Jane Goodall is telling me a story from her childhood. One day, as a toddler, she brought earthworms from her family’s garden into her bedroom. Her mother came in to find her observing them intently. She was “wondering how they got around without legs,” Goodall says she told her mother. “While most mothers would get angry, my mother said to me, ‘Jane, these poor little worms, if we leave them here, they’ll die. They need to be in the garden.’ So we took them back.”
This memory is interrupted when Goodall’s phone rings. Excusing herself, she picks up the call and tells the person on the other line, “I’ll call you back. I’m on a Zoom call, you see,” straining her voice as she draws out the word “zoom.” Then hangs up. “Sorry”, she says, “that was John Hare—or the man I call my camel man. His organisation is working to save the last of the wild Bactrian Camels in China and Mongolia.”
Digital correspondence isn’t her preferred method of communication, but in light of the coronavirus pandemic, video conferencing has become the new normal. Even late-night television has had to reinvent back-andforth banter with slightly awkward Skype calls between hosts and celebrities. As writers, being in rare positions where we’re able to meet our heroes—Goodall being one of mine—we always prefer to speak face-to-face. I make a comment to Goodall that, despite a near-global lockdown, at least technology allows us to carry on with our work and stay in touch with loved ones. She sighs, “Yes, I suppose so.”
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.