Having crisscrossed the globe many times in the course of my extended career in the Travel Industry, I have had some favorites from among the many cities I have visited. I was curious if my jet-setting friends shared my favorites, so I asked them, “If given a choice to spend Christmas outside our country with your loved ones, where would you go and why?”
The plethora of exciting destinations they came up with, although none matched my favorites, further affirmed that ours is, indeed, a beautiful world. Today, the eve of His birthday, I thank God for it, by sharing with you my friends’ choices.
On a golf and whiskey tour of Scotland, first, because we haven’t done that yet as a family; also, because golf is my passion and my son, Ice, and I would love to play the old course. My eldest, Josh, and I fancy ourselves as trying-hard whiskey connoisseurs. Finally, Scotland is close enough to London where my wife, Cherry, and our other kids, Mosh and Rookie, can shop and still get some work done visiting our principals at Toni&Guy.
– Chot Reyes, CEO and President, TV5; Head Coach, Gilas Pilipinas
My choice is still on my bucket list…to rent a Villa in Tuscany for a month, to take in the history, art and ambience of Florence and nearby medieval towns, plus an adventurous discovery drive and foodie tour with my family around Italy. I want to have a taste of Italy by feeling Italian.
– Cory Quirino, National Director, Ms. World Philippines; wellness guru, columnist, author, TV host
Where there is snow, like Hokkaido or Crans, Montana…When I was a child, I would read books about Christmas and how cold it is during winter time. I would love to experience winter activities like skiing, sled riding or ice skating. There is a certain calmness during winter, almost serene…trees capped with bits of snow, kids walking in their boots, wearing thick jackets, while I sip hot chocolate in the cold. Winter is bliss.
– Richard Gomez, Mayor, Ormoc City; movie/TV actor, sports enthusiast
Vienna, Austria, as it celebrates Christmas in a grand way, with beautiful music! I love the Christmas markets, too, siyempre mana sa Mommy ko who loved markets. I am reminded of my Mom when I see little houses that make up a village, as she loved to collect their replicas. Of course, the snow with mulled wine is best!
– Peachy Veneracion, former Mutya Ng Pilipinas; Vice President, Carousel Productions
Hallstatt, Austria. It was a dream come true when I got to go there last September. It is a small breathtaking town by a serene lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Every sight is picture perfect and, at wintertime, with pristine snow covering the evergreens, rooftops and hills, it is the perfect setting for family holiday bonding.
– Nonong “Dero” Pedero; composer, singer; life enhancement speaker
Spain will always be my favorite destination outside the Philippines because this is the origin of my ancestors. I love exploring its beautiful cities, especially Barcelona. Spain has a culturally diverse population, the people love sports and the language is my first tongue.
– Cynthia Norton, former Tourism Undersecretary; President, Philippine Organization of Wellness Establishments & Resources
The Holy Land—to retrace Jesus’ journey from his birth until He fulfilled His mission. What better way to honor the Man who gave up His life to redeem mankind. Merry Christmas everyone!
– Mel Liwag; former commercial/ramp model; retired bank executive and financial analyst
Aspen Colorado, to experience living in a rustic country cottage and enjoy some snow sports. It would be a change from the hot weather we live in.
– Helen Massab, proprietor, Chantal Fashion Jewelry; Managing Director, San Rafael Development Corp.
I never miss Christmas with my family in Toulouse, in the south of France, a region famous for good food. In true French style, we take time to prepare the best meal of the year, with the best of what the Winter Season has to offer—oysters, crabs, foie gras, slow cooked stews, ruffle, cheese, wine, chocolate, mandarins—we have it all. A good way to recharge and feel the warmth of winter in the comforts of home!
– Victor Delfour, Vice President, Placement International; jetsetter
Rome, with my loved ones…I did it when I was a high school senior at Marymount. The Vatican Christmas Mass was awesome. I remember seeing Pope Paul VI bless the people, a stirring uplifting experience. I missed my family but I was with the Ambassador and his family (close family friends) for the Christmas break. I remember the chilly days, roasted chestnuts, the marron glace and the delicacies. Since then, I’ve been back to Rome many times but not in December. Have a blessed Christmas!
– Mav Rufino, visual artist, writer, producer
For feedback, I’m at [email protected]
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YOUR SATURDAY CHUCKLE
It was Christmas Eve at the Meat Counter and a woman was anxiously picking over the last few remaining turkeys in the hope of finding a large one. In desperation, she called over a Shop Assistant and said, “Excuse me. Do these turkeys get any bigger?” “No, Madam,” he replied, “they’re all dead.”
