“For seven years, just up until the pandemic, I was going side by side with two projects. One being creating this artisan village, and the other was this fashion/lifestyle brand. But really, I was learning so much about Filipino culture, architecture, and old methodologies. I was seeing the Filipino crafts and methods become really valuable and a new hospitality project at Ayala. Nobody was thinking about how to infuse our culture or give a guest experience, so I started consulting. I’d spent the last seven years traveling the Philippines and starting businesses on my own that really support everything local Filipino, so it encouraged them to start listening to my ideas. As I worked on more projects I was able to give value by adding that Filipino touch and by coming in as a consumer. The role became official as we transformed a new era of hospitality.”

“There is so much I want to do. A big part of this work is being a part of a team that's able to bring Filipino artisanal craft and service to the forefront. I believe this is the beginning of a journey that could become a lifestyle, and also put the Philippines on a international scale to show what we are able to do in this world. I would love to see our hospitality group branch out, and be able to take it international.”

“I always tell people to try new things and leave their comfort zone. I know it’s so cliche, but honestly I can't say it enough. Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, try it, and anything that’s a new experience, always be open to it. I had so much social anxiety during my teenage years that I was sheltered off and didn't try much, but now I’m more comfortable traveling alone, going to museums alone and learning alone. Never stop learning, and always be open to trying new things.”