Beautiful transformation

MANILA, Philippines - Bea Tenchavez gladly relays her current work and life adventures with much delight. Going back to Manila after a six-year stint in New York as operations manager for a telecom company, she finds her life more exciting than ever as she embarks on new journeys in the Philippines. The decision was easy for the young entrepreneur as the request to come home came from her family’s patriarch — businessman and restaurateur Bob Tenchavez.

“The decision was no surprise even to me since I really was excited to bring my lessons and experiences from the US,” she says. In her heart, it was time to add her own touch to the family company — Design Science Inc., which is into infrastructure engineering support and construction and designing management for public and private sector.  Her excitement, too, was furthered by the idea that a return to her roots was the best way that she could pay it forward.

Bea is a force in resource management. With a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource from De La Salle University and a master’s degree in Tourism and Leisure from the MIB School of Management in Italy, she has spent most of her life learning the ins and outs of the management trade. Her expertise in accounts management and project development has allowed the family business to grow. She has closed more projects from both the private partners and the Philippine government.

Despite the common notion that family businesses are hard to manage because of the blurred lines between the personal and the professional, Bea assures that their family knows that their shared loved for the company would eventually iron out the differences. “We have managed to grow with the business because we know our roles inside the company,” she adds. She also knows that her current position as operations manager requires her to be technical but she believes that she has to give more. “My role is to build relationships,” she explains. Her exposure to various works abroad allowed Bea to put an open line of communication in the center of her management decisions. What separates her from all other managers is her ability to handle people without imposing what should be done to achieve great successes.  

Add to this is the role that mentors play in the process of going through the changes. For Bea, her dad helped her manage the adjustments. “He has always told me to reach out to the ground so we can remain connected with anyone,” she mentions. She has sustained the highest regards for her dad who she calls an entrepreneur at all levels. “My siblings and I saw in him what it needs to become successful since he encouraged us to pursue the things that interest us,” she explains.

When Bea wants to take a breather from her hectic business schedule, she is usually found in her other interest — Refinery. Couched in Rockwell Center, one of the high-quality but comfortable spaces in this part of Makati, the go-to café provides a restful ambience to its diners. “The café reflects the coziness and security that I feel whenever I am in the area,” Bea says. Bea finds refuge in Refinery since the place makes it easy to celebrate the simplicity of comfort. “We know our clients so we know how to serve them,” she proudly shares.

Perhaps one can say that Bea has now found her true home in Manila as she has beautifully celebrated this decision to go home and start anew. Perhaps, it is in her openness to change, too, that brought the best in her. She also believes that if one puts her heart into embracing one’s transformation, then the uncertainty of engaging into the unknown will result to positive learning experiences.

Now that Bea is back, her confidence on how she can shape the directions of her family business and her restaurants radiate to just about anyone. The point, she adds, is to go beyond what is expected and to ensure that everyone becomes happy in the process of adapting to change. Transformations, given the right attitude, are indeed beautiful.

Photography by RITA MARIE • Creative direction and overall styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by BABA PARMA • Hairstyling by RONNIE TUMAMAK

• Associate styling by TARA SUBALDO • Shot on location at REFINERY, JOYA LOFTS AND TOWERS