Mother's Day 2026 Issue

MANY FACES, ONE FILIPINA SPIRIT

We honor Filipina Mothers whose resilience and heart shape the Filipino story.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 Maria Damian: Two Sides of the Same Calling

10 Loj Toñacao: Weaving Identity, Purpose, and Care into Philippine Heritage

12 Faith, Culture, and Halal Living: The Vision of Amielyn M. Limbona, Alhaj

14 Precision in Control, Lasting Impressions: Charmaine Sy and the Discipline Behind a Seamless Stay

18 Kate Pagkalinawan: Building a Business Rooted in Confidence

20 Inside the Adora Mediterranea, Where the Voyage Becomes the Destination

22 Heddy Yu Tabao: A Life Designed by Purpose, Built Through People, and Elevated by Vision

24 A Night in Italy Without Leaving Manila

26 How Janice Payoyo Turned Creativity Into a Purpose-Driven Brand

27 Built on Faith, Carried by Purpose: The Story of Aryanne Fatima Claire Bonifacio Gengos

28 Building With Clarity: Joy Razon and the Work Behind Modern Brands

29 Where Alignment Begins: Lucky Guerzon on Leadership and Building with Intention

30 The Architect of Meaningful Moments: Louise Go Flores on Creating Experiences that Lasts Beyond the Day

ANA MANANSALA

CESAR CRUZ JR.

MELANY SIMBUL

JOANNA GARINGARAO

PATRICIA MALICSE

TESS DENILLA, CEZ CABILES, CARLO GUISON

MARVIN ESTIGOY

PETE DACUYCUY

RHODA LUNA

LEILA DAVID, JOHN PAOLO TAMPOS

REY VELOIRA

KUKU SAMSON, JUAN PABLO ARTICIFIO

GEL BAYONA

DAVID HUANG

ANA KARINA JARDIN

DANTE NICO GARCIA

JHIE TINIO

VINCENT VAN GOLD

LEONITA ACOSTA

Publisher Editor-In-Chief

Editorial Assistant

Digital Associate

Social Media Associate

Sales and Marketing Team

Business Development Consultant

PR Consultant

Marketing Consultant

Digital Content Contributors

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Writers

UK and London

Taiwan, HK and China

Malaysia

Partners

Palawan

Nueva Ecija

Iloilo

Finance Head

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

As we celebrate this Mother’s Day issue of Experience Travel and Living, we honor not just motherhood, but the many faces of the Filipina spirit—resilient, nurturing, visionary, graceful, and quietly powerful.

Across generations, Filipinas have carried stories of sacrifice and strength. They build homes while building dreams, lead businesses while leading families, and continue to move forward with courage even in uncertain times. Whether she is a mother, entrepreneur, creator, leader, caregiver, or dreamer, the Filipina woman carries within her a remarkable ability to transform challenges into purpose and love into lasting impact.

In this special issue, we celebrate women from different walks of life whose journeys reflect the evolving identity of the modern Filipina. Some lead industries, some inspire communities, while others create meaningful change within their

own homes and personal spaces. Yet despite their different paths, they are united by one thing: a spirit that continues to rise with strength, compassion, and intention.

At Experience Travel and Living, we believe that every journey tells a story—not only of places explored, but of lives deeply lived. This issue is dedicated to the women who remind us that success is not measured solely by achievements, but by the lives we touch, the values we uphold, and the love we give along the way.

To all mothers and women who continue to shape families, communities, businesses, and dreams—this issue is for you.

Ana Manansala Publisher, Experience Travel and Living

EDITOR'S NOTE

There isn’t just one way to be a Filipina. In this special Mother’s Day issue of Experience Travel & Living, we celebrate women from different paths, industries, and life stages—each with her own story, each shaping her own space. On our cover, they stand not as a single image, but as a reflection of individuality and shared strength.

Today’s Filipina steps into many roles—mother, leader, creator, caregiver, changemaker—on her own terms. She builds, leads, nurtures, and leaves her mark where it matters most.

“Many Faces, One Filipina Spirit” is both a celebration and a recognition. Behind every achievement is a story worth telling, and in these pages, we honor those stories—real and still being written.

May this issue remind you that strength takes many forms—and each one counts.

