GLOBETROTTER

Tinette Ozamiz-Puyat
Check lists, mini-sized products, pouches for all her essentials— just part of this traveler’s super-organized system

Anyone who’s ever had her hair done—cut, color, curl, and more—has most likely gone through the magic hands of Tinette Ozamiz-Puyat, owner of dependable neighborhood beauty parlor Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals, which recently relocated to the open spaces of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. “After 14 years in a basement location, I wanted my customers to see trees and the sky!” she says. A frequent traveler since she was a young girl, mostly with family members and close friends, and throughout her studies in beauty schools in California and New York, Tinette has elevated the art of travel with her super-organized approach. “I have bags within bags within bags—that’s why they call me the bag lady!” she laughs. “And I’m always on the lookout for small items for my kits. I once scolded my friend for packing a full-sized bottle of lotion—that takes up space and weight! So one Christmas, I gave everyone on my list travel-sized containers that they can fill up with their beauty products,” she beams. It’s since become a tradition for her to gift her friends with such travel-themed items.

What’s currently at the top of your travel wishlist?
I would love to travel to Africa with my husband Joey and go on a safari to watch the wildlife in their natural habitat, while enjoying first-class accommodations at a nearby bed and breakfast. I wouldn’t mind stealing a scene from Out Of Africa, where Robert Redford shampooed Meryl Streep’s hair— especially since I shampoo other people’s hair for a living!

What was the most exotic destination you’ve been to?
On my last trip to Indonesia, my sister-in-law booked a resort that was just big enough for our entire family. It was located in the outskirts of Ubud, so we felt like we were in a world all our own.

What is your dream trip?
I would love to travel as part of Oprah’s staff. From what I’ve seen on TV, all her trips are stimulating, intellectually and emotionally. Having been an employer for almost 15 years, I wouldn’t mind having somebody else take care of all the headaches that come with traveling.

FAVORITES
Outfit to wear on the plane:
I always dress decently. Even if I’m in jeans, I make sure I have a good jacket, a nice scarf, classic jewelry, clean hair, and light makeup, especially since I own a salon—and because it helps to get an upgrade!

Handcarry bag: My big Prada bag. Inside I have several smaller zip-up pouches, which are easy to pull out should I need anything, for my medicine, magazines, makeup, and “school supplies” (pens, markers, stapler, calculator, and magnifying glass).

Beauty products: I always have a hairband because when I sleep, I don’t want hair falling all over my face. And I have products all in small sizes, including a nail kit that manages to pass through the X-ray.

Airline: Philippine Airlines—I’ve always had a good experience with them and they’ve given me the best service to date. They’ve upgraded me several times and sometimes don’t charge for overweight luggage—what a joy! Plus their mileage system is not complicated, it’s very user-friendly.

DESTINATIONS
Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore—the bed was so luxurious! The temperature and draftiness of the airconditioner is also important to me because I feel cold easily— it was just right.

Resort: Amanusa in Indonesia and Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand. Aman resorts have that luxury and elegance that is not ostentatious. The food and the service made the place even more memorable. Simply impressive.

Spa: The Oriental Bangkok’s Spa. Because I own a salon, I notice how the staff handles clients, and their girls were very well-trained.

Places to shop: I enjoy shopping in markets and outlets because I believe in value for money and I love finding a good bargain—that makes shopping all the more thrilling. One of my favorites is Fai Yuen Street in Kowloon, Hong Kong—it’s a short street that sells a myriad of items, like fruits, nuts, fabrics, pet supplies, and clothing, but you can find the best bargains there.

Restaurants: Every restaurant we went to in Japan had picture-perfect food. The dishes were so pretty I had to take a photograph each time we were served!

Tourist landmark: Every trip I’ve taken to Disneyland has been a fun memory, from the first time I went with my dad to bringing the entire family there recently.

Europe: My most memorable European trip was with my five girlfriends before I got married. One of them lived in a castle with her husband. We spent our summer vacation there, and they gave me a bridal shower.

SHOPPING
What you bring for friends and family abroad: Home-made travel items, like a personalized bag tag, and Abby’s House oatmeal crisps.
Favorite pasalubong for friends and family back home: I like to buy new, revolutionary cosmetic items.
Most expensive purchase: That’s not my department, that’s my husband’s!
Best bargain purchase: My latest blue jeans for US$1! It had a super fit too!