A mix of French sophistication and Pinoy affection

By Inquirer MANILA, Philippines--It is inevitable to feel homesick to some degree when traveling to unfamiliar places abroad. Fortunately for Filipinos in Paris, there’s a place that offers a touch of home, thanks to a young Filipina who has settled in this City of Lights. Dita Moraga, herself initially overwhelmed by the vastness of Europe, has found her heart and home in Hotel Gavarni in Paris, which is managed by husband Xavier Moraga. The couple met at the altar way before they tied the knot: Xavier was choirmaster, the Dumaguete lass the choir’s soloist. The two exchanged vows at the Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church, where NBA champion Tony Parker and “Desperate Housewives’” star Eva Longoria recently got hitched. Cultural differences posed no problem to the Moragas’ union, thanks largely to Dita being well-traveled. Before she lived in Paris, she had stayed in Chicago for four years and in Holland for a year. “I can easily adapt to my surroundings,” says Dita, who now has two beautiful daughters with Xavier. Although she’s grown accustomed to the European lifestyle, Dita admits that she looks forward to her yearly visits to the Philippines and to the warm embrace of family and friends. The sense of family is present as well in her work as hotel gouvernante, says Dita. “More than just a team, our staff works as a family helping each other out.” Agrees longtime employee Luisito Navarro: “I’m not afraid to be under French supervision because they are very understanding. I was initially scared because I did not speak French and did not have legal papers. But now everything’s fine. I’ve acquired a residence card and raised my family here. I’ve brushed up on my French and have a good job.” Most of all, he adds, he feels really proud when guests compliment him on the hotel’s cleanliness and good service. Adds Eusebio Juyad: “Yes, regular guests treat us like family or friends… The French never fail to greet us or express their gratitude with a ‘merci beaucoup.’ ” For their part, the Filipino staff never fails to smile, observes Dita. “The workload can get exhausting, but it is normal,” she says. And Filipinos, despite adversity, always have something to smile about, she adds. Dita herself has a lot to smile about, most of them having to do with being part of a well-managed hotel. Conveniently located just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Gavarni, which was originally built in 1907, was completely refurbished in 2001 but has retained its original red brick façade, stylish iron cast window bars and Art Nouveau touches. It now has 21 rooms with four luxury suites, each of them with a distinct theme. Modern amenities like a massage shower and Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi DSL, a flat screen LCD TV, satellite channels and a DVD player make each room a contemporary haven with world-class services to match. The result is a comforting mix of French sophistication and Filipino affection, a welcoming abode indeed for travelers who long for adventure while pining for the familiar. Hotel Gavarni is at 5 rue Gavarni 75116 Paris. Philip Abadicio