Cesar Cruz Jr. Editor-in-Chief Experience Travel and Living

MARIA DAMIAN: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME CALLING

A journey shaped by healthcare and entertainment, where both paths serve the same purpose: healing.

by AMPR

When Maria Theresa Quimora aka Maria Damian speaks about her life, two worlds come up right away. Healthcare and entertainment.

She doesn’t see them as separate. For her, they serve the same purpose. Both are forms of healing, just expressed differently.

She built her foundation in healthcare, working within a space where care is immediate and precise. That same instinct carries into what she does now in entertainment, where the work is less clinical but no less personal.

Her perspective shifted after being diagnosed with breast cancer. It forced her to confront her own limits and rethink how she wanted to spend her time. What followed was not a departure from healthcare, but an expansion of how she chose to show up.

Today, she runs a U.S.-based studio that supports Filipino artists through production, sound engineering, and long-term development. It’s not designed as a passive platform. Artists don’t just come in to record and leave. They are guided, challenged, and supported through the process.

Before anything begins, she asks a simple question: “What do you want to do with your life?”

It sets the direction early. It also filters who is ready to commit.

Her involvement goes beyond the studio. From vocal development to the logistical realities of building a career abroad, she stays present in the parts most people overlook.

In an industry that often focuses on visibility and numbers, Maria pays attention to something else - Character.

Motivation and discipline are non-negotiable for her. Skills can be developed. Commitment cannot be forced.

She is also realistic about the work. The returns are not always immediate, and sometimes not financial. Still, she continues to invest her time and resources into artists who are willing to stay in the process.

“If I win, everybody around me wins.” she said.

It’s a line that reflects how she operates, especially when it comes to creating space for Filipino talent to grow beyond familiar limits. What she built in entertainment doesn’t replace what she does in healthcare. It runs alongside it.

Different environments, One clear mission.

LOJ TOÑACAO : WEAVING IDENTITY, PURPOSE, AND CARE INTO PHILIPPINE HERITAGE

A purpose-driven journey where fashion and healthcare come together to honour identity, culture, and care.

by AMPR

Inan era where industries often move fast and forget their roots, Loj Toñacao chooses a different path—one that is intentional, deeply personal, and grounded in identity. At the intersection of fashion and healthcare, she is building more than brands. She is shaping a narrative— one that honors Filipino heritage while redefining how it lives in the modern world.

Her journey did not begin with a business strategy. It began with a question.

As a woman and a mother, Loj found herself searching for meaning beyond the roles she carried. In that quiet, introspective space, she turned to Filipino heritage— discovering in indigenous textiles a sense of clarity and connection. These were not just fabrics, but stories. Anchors. Reminders of who we are. From this personal rediscovery, Anthologie was born—not as a brand, but as an expression of identity and legacy.

For Loj, entrepreneurship is inseparable from motherhood. Every creation carries a deeper intention: to build something her children can be proud of, and to leave behind a legacy rooted in culture and purpose.

Through Anthologie, she reimagines traditional Filipino weaves for a contemporary audience. Yet in a world driven by trends, she operates on a different principle—respect. Respect for the artisans, for the stories embedded in every thread, and for the integrity of cultural identity. She does not design based on what is popular, but on what is meaningful.

And she is honest about the process.

“Is there really a balance?” she once shared, acknowledging that navigating tradition and innovation is never perfect. Instead, it is a continuous negotiation—choosing what must be protected, and what can evolve. What she has learned, however, is that the global market is not asking for sameness. It is seeking authenticity. In this, Filipino heritage becomes not a limitation, but a powerful advantage.

Her vision extends beyond fashion into another essential space—healthcare.

With Alaga Medical Clothing, Loj brings the same philosophy of dignity and care into the lives of healthcare professionals. Here, design becomes an act of service. Uniforms are no longer just functional— they are intentional, thoughtfully created to make individuals feel seen, valued, and respected in environments where they give so much of themselves.

Though Anthologie and Alaga serve different industries, they are united by a singular purpose: to honor people.

At the core of her work is a deeper understanding of sustainability—one that goes beyond environmental conversations. For Loj, sustainability is cultural and economic. It is about ensuring that weaving traditions continue, that artisans are fairly valued, and that communities are supported not just today, but for generations to come.

