the politicians in all levels to give full support for the blood bank program of the Philippine National Red Cross for the simple reason that all throughout Asia, only Bangladesh and the Philippines somehow fail in this regard.

Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you do upon returning home?

Take a shower. Absorb the very fact that I am safely back home once again. Do nothing – everything else can wait – momentarily.

Name a city you have never been to but would like to someday.

London. I can’t believe I missed it after several trips to Europe. Don’t ask me how it happened? Perhaps, as they say, you save the best for the last. Meeting Tony Blair would be the icing on the cake. He is full of charisma and compassion – that’s my perception of him. Am I right?

Name a country you wish to explore.

My days of exploration are over, I am just too tired to explore.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Meeting nice people. The world is full of amiable, pleasant and wonderful persons.

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

Sad to say but it’s people once again. The impertinent, the crude, the rude, the inconsiderate, the selfish. Oh, I could go on and on. You meet all sorts. People who constantly pull their weight around. Such behavior really angers me to no end.

What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?

Manila – no matter what everyone says. I know Manila. My family and friends are here. It is the center of it all. Everything happens here. It’s the ideal place, my favorite place to raise funds.

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

Right here. No other place. I would not trade it for the world. It’s the land of my birth and the home of my people. I will die nowhere but here. You can never know just how much I love the Philippines.