GLOBETROTTER

Tina Maristela-Ocampo hasn’t had a moment to catch her breath. With the worldwide success of her accessories brand Celestina (which is her full name), she has had to make personal appearances at the spring/summer 2009 shows to present her new collection. In September, she was in New York; flew back to Manila for a few days, then was off to Paris by October. “But in two weeks, I’ll be in Bhutan,” she said, upon her return from the fashion capital. “It will be great to take a break from constant city visits and commune with nature. I’m really looking forward to it!” The former supermodel and now vice president and creative director for Celestina Maynila New York, The Black Shop Inc., and i2i NY Inc. reveals she started
traveling in her teens and has since visited nearly 30 countries. “I’ve had many amazing experiences all over the world,” she told Travelife, “but home will always be Manila.”

What destination is on your travel wish list?
Bhutan. I’m excited to experience a different culture, be connected with its people, learn from their beliefs, taste what they eat, listen to their language, see their markets, and bring home something that will remind me of their way of living.

What is the most exotic place you’ve been to?
Egypt is unique! The pyramids have the most unusual architecture— ancient but still very modern in structure and refinement. And their way of life is so opposite from the ordinary: The place is so quiet during the day—I didn’t see any activity in the main streets—but so active and noisy starting at eight in the evening until 5am!

What is your most memorable travel experience?
My YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) trip in Prague. We were able to visit the Nelahozeves castle and see the Lobkowicz’ incredible collection of master paintings, a room which stored Mozart’s musical instruments and compositions, even the original bills he sent to the family for some purchases. We also
met William Lobkowicz who warmly welcomed our group for cocktails and a performance in his castle’s courtyard.

What is your dream trip?
To take the Orient Express through India with my husband Ricco. I would love to have an Indian historian as our travel companion and to stay in a suite in an Oberoi hotel. If I were to have a fantasy companion, it would be Dries Van Noten, so I can learn all about Indian colors, patterns, and prints. India is always evident in his collections.

FAVORITES
Outfit to wear on the plane:
Issey Miyake pants, Giordano cotton long-sleeved shirt, Tse cashmere sweater, and Repetto ballet flats, all in black. I always bring a change of clothes because I like to take a bath in the airport during topovers,
especially before and after a long flight.

Handcarry: A Celestina crocodile bag from a recent collection and a Louis Vuitton green trolley.

Luggage: When I travel with my Celestina bags for trade shows in New York or Paris, I use Zero Halliburton. For family vacations, my super-old Louis Vuitton hard luggage.

Beauty products: Kiehl’s Lip Balm and Hand Lotion with aloe vera and oatmeal, Molton Brown Skinboost 24-hour Moisturizer Mist and Recover Eyes Firm Lift, MAC blush and lipstick, Shu Uemura eyelash curler, Wet Ones.

Gadgets: iPod, Mac laptop, Blackberry, and Nokia phone for use in New York.

Airline: Cathay Pacific—consistent with their service, very clean toilets, good selection of entertainment. I love their food service and presentation, and the Shanghai Tang pajamas are so chic. Duvet blankets are very comfortable, but I wish they could put mattress pads like British Airways does! And even if I take Cathay’s economy class to Hong Kong, I still feel the same service and warmth.

DESTINATIONS
Hotel: Nothing can beat the service of The Peninsula Hong Kong and The Sukhothai in Bangkok.

Resort: Recently we were invited to the soft opening of Aman at Summer Palace in Beijing, China—very charmingly put together! With history evident all over the compound, you get a taste of the real power of China. Although the spa wasn’t ready during our visit, I can tell it’s going to be fantastic!

Restaurants: New York: Il Buco on Bond Street for cleantasting Italian food; Casa Mono on Irving Place for great tapas,; Mitali East at East Village for Indian food that’s reasonably priced and delicious (yummy curry!). Breakfast is always great at Le Pain Quotidien—it’s all over New York and Paris.

Tourist landmark: Mekong river cruise in Laos; the killing fields in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Forbidden City in Beijing, China; Central Park in New York City; Portobello market in London; Murano in Venice; and the pyramids in Egypt.

Europe: Paris for its beautiful architecture, gardens, interiors, and museums. If I had lots of money, I would live there.

North America: In New York, I love the fact that I have great choices: For food, there’s Shake Shack, a burger stand in Madison Square Park. When we get tired of eating out, I go to Greenmarket at Union Square and buy organic vegetables and chicken, goat’s cheese, fruits, fresh herbs, and multi-grained breads and I cook!

SHOPPING
Places to shop: Paris: Marais district has a bohemian feel. Visit the L’Eclaireur shop, Alaïa Atelier, and JGM Galerie to see the incredible Lalanne sculptures. New York: A building on 40 West 26th Street has stalls of antique/vintage furniture, paintings, clothing, and accessories—Marlene’s Boutique has vintage YSL in very good condition. On 18th and Broadway, there is ABC Carpet & Home. The two shops of John Derian are always a pleasure to visit.

Favorite pasalubong for friends and family back home: My kids love the triangle salmon sushi from Narita airport. Chewy Japanese candies are also their favorite. My mom loves long, cotton nightgowns in XXXL and that’s easy to find in America. I bring home French and Italian magazines from Charles de Gaulle airport for my friends. The new Muji at HKIA is a great place to find practical stuff.

Most expensive purchase: Puiforcat cutlery set.

Best bargain purchase: On my last trip to Paris, I bought pieces from Giambattista Valli’s pring/summer 2009 collection at wholesale price—plus, I got to meet him too!