She challenges entrepreneurs to rethink their role—not as buyers, but as partners. True sustainability, she believes, requires consistent demand, fair pricing, and shared growth. It is about building relationships, not transactions.

This mindset extends into her leadership beyond her businesses. Through her involvement with the Philippine Young

Entrepreneurs Association and the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Council, Loj champions a new kind of entrepreneurship—one that is purposedriven, inclusive, and ecosystem-focused.

She sees a promising future for Filipino entrepreneurs, particularly women, who are already excelling in storytelling, design, and innovation. Yet she also speaks with clarity about what is still needed.

“Talent has never been the issue,” she emphasizes. “Women are already building and leading.” What must follow are stronger systems—access to funding, mentorship, protection, and opportunities that allow businesses to scale sustainably. Because true progress is not just about celebrating success, but about creating environments where success can continue.

For Loj, the goal is no longer just to build

brands—it is to build ecosystems. Spaces where culture, commerce, and community move forward together.

In every piece she creates—whether a garment woven from heritage or a uniform designed for care—there is a quiet but powerful message: Filipinos deserve to feel seen.

Seen in their culture.

Seen in their work.

Seen in their identity.

Loj Toñacao is not simply designing products. She is weaving stories, restoring pride, and reminding us that who we are is not something we leave behind as we grow—it is something we carry forward, with intention, dignity, and purpose.

FAITH, CULTURE, & HALAL LIVING :

AMIELYN "ASLIYAH" M. LIMBONA, ALHAJ

A vision grounded in faith and cultural identity, shaping a more inclusive future for halal wellness and Muslim empowerment.

by AMPR

Atthe intersection of faith, cultural identity, and inclusive development stands Amielyn Asliyah M. Limbona, Alhaj—a visionary leader shaping the future of halal wellness and Muslim empowerment in the Philippines.

A former Commissioner for Culture of the Philippine Commission on Women, Limbona has long championed culturally grounded governance. Her work ensures that Muslim Filipinos—particularly women from Bangsamoro communities— are not only represented but empowered as active contributors to national progress. Through her leadership, she reinforces the idea that identity and development can coexist, strengthening both social inclusion and economic participation.

Central to her advocacy is her role as Founder of Arkat Lawanen, a movement dedicated to organizing and uplifting Sharia-compliant halal health and wellness practitioners. In collaboration with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, this initiative helps formalize halal wellness standards—positioning the Philippines as a growing hub for Muslimfriendly tourism and ethical wellness practices.

Her work reflects a broader understanding of halal living—not merely as a dietary rule, but as a complete lifestyle rooted in intention, discipline, and respect. While commonly associated with food, halal extends far beyond the plate. It influences travel, hospitality, finance, fashion, and wellness—creating a framework for clean, ethical, and mindful living.

In tourism and hospitality, halal principles are now shaping more inclusive experiences. Hotels and establishments are adapting with features such as Qibla markers, prayer spaces, and facilities for ablution. These thoughtful integrations reflect a deeper respect for cultural needs while enhancing the overall guest experience for both Muslim and non-Muslim travelers.

In the wellness space, this evolves into Sharia-compliant services—where both products and practices align with Islamic values. From ingredient sourcing to service delivery, emphasis is placed on purity, safety, and professionalism. Gender-sensitive care ensures comfort and dignity, while the avoidance of harmful or prohibited substances elevates trust and credibility. These standards, while rooted in faith, ultimately raise the bar for the entire wellness industry.

Beyond advocacy, Limbona’s leadership also drives economic empowerment. By promoting halal-certified products and services, she supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially women-led businesses. Through education, mentorship, and awareness programs, entrepreneurs are enabled to scale while remaining grounded in their cultural and religious identity. This creates a sustainable pathway for participation in the expanding global halal economy.

A key pillar of this movement is the integration of faith and innovation. By working closely with Islamic scholars and halal-certifying bodies, Limbona ensures that growth remains anchored in authentic teachings. This balance fosters trust within communities while opening doors for innovation that is both culturally sensitive and globally competitive.

As the demand for halal products, services, and experiences continues to rise worldwide, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to participate in this growth. Through leaders like Limbona, halal living is being redefined—not as a limitation, but as a refined and conscious way of life.

