Why Rosky Hilado’s first trip abroad lasted 365 days

Rosky Balahadia Hilado is one charming lady, living a charmed life, doing what she loves best.

Born and bred in Davao ("I had an extremely happy childhood in an idyllic setting where everyone knew everybody") she was invited to join the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company while still in high school. She was chosen to be one of its solo performers ("I was blessed to participate in three world tours visiting capital cities and historic towns meeting royalty, leaders of nations, authors and artists, stars, celebrities and living legends") and became an untiring drum beater for Philippine tourism ("aside from my 24 years with KLM, I have served as a member of the Philippine delegation in various capacities – dancer, model, choreographer – in promotional travel missions and sales blitzes to bid to host conventions, congresses and exhibitions on our islands").

Happily married to Teddy Hilado, the former executive director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines who is busy these days with exciting architectural lighting projects, the favorite cover girl who has graced most ladies’ journal many times over is mother to son Jerome and daughter Joy.

For more on the many lives of Rosky, read on.

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

Rosky Balahadia Hilado: My first trip abroad, believe or not, lasted for one whole year – from August 18, 1961 to August 18, 1962. I remember it so very well. I was lucky to be chosen for the world tour of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company. We traveled by boat on the S.S. Orcades of the P and O Lines and our final destination, with stopovers in Hong Kong and several places in Japan, was San Francisco. Every day we rehearsed on board starting at nine in the morning. Though the dance sequences were interrupted every now and then and we were not in our costumes, we had a daily audience – some came as early as seven for the better seats – and soon the dance troupe became an attraction on board. From San Francisco we criss-crossed by land the many states of America and by the time we got to New York, we had performed in 68 cities. Remember our appreciative audience when we sailed across the Pacific Ocean? Well, some caught up with us in their own home states where they witnessed our show – complete with costumes, music, lights, the works. They were such great reunions.

By then it was time to cross the Atlantic Ocean to France on the S.S. United States, then the biggest ship afloat. It was in the middle of winter and the sea was rough, very rough. The waves were so huge that almost everything had to be tied and secured. Even the Captain’s Ball was a complete disaster – though no fault of his. Everyone was sick. The ship just rocked and everything on board just rolled. We were so delighted to see land – port of Le Harve. Through songs and dances we conquered the capitals of Europe and touched the hearts of those who watched us – from royalty to students. Our last sea voyage was on the S.S. Moledet to Israel where we had our final series of performances. Then we flew back home – home at last. All that and more in exactly one year to the very day.

What won’t you leave home without?

A gold medal, embossed with the images of Our Lady of Carmel and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is perpetually on me. I also treasure a rosary, an old wooden one – a sentimental favorite. I don’t feel right or complete without it. Should it not be with me for whatever reason, I hurry home to get it. And off I go, feeling complete, feeling good.

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

Though it would be nice to have a friend, I don’t have any qualms who I sit next to. I recall once I sat beside an OFW and he spoke about his family, their sacrifices, his aspirations, their dreams. It was both endearing and rewarding. I was more convinced than ever before that we should talk less and listen more.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

My spouse Teddy. Under all circumstances, it would be wonderful to have him around. Come to think of it, I can’t think of a better person.

Name your favorite city abroad.

I have so many but Amsterdam is right on top of the list. First everyone speaks English. My being with KLM for the longest time gave me the golden opportunity to know the city from the Grand Dam to the interesting little nooks and crannies and to understand and appreciate its people. I also have good friends who reside in the area and that makes a world of difference.

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

I check if the windows can be opened. I then study the floor plan for the exit route, which is usually framed behind the door and head for the actual exit to have a complete run through. I count the steps and mentally decide when to turn left or right. You see, when an emergency occurs, it’s usually in total darkness.

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

Drop by the local tourist office and gather all the available brochures and leaflets. I end up with so many questions I have always wanted to ask, but never had the chance to do so. They are the experts on the region and their knowledge is truly encyclopedic. They never cease to amaze me. Bless them!

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite restaurant?

The Russian Teahouse in Manhattan. I love the food and I like the ambience. Since it is located in the theater area of New York – near Carnegie Hall – it is an ideal place for friends to get together, to digest a show over dinner or even just for cups of coffee and a selection of pastries.

Favorite museum?

The Louvre. Whenever I’m in Paris I never fail to visit the Louvre and smile at the Mona Lisa. After all the viewings through the years, I only have seen only a fraction of what it has on exhibit.

If you could take home a piece of art, which one would it be?

An impressionist painting by Monet in pastel colors.

Favorite hotel?

I go for small family hotels – full of charm and character – where the entire clan is involved in running the property. Let’s say the mother cooks, the daughters attend to the bedrooms, cousins serve at meals and the men have their own more physically-inclined chores. They treat you differently – more than just a guest, almost like a relative. It’s simply a taste of life – from their side of the fence. They captivate you with stories on the history of the century-old house, trace the family tree and even share their grandmother’s favorite recipes.

Favorite building and park?

The imposing and impressive Palace of Versailles with all its rich furnishings. Its elegance and opulence at its best, and its gardens are exquisitely beautiful.

