Why Albert Martinez would like to meet Bill Clinton

I arrived at the agreed-upon coffee shop at The Podium a good seven minutes before the appointed time. Immediately I settled in and organized myself, ready to interview a man whose life everyone seems to know about – some I suspect even just a little bit too much – a man whose life appeared to be an open book.

"I was actually here some 10 minutes ago," I overheard someone claim, one who obviously was trying to catch my attention. He continued, "I then realized I was rather early. So, I went for a quick walk. Hi, I’m Albert Martinez. It’s wonderful to meet you."

I said to myself, I can work with this man for he respects the sacred time of others, a rare, seldom seen scenario in today’s rush-rush selfish world.

My mind started to wander and I could see topics of the non-existent biography: Undying love for supportive and understanding wife Liezl, total commitment to his children Alyanna, Alfonso and Alyssa, complete dedication to his craft.

"I do not sing," Albert declares and yet he admits he loves performing for the Filipino communities abroad. "So what exactly do you do on stage? I querried.

As Barge Ramos once said, "Albert is different from all the others in the industry – he has a mold of his own." He was so right! Read on and listen to one of the nicest guys in the entertainment world, who is a real person in the true sense of the word.

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

Albert Martinez: My first trip abroad was to the island of Guam for a musical extravanza of a show especially organized by and for the members of the Filipino community. I distinctly recall not being able to sleep the night before departure – I tell you, not even a wink – due to my uncontrollable excitement. I didn’t know what to expect, believe it or not, I brought all the contents of my entire closet!

What won’t you leave home without?

I’m a frustrated photographer. Since I was single, I would always bring my camera along – more so now that I have a family. So whenever you look at our photo albums, you will notice I am hardly in any of the pictures for obvious reasons – I take most of the photographs.

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

Probably Bill Clinton. I’d ask him what he saw in Monica Lewinsky! Or perhaps, Tom Cruise. I’d inquire about his professional secrets to his successful film career.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

My wife Liezl. Her preparations for trips are always very thorough. She even posts photocopies of the relevant pages of our passports inside our luggage for those just-in-case moments. Should anything unexpected occur – heaven forbid – she somehow quickly finds practical solutions to the pending problems. She also is a miracle worker. She can fit all our shopping items into our suitcases.

Name your favorite city abroad.

San Francisco. Not only because I had been a resident there for seven years, but also because, it is really a beautiful city in every sense of the word. It is a place that offers almost everything – from the beach to snow-capped mountains and all within a few hours’ drive from its center. And that’s only for starters.

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

I have an old formula that I stick to – no matter how difficult whenever I visit a place. First, search for a church in thanksgiving for making the trip possible and while in it, pray for three wishes. Second, spend some time at the leading museum of the city. Third, have a meal at a famous or popular restaurant.

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite restaurant?

Auberge de Soleil at Napa Valley and The House Of Prime Rib in a couple of locations in California. They offer specialties like no one else does.

Favorite museum?

The World War II Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Favorite hotel?

The Grand Floridian Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Everything is grand without sacrificing personal touch. A rare combination.

Favorite resort?

The Caribo in Boracay. Its homey atmosphere and food are excellent.

Favorite landmark? Favorite building?

My choices are the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Grand Hotel in Taipei and the area that surrounds the Darling Harbor in Sydney.

Favorite musical?

I have more than one. I can think of two. Rent and Once On This Island.

Favorite store?

Sharper Image.

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

Though I log in to the Net whenever I am out of the country, to keep abreast of what’s happening at home, I still miss the daily Philippine national newspapers in their complete printed format. Oh yes, I likewise look for the comfortable feel of my bed.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

For any conceivable emergency, always pack an extra set of clothes in your handcarried bag.

Describe your most memorable trip.

It has to be my visit to Seoul, Korea where I got the shock of my life and how I managed to survive going around the city without having to utter a single word of English and yet be understood and understand. Only then did I realize the power of the sign language and how a simple smile does wonders.

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

I mustered enough guts and requested for the autograph of movie and television actor Danny De Vito in Toronto – only to be rebuffed!

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

I can’t think of any. I love them all. As a matter of fact, all the souvenirs are all over the house and some prominently displayed.

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

Pope John Paul II and James Dean.

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

I would like to join the thousands of participants at precisely noon at the Plaza Mayor of the small Spanish town of Buñol, some 300 kilometers from Madrid and hurl ripe, juicy tomatoes at each other to celebrate the Annual Tomatina Festival. Doesn’t it sound like a lot of fun?

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

A totally comprehensive and an all-emcompassing law on traffic. It would not only bring discipline and order to our streets and highways but also sanity to our daily lives.

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

Can you find genuinely hospitable people who will warmly welcome you into their homes – no matter how small – and heartily share their food – no matter how little.

What are your pasalubongs – inbound and outbound – from abroad, from Manila?

Outbound – Muhlach ensaymadas.

Inbound – something special, interesting, distinctive and unique from the countries visited.

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

Cairo in Egypt. I am so interested in its myths and wish to personally unravel some mysteries.

Name a country you wish to explore?

Backpacking all over Nepal.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Learning something new every single time you visit a destination even though you have been there many times before. This educational process never ceases to amaze me.

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

Having airline food and long unscheduled layovers at airports which have nothing to offer – cuisine or entertainment.

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

Boracay. It’s a magical island where I can truly unwind and relax but also have great fun at the same time.

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

Missing out on the crown jewels in London and not being able to see the fjords during my last trip to Norway.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

The grand Banaue Rice Terraces. It really takes my breath away. Can you imagine this was my daily view for over three months while we were filming on location?

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

Hawaii. My wife Liezl and I dream of retiring there someday.