Ultimately, her work is a testament to purposeful leadership—one that bridges faith and modernity, culture and commerce, tradition and innovation. In a fast-changing world, halal living offers a universal message: that ethical choices, cultural respect, and mindful practices are not only relevant—but essential to building inclusive and sustainable communities.

CHARMAINE SY: PRECISION IN CONTROL AND CONTINUITY

The discipline behind seamless operations and quietly elevated guest experiences

by Kuku Samson

Morning light settles across the lobby of Wyndham Garden Manila Bay in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, just as the first departures begin to thin and the day’s arrivals quietly gather at the edges. The air carries that in-between stillness—luggage wheels muted against the floor, greetings kept low. At the center of it, Resident Manager Charmaine Sy moves without urgency, her attention fixed not on any single point, but on the rhythm of the room.

It is a rhythm shaped over more than two decades in hospitality, across sales, marketing, and operations. A span of time that has sharpened her sense of what guests notice—and what they should never have to.

“I’ve always been driven by the challenge of building high-performing teams, driving revenue growth, and elevating guest experiences,” she says. “This role gave me the opportunity to

contribute to a global brand while strengthening the property in a competitive market.”

Her responsibilities are precise: overseeing daily operations, aligning departments, and maintaining performance. Yet the work itself is often invisible. It lives in anticipation. A delay prevented before it ripples. A concern resolved before it reaches the front desk.

On fully booked nights, when arrivals come in steady waves, Sy does not raise her voice. She narrows her focus. Instructions tighten. Movements become more deliberate. The aim is not perfection, but continuity.

“One of the key challenges in leadership is navigating operational gaps while maintaining team alignment and guest satisfaction,” she explains. “I stay solution-oriented, set clear expectations, and keep communication open.”

Her leadership is structured, but never distant.

“I value empathy, resilience, and accountability,” she says. “I believe in leading with both strength and understanding.”

That balance defines the guest experience. Positioned along Manila Bay, the hotel offers both access and pause—a space where business and leisure intersect without friction. Sy keeps her description grounded.

“Our experience is defined by comfort, value, and genuine Filipino hospitality,” she says. “We focus on delivering a seamless and reliable stay where guests feel welcomed and confident in their choice.”

For Sy, hospitality is cumulative. Not shaped by grand gestures, but by consistency—small actions repeated with care.

“I want every guest to remember a stay that was seamless, comfortable, and truly worth the value,” she reflects. “More importantly, they should feel genuinely taken care of.”

As the lobby fills and the day fully takes hold, Sy remains within its movement—observing, adjusting, ensuring alignment without drawing attention to the effort behind it.

In the end, her work is measured not by what is seen, but by what never needs to be noticed.

KATE PAGKALINAWAN :

BUILDING A BUSINESS ROOTED IN CONFIDENCE

How discipline and daily habits transform wellness into a foundation for confidence. Leading with intention across global business and the core values of home.

by AMPR

Kate Pagkalinawan: Building a Business Rooted in Confidence

In today’s evolving wellness economy, leadership is no longer defined solely by scale or profitability. It is increasingly shaped by intention—by how founders live, lead, and translate personal discipline into brands that endure.

For Kate Pagkalinawan, Founder and CEO of Blue Sapphire Beauty and Wellness Inc. and President and CEO of iSkin Aesthetic Lifestyle, wellness is not a passing trend. It is infrastructure—an everyday system that supports confidence, longevity, and selfworth.

With years of experience in the aesthetic clinic space, Pagkalinawan observed a recurring gap. While treatments delivered visible results, clients often asked the same question: how do they sustain these outcomes beyond the clinic?

“That question stayed with me,” she shares. “It made me realize that beauty and confidence don’t begin with procedures alone—they begin with daily habits.”

This insight led to the creation of Blue Sapphire Beauty and Wellness, a brand

positioned at the intersection of science, lifestyle, and discipline. Rather than competing in saturated beauty categories, Blue Sapphire reframes wellness as a business of confidence—one that is built from within and strengthened through consistency.

Her philosophy is deeply personal. Pagkalinawan leads with structure and intention, integrating wellness into her daily life rather than treating it as an afterthought. This same mindset shaped the brand’s flagship ingestibles, Emerald Premium Collagen and Tiger Eye Barley Coffee—products designed to seamlessly fit into modern routines while supporting radiance, vitality, and long-term balance.