Favorite musical?

Oklahoma! The songs. The singing. The choreography. The dancing. Such precision! The story – so heartwarming. Definitely a classic in my book.

Favorite store?

Oh, the street markets of Amsterdam. They sell everything – from flowers to cheeses to fabrics – and all at bargain prices! The markets move on a daily basis and every day you will find them in another part of the city selling items you will never find in stores. It is the Dutch version of the popular mercaditos of Spain and Mexico. It reminds me of our bazaars that come alive especially before the holiday season – always moving from one hotel ballroom to the other, one venue to the next. But the biggest day for street markets in Holland is on the Queen’s Official Birthday, April 13. The entire country is one big marketplace. Almost everyone and anyone sets up a stall, in the most imaginative way, anywhere he desires. Some just spread a blanket, put their items on it and they are in business. It seemed to me everything was for sale, whether children’s old toys or family heirloom antiques. Name it, they’ve got it. And everyone is exempted from paying taxes. It’s such a festive day what with street actors and musicians. It’s an honest-to-goodness, hard-to-beat fiesta!

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

Tuyo and inihaw na talong. You will never know how much you’ll long and yearn for them after being away on a long tour or holiday.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

I constantly remind relatives and friends to photocopy relevant pages of all travel documents such as tickets, passports or receipts. The same principle goes for all necessary data regarding your credit cards and other essential travel paraphernalia. Once accomplished, the complete sets of documentation should be kept and stored safely in every piece of luggage including the hand-carried bag. Should the inevitable occur, say, stolen, lost or misplaced, then one is not at a complete loss. Otherwise – patay!

Describe your most memorable trip.

I have fond memories of two visits to Israel both memorable. The first one was in 1961 where the Bayanihan performed around the country when the United Nations announced that they had a tie vote on whether to accept the country as the newest member of the organization. Soon after, the General-Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo, the head of our delegation to the UN, broke the deadlock by voting in favor. He became an instant hero there and the Philippines was hailed as a true friend of Israel. We could do no wrong. Since we were easily recognizable due to our uniforms of black skirts and white kimona-style blouses – the men had their own version – we were the recipients of endearments too many to enumerate. How could we ever forget the care and attention, the warm hospitality, the genuine friendships?

The second time was in 1964 when they had just won the Six-Day War. The entire country was on a nationalistic emotional high and we were in the midst of it all. It was euphoric! I recall that at the end of each show, we sang the popular song-of-the-hour Verushalayem – Israel’s version of our Bayan Ko. The entire audience would cry – some even wept, recalling the countless sacrifices so many had endured for such a victory.

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

Bill Clinton. He seems to have a lot of charisma. His photographs show that whenever he speaks to you, he appears to give you his full attention. Physically, he may not look trim but his body language says it all. He is oozing with appeal.

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

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The bursting of colors, the mesmerizing costumes, the dazzling floats, the beat of the music, the ultimate in merrymaking – all in sync in free abandonment – where everyone wears a permanent smile on their faces, having a great grand time of their lives.

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

An absolutely free excellent education – without any unpleasant surprises along the school year.

Let’s fill in the blanks. "Where in the world... only in the Philippines."

Where in the world would one graciously spend one’s last centavo to entertain guests and strangers alike during a fiesta? Such deplorable mentality.

If I had more time, I would...

Definitely travel. No lectures in class, no books or videos can ever substitute for it when it comes to educating Rosky or anyone else.

What are your pasalubongs – inbound and outbound?

Inbound – no useless what-do-I-do-with-this souvenir from some destination, but something practical that caught my eye during my travels, for a specific person in mind.

Outbound – dried mangoes from Cebu. My relatives and friends almost expect it. They just don’t eat it as is, but have found many uses for it such as the main ingredient in mango pies and mango squares and more.

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

Make a quick inventory of what the family or the house needs – from groceries to home maintenance and repairs. You see, upon departure I make it a point to leave everything complete and in order.

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

The intriguingly enchanting cities of Vietnam – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

Name a territory you wish to explore.

The vast territory of Alaska. Friends say there is only one word to describe it – awesome!

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Experiencing a completely different lifestyle compared to what we are used to, with the hope of better understanding the world we live in.

What would you say is the worst part of travel?

The packing – oh no, excited ka pa – but surely the unpacking once you get home. Or is it perhaps because of the realization that one is back face-to-face with reality once again?

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

Amsterdam. Sa Schipol Airport pa lang ako and I see the sea of the color blue of KLM, I feel at home na at home na agad. And that’s only for starters. Can you imagine what follows? I am so at home in Amsterdam, it’s almost my second home.

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

Not experiencing everything I had wished to. I realize it is impossible to do it all but the realization that you’re there and missing on some of the things you had planned to do will without a doubt fill you with regret.

What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?

My beloved Davao, of course. I am a real Davaoeña at heart – both born and bred in the city. Though it has changed immensely, I have wonderful, pleasant memories of Davao where friends of the good old days still reside, where the old haunts, though admittedly some are gone, are all etched forever in my mind.

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

Amsterdam. Please don’t get me started. You may be sorry.