IN my recent trip to the Philippines a couple of weeks ago, I decided to have a much needed R&R at a resort in Camiguin, which fortunately, happened to be owned by a good friend of mine, Kate Hancock.
Kate was one of our “Distinguished Entrepreneur Awardees” at the 2018 The Beautiful Life Celebration Awards. She is a successful Serial Entrepreneur and a Tech and Real Estate Investor who was named as “100 Most Influential Filipina in the World,” “The young Entrepreneur to watch in 2017,” “Women of the Year Nominee” from Orange County Business Journal and a Business of Excellence awardee. According to her online bio, she “has a unique ability to figure out how to create a business from zero knowledge or training. As she puts it she ‘just figures it out.’”
This brilliant woman started her first business with $20 and grew it into a multiple-seven-figure-online store. Then she ventured into the spa business in order to help others who suffered from skin conditions like herself. Now, she has two locations, and it all began from starting in just one treatment room.
She owns the top-rated OC Facial Center in Orange County, Boutique Hotel and Snob Lounge.
Her newest venture is the resort in Camiguin Island, Philippines, where she grew up. Hence, the story of “Bintana sa Paraiso” (translation: window to paradise).
Kate has always dreamt of providing jobs to her fellow Filipinos and promoting Camiguin. She wanted people from around the world to experience the beauty of the island. She has 2 resort properties in Camiguin: The first one is “Bintana Sa Paraiso” in Nasaag which sits perched on a lovely hill at the foot of magnificent Mt. Hibok-Hibok and close to the secluded hot spring that flows gently into the pristine waters of the Bohol Sea. The resort has 6 rooms; each has its own gorgeous pool and a balcony. The Tiki Hut in Binunsaran or BSP House (Beach-front Balinese Style) is their second location. It has 10 rooms that are made of bamboo. You can see the white island view from the second floor. There is a common swimming pool, and you can order room service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kate’s work ethic and personality are also visible in the way her staff provide service. I remember feeling pampered and well-attended to when I stayed at the resort. Her staff were all warm and friendly. They really make the resort feel like your home away from home. Plus! They have a 24-hr butler ready to satisfy your food cravings. It is truly a slice of heaven on earth!
It doesn’t take much for anyone to fall in love with the island of Camiguin, just like what Kate envisions. Not to mention the town boasts of its zero-crime-rate reputation. I also had the best time at Mantigue Island where there is a marine sanctuary reserve where you can free dive and snorkel, a picnic area, mini forest with a bat sanctuary, and did I mention, crystal clear waters? The place definitely gives you the hashtag #livingthelife feels!
I can totally see why Kate loves the place and her visions of putting Camiguin as a prime tourist destination, with ‘Bintana sa Paraiso’ as a “home base.” She has put in a lot of effort to make sure her resort provides a simple and untouched escape, just like the perfect retreat to enjoy nature and spend quality time with your loved ones – in an electronic free ecosystem.
In spite of Kate’s successful life in the U.S., she sees to it that she comes back – and gives back to her hometown. In fact, to pay homage to her beloved town, she and her husband Dan Robbins spent their wedding at the breathtaking White Island sand bar just off the coast of Camiguin. It is reportedly by far, the most pristine white sand beach in the Philippines.
Everything in Camiguin is why people “choose Philippines!” There is no doubt in my mind that Kate’s vision for her birth town and her resort would come into fruition even sooner than she expects. The resort serves as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has all the potential of being a tourist’s safe haven at a place where love and friendship abound.
I remember speaking to Kate last year when I gave her her much-deserved award. She is such a sweet, humble and a real Visionary. I hope that there will be plenty like her in the Filipino American community.
Kate has recently given two inspirational talks in the Philippines and has been featured in Voyage LA, Forbes, INC, Huffington post, Buzzfeed and Modern Luxury Magazine.
To Kate, thank you for such an unforgettable experience. Most of all, thank you for letting me in on your dream project and allowing me to experience your vision. You have indeed opened a “window to paradise” for me.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
lies lies and more lies. more like a self-promoter who has is all about the making the headlines, but no time or even affinity for the details. its all a cover up for something ugly underneath, sort of like makeup.
James is a competitor of Kate from a neighboring Island. Who spends the time to criticize an aspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs which is sad. What a sad life James and go pick on someone else. Typically male trying to bring down a female. Especially how men few women who are Filipina, bullying them and thinking they are above. I have been to her island and resort are amazing. I have recommended to so many of my friends and she has a heart of gold.