In a crowded wellness landscape, what sets Blue Sapphire apart is its restraint. The brand avoids exaggerated claims and vanity-driven messaging, choosing instead to communicate with scientific clarity and quiet confidence. “Luxury doesn’t have to be loud,” Pagkalinawan notes. “True luxury is quality, credibility, and ease.”

As a CEO, a wife, and a mother, Pagkalinawan embodies a version of leadership that goes beyond boardrooms and business metrics. Her days are carefully structured, balancing the demands of running two companies while remaining fully present in her roles at home. She approaches motherhood with the same intentionality she brings to her business—grounded, disciplined, and deeply nurturing.

For her, success is not about choosing between career and family, but about designing a life where both can coexist with purpose. She believes that the same principles that build strong businesses— consistency, clarity, and long-term vision— are the very foundations of a strong family.

“At the end of the day, everything I build is rooted in the life I want to create for my family,” she shares. “Wellness is not just about how we look or feel—it’s about how we show up for the people who matter most.”

As a wife, she values partnership and shared growth, recognizing that a strong support system is essential in sustaining both personal and professional success. As a mother, she leads by example—instilling discipline, confidence, and self-worth not through words alone, but through the life she lives daily.

As a Filipina founder, she is equally intentional about representation. Pagkalinawan believes that local brands can compete on a global stage when they are thoughtfully built, responsibly formulated, and led with discipline.

For her, success is not measured by visibility alone, but by trust—earned over time through consistency and care.

This Mother’s Day, her story resonates beyond business. It reflects a deeper truth: that confidence—much like motherhood— is nurtured daily, shaped by discipline, and grounded in purpose.

In both business and life, Kate Pagkalinawan’s message remains clear: confidence is not created overnight. It is built—deliberately, consistently, and from within.

INSIDE THE ADORA MEDITERRANEA WHERE THE VOYAGE BECOMES THE DESTINATION

A vision grounded in faith and cultural identity, shaping a more inclusive future for halal wellness and Muslim empowerment.

by Cesar Cruz Jr.

Whena once-in-a-lifetime cruise invitation arrives, you don’t check your calendar—you clear it.

For the Experience Travel and Living team, that meant flying from Manila to Xiamen to board a chartered cruise the next day. The journey begins before the ship appears, unfolding through airports, arrivals, and the point where logistics give way to anticipation.

At the port, Filipino guests joined Chinese passengers on board, setting off on the same voyage.

As we approach the gangway of the Adora Mediterranea, the crew breaks into cheers, flags raised high.

Boarding as VIP guests removes all friction. No queues, no waiting. The transition is immediate, like stepping into a world already in motion.

Inside, scale reshapes perception.

The ship is organized around a central atrium, with lounges and public venues extending across multiple decks. The layout centers on a large atrium with surrounding public venues across multiple decks, creating a continuous flow between dining, leisure, and entertainment areas. The European-built design is visible in its layered decorative details and varied interiors across public areas. Guests move easily through open spaces that link different parts of the ship throughout the day.

The buffet operates at full service. We meet Filipino executive chef Ceferino Ogayan, who sets the tone with energy—offering Filipino dishes alongside a rotating international selection.

Filipino crew members—especially in dining—turn service into interaction. They sing, slip in dance steps, and share humor as they serve. It feels natural rather than staged.

After dinner, a mandatory passenger emergency drill is conducted in line with maritime safety regulations—efficient and structured, underscoring the systems behind the experience.

The day continues without fixed urgency. Breakfast service is already underway the next morning. Guests move at their own pace.

Before lunch, a VIP cocktail gathering with the captain shifts the tone. We meet Captain Radoslav Vasilev Kalchev of Bulgaria, composed and deliberate, in command of a complex operation at sea. At night, passengers and officers share the dance floor, formal boundaries dissolving into music and movement.

A themed evening transforms the ship. Lighting shifts, costumes appear, and the space becomes fully immersive. At its peak, gold balloons fall from above, filling the air as passengers respond in unfiltered delight. Between these moments are quieter details: a cabin prepared with towel figures, a fruit basket placed without announcement, corridors leading into less crowded areas. A galley tour reveals disciplined coordination—thousands of meals moving through precise systems. On the bridge, the captain emphasizes that the foremost responsibility is the safety and wellbeing of all on board.

By the time Manila reappears, the return feels less like an ending and more like reentry into a familiar world after one that moved differently.

As the Adora Mediterranea prepares for its Manila-to-Japan sailings in December 2026, it reflects a shift in travel: not movement between destinations, but travel as the destination itself.

For inquiries, travelers may contact accredited travel agencies for schedules and package availability.

HEDDY YU TABAO :

A LIFE DESIGNED BY PURPOSE, BUILT THROUGH PEOPLE, AND ELEVATED BY VISION

From motherhood to tech innovation: transforming lives through intentional leadership. Building a legacy where business serves as a vehicle for social transformation.

by AMPR

Frommotherhood to business and social impact, Heddy Yu Tabao’s journey reflects a clear throughline: purpose expressed through action.

Her story did not begin with ambition, but with intention. Before building companies, she was a devoted wife and mother of five, asking a simple but defining question: What more can I do?

“I asked God to use me—whatever that meant, wherever that would lead.”

Her first venture, Klassic Solutions Inc., grew from observation. Drawing from her husband’s legal background in labor, she recognized the gap between companies needing people and individuals needing opportunity. KLASSIC became a manpower bridge—serving both local and international clients—while grounding its work in dignity.

“When you give one person a job, you don’t just change one life—you change a whole family.”

That belief shaped her approach: business as a means to create impact beyond profit. Her path soon expanded. During the pandemic, while many paused, Heddy moved toward systems and technology. Through Brains Infinite Innovations, she entered the tech space with a focus on practical solutions.

At the center is the Millennium Dynamic Touch Panel, a Filipino-designed platform integrating tools for education, communication, and enterprise. More than a device, it functions as an adaptable system for modern operations.

“It’s not just a product. It’s a solution—built to adapt, built to grow.”

Recognizing that many entrepreneurs struggle not from lack of vision but from lack of structure, she developed The Connector—a digital backbone integrating ERP, POS, payroll, and inventory systems. This evolved into the Business Doctor, an ecosystem combining technology, manpower, legal, and management support.

“You don’t have to build alone. There are systems that can help you grow.”

Alongside enterprise, her advocacy deepened. Through Helping Youth Transcend Foundation Inc., she focused on young people navigating uncertainty. What began as mentorship grew into a broader initiative for development and empowerment.

One key program, Grace in a Cart, provides families with livelihood tools and a framework for accountability and sustainability.

“We don’t just give. We teach them how to rise—and help others rise too.”

Despite her expanding ventures, Heddy remains anchored in family. Travel, for her, is not escape but reconnection—a way to pause and be present together.

In the end, her work across industries— manpower, technology, and social impact— forms a single, continuous narrative. Not separate pursuits, but connected expressions of purpose.

success: not as accumulation, but as contribution— measured by the systems built and the lives improved along the way.

A NIGHT IN ITALY WITHOUT LEAVING MANILA

by Ceasar Cruz Jr.

Whatmakes an Italian dining experience unforgettable—a perfectly blistered pizza, a glass of rich Shiraz, or the feeling of being somewhere warm and effortlessly inviting? At La Piazza in Okada Manila, you get all that and more.

At La Piazza, that feeling comes to life—and then some. A genuine love for food shows up in every detail—from the cozy setting to every bite on your plate. From the moment the Experience Travel and Living team stepped in, it felt less like entering a restaurant and more like crossing into a different world.

Spaces That Set the Mood

The restaurant reveals itself in thoughtfully designed spaces, each with its own personality. The Trattoria leans toward a relaxed, welcoming vibe—barrel tables, an open bar, and an easygoing energy that invites you to settle in with a Speck e Rucola pizza, its blistered crust topped with mozzarella, speck ham, arugula, ricotta,

and Parmesan flakes, paired perfectly with a glass of Shiraz. Hidden in plain sight is the Chef’s Table, tucked between wine chillers. It’s an intimate corner made for two, quietly romantic without trying too hard—exactly the kind of spot you’d reserve for a special evening.

Then there’s the Ristorante, which shifts the mood entirely. With crystal chandeliers, plush seating, and a clear view of The Fountain, the space feels elevated yet unpretentious. Conversations linger, courses are savored, and every detail contributes to the experience.

More Than a Meal

We were warmly welcomed by the Okada Manila Team, who joined us throughout the meal. After a few pleasantries and exchanged calling cards, we were ushered into what would become a memorable evening.

Restaurant manager Michael Barrazo shared that “the whole restaurant is available for events with a consumable amount… reasonable,” noting that the space can host up to 170 guests. He added that “not everybody arrives at the same time, so guests can enjoy cocktails outside, have a little chitchat before the dinner proper.”

Michael takes pride in La Piazza being the only European-themed restaurant in the property run and owned by Okada itself. With experience from the Disney Cruise Line, he ensures service is attentive yet effortless. He also noted that while some guests may feel intimidated by the wine displays, “once you’re inside and interacting with the team, you’ll feel comfortable. Dining is for you to be comfortable, not intimidated.”

A Culinary Journey

Italian chef Mattia Stroppa, executive chef across the property, leads the kitchen. Trained in Dubai and Switzerland, he focuses on handcrafted pastas and breads. We began with antipasti—an elegant spread of cold cuts, cheeses, and accompaniments—alongside fresh burrata. The pizzas, including the Speck e Rucola, impressed, followed by pastas like cavatelli in truffle cream and spaghetti alle vongole.

The lasagna, a special recipe of Chef Mattia, was indulgent and comforting. From the grill, the bistecca tomahawk emerged as the pièce de résistance—cooked in a Josper grill for a smoky flavor while remaining tender and juicy. The risotto alla pescatora followed, rich with seafood flavors. Dessert, tiramisù and panna cotta, rounded out the meal beautifully.

Where Dining Becomes A Destination

La Piazza is about more than food— it’s an experience. Warm, attentive service, thoughtfully designed spaces, and dishes executed with care make it feel effortless. By the end of the evening, what lingered wasn’t just flavors, but the sense of having been transported to somewhere unmistakably Italian.

THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN DESIGN OF JANICE PAYOYO

Redefining beauty through trust, restraint, and a deep understanding of each patient.

by Juan Pablo Artificio

How Janice Payoyo Turned Creativity Into a Purpose-Driven Brand

For Janice Payoyo, the beginnings of Buhay Princesa were not rooted in ambition, but in a search for direction.

Twelve years ago, she found herself in a deeply uncertain place. Struggling with purpose, it was her aunt’s decision to sponsor jewelry-making classes that quietly changed everything. What began as a therapeutic routine—beading, shaping wire, creating piece by piece—soon became a source of meaning. Even in that difficult season, she produced some of her most beautiful work.

Support came from afar. While in the United States, her mother began selling her creations and saw their potential. Encouraged by this, Janice and a friend named the brand Buhay Princesa—a reflection of identity, faith, and the belief in one’s inherent worth.

The journey, however, was far from linear.

A seven-year pause followed, as the business struggled without clear sales channels in a pre-digital marketplace. Its revival came when Janice was introduced to textile jewelry, expanding her creative process. During her time in Toastmasters, she found her audience, with professionals embracing her highly personalized pieces. Today, Buhay Princesa is as much about people as it is about design. Janice works with women who help bring her creations to life, navigating the balance between empathy and professionalism.

“There are moments to listen,” she says, “and moments to stand firm. We have commitments.”

Her creative process remains intuitive. Rather than relying on sketches, she builds designs organically, often shaped by client input. Customization defines her work, making each piece personal—while also presenting the constant challenge of meeting evolving expectations.

For Janice, success is not measured by scale, but by purpose. Small moments, like customers sharing photos of themselves wearing her designs, serve as reminders to keep going.

Now, with guidance from a mentor, she is beginning to approach the business with more structure—integrating systems, forecasting, and clearer processes to support long-term growth.

Still, her vision remains rooted in impact. Inspired by her family’s legacy of service, she hopes Buhay Princesa will continue to uplift communities, particularly by creating opportunities for women. “I want it to be known as a business that helped a lot of people,” she shares.

What began as a personal refuge has become something more enduring: a brand shaped by resilience, guided by faith, and committed to creating not just beautiful pieces, but meaningful change.

BUILT ON FAITH, CARRIED BY PURPOSE

by Juan Pablo Artificio

For Aryanne Gengos, business was never part of the original plan. As a teenage mother, she stepped into entrepreneurship out of necessity, carrying the weight of responsibility long before she felt fully ready. What began as survival slowly evolved into something more purposeful.

Today, she leads multiple ventures, serving as Director for Education of Gencys Group, CMO of Dear Darling E-commerce, and CEO of Exponential University. Through her work, she focuses on making business education practical, accessible, and attainable for aspiring entrepreneurs.

One of the defining moments in her journey came from a simple decision: using P4,000 saved

her baby’s Christmas money to take a chance on herself. There was no certainty, only faith. Looking back, it became proof that sometimes growth begins with simply deciding to start.

Through Exponential University, Aryanne now helps others build confidence, create opportunities, and believe that progress is possible even in uncertain seasons. For her, success is no longer measured by numbers alone, but by the ability to build something meaningful while helping others grow along the way.

Grounded by faith, family, and purpose, Aryanne continues to lead with the belief that imperfect beginnings can still lead to extraordinary outcomes.

BUILDING WITH CLARITY

by Juan Pablo Artificio

There is a difference between a product that sells and one that lasts. Marle Joy Razon builds for the second.

At 35, she serves as Board and Brand Director of Gencys Group while leading research and development at Nexus. She is also a wife and mother of two, balancing multiple roles with a clear sense of purpose.

“I’ve always believed that every product should create a meaningful experience… something that genuinely adds value.”

That belief shapes how she approaches brand building. For Joy, products must do more than attract attention. They need to work in real life, serve people well, and remain worth returning to.

Her work at Gencys spans strategy, design, sourcing, and testing, treating each stage as part of a larger system. The goal is not short-term momentum, but brands built with structure and longevity.

As Gencys expanded, the impact of her work became more visible beyond products alone. Teams found direction, entrepreneurs gained support, and customers found value. Business became less about outputs and more about shaping outcomes.

At home and at work, she follows one principle: lead yourself first. Taking care of her physical, emotional, and mental well-being allows her to stay grounded and make clearer decisions.

Her idea of success is equally practical. It is the freedom to choose how she spends her time, remain present for her family, and continue building on her own terms.

“There is no single definition of what we should be.”

Through her work, Joy Razon represents a steady and deliberate way of building—one centered on value, clarity, and long-term impact. The real measure of success, for her, begins after the launch.

WHERE ALIGNMENT BEGINS

by Juan Pablo Artificio

For Marynoor “Lucky” Guerzon, leadership grew from an early instinct for structure and clarity. Long before corporate titles, she was already drawn to improving how people worked, communicated, and moved toward a shared direction.

Today, as Group Vice President for Corporate Affairs at GENCYS Group and co-founder of a multi-sector holding company, she occupies a role shaped as much by judgment as execution. Her background began in healthcare as a registered nurse before expanding across industries, experiences that refined a leadership approach grounded in both precision and awareness of people.

A defining shift came when professional growth no longer felt fully aligned with her personal direction. The experience prompted a quieter recalibration, one that changed how she approached decisions,

work, and success itself. Ambition remained, but with greater intention behind it.

That perspective carries into every part of her life, including motherhood and leadership. Balance, for her, is less a fixed state than an ongoing discipline of presence and discernment. Her faith informs much of that steadiness, allowing space for trust alongside responsibility.

The businesses she helps build reflect the same philosophy: longevity shaped by integrity, clarity, and purpose. In the end, alignment is not an abstract ideal for Lucky. It is the standard by which she chooses to lead and live.

THE ARCHITECT OF MEANINGFUL MOMENTS

by Juan Pablo Artificio

In an industry often driven by spectacle, Louise Go Flores takes a more intentional approach. As the mind behind Stellar Events, she creates experiences designed not just to impress, but to leave lasting memories.

Her journey began during an internship with a transformational coaching organization, where she witnessed how well-crafted events could shift perspectives and inspire change. But it was while planning her own destination wedding that the work became deeply personal. She realized she was not simply organizing events. She was creating moments people would carry with them long after.

Today, Louise moves between large-scale productions and intimate celebrations with the same philosophy: what matters most is how an experience makes people feel. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a destination wedding, or a room filled with thousands, her goal remains the same—to create something meaningful and memory-worthy.

Balancing leadership and motherhood also