At the heart of the country’s most magical destination, Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the province’s tourism industry opened a new chapter—one marked by unity, empowerment, and shared vision. On October 22, 2025, more than a hundred leaders and entrepreneurs gathered for the first Laguna Tourism Council Meeting under the administration of Governor Sol Aragones.
Among the distinguished attendees was Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Los Baños (PCCI-LB), who was personally invited by Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, President of the Laguna Tourism Council and Chief Operating Officer of Enchanted Kingdom. For Nicolas, this gathering was more than an event but it was a reflection of the values she has long stood for: collaboration, inclusivity, and leadership with heart.
“It
was my privilage to be part of this historical event with big businesses in
Laguna that caters the Tourism sector. I am glad that I attended and met these
inspiring entrepreneurs.”- Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas
A
Leader Who Connects Business and Community
Known for her unwavering dedication to empowering
entrepreneurs, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas has built her name as one of the most
dynamic leaders in Laguna’s business landscape. As the first woman to lead PCCI
Los Baños, she has turned the organization into a catalyst for inclusive growth
and sustainable innovation.
Under her leadership, Los Baños Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (LBCCI) achieved recognition as part of Philippine Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (PCCI) and as an accredited Civil Society Organization (CSO)
within the municipality—granting it the privilege to take part in local
government planning, development, and policy consultations. This milestone
reflects her belief that businesses thrive best when they serve not only profit
but also people and the planet.
“Tourism
is about people—it’s about how communities open their hearts and homes to share
what makes them unique,” she often emphasizes. “When local businesses are part of that
story, growth becomes truly sustainable.”
Her philosophy aligns perfectly with Governor Sol Aragones’ tourism vision—anchored on three key pillars: Cluster Development of Tourist Attractions, Human Capital Development, and Strong Marketing and Promotion. These goals, built on collaboration, mirror Nicolas’s own approach to leadership—fostering unity among diverse sectors to achieve collective progress.
Bridging
the Private Sector and Tourism Growth
As the meeting unfolded inside Enchanted Kingdom’s iconic
gates, the energy was unmistakable—optimism, collaboration, and ambition filled
the air. Representatives from hotels, resorts, farms, and restaurants from
across Laguna gathered to explore how the province could elevate its tourism
brand and visitor experience.
Engr. Nicolas contributed to the discussions with a
private-sector perspective: emphasizing how entrepreneurship, innovation, and
sustainability can strengthen tourism’s foundation with An offer to help all
members into promoting their campaigns through the 3 print magazines under her;
Rising Tigers, InCharge and TopNewsAsia.
Her experience working closely with national organizations like PCCI National
and PCCI Quezon City allowed her to bring best practices and business insights
that could help align local efforts with broader economic goals.
She was joined by other prominent attendees, including
Villa Teresita Resort’s Maria Odessa Escaler, Sulyap Gallery Café’s Roy
Empalmado, and Esmeris Farm’s Victor and Amanda Esmeris, proving that Laguna’s
tourism heartbeat comes from its people—the dreamers, the builders, and the
innovators.
Empowered
by Women, Guided by Vision
The meeting also symbolized the rise of women leading the
transformation of Laguna’s tourism landscape. Governor Sol Aragones, known for her journalistic background and
hands-on governance, sets a tone of transparency and vision. Meanwhile, Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, a multi-awarded
tourism advocate and the driving force behind Enchanted Kingdom’s success,
serves as the perfect embodiment of how leadership can inspire both creativity
and community.
Standing beside them was Engr. Nicolas—another woman of
impact whose influence spans across industries. As the Co-Founder of Rising
Tigers Magazine, she has created a platform that celebrates leadership,
innovation, and nation-building. Through her initiatives like the Asia Leaders
Awards and Global Excellence Awards, she continuously shines a spotlight on
Filipino excellence and the spirit of service that defines true leadership.
Her journey, from a local entrepreneur in Laguna to one of
the country’s most recognized female business leaders, is a story of resilience
and purpose—proof that when women lead with compassion and vision, entire
communities rise with them.
Laguna’s
Future: A Shared Journey
The Laguna Tourism Council meeting’s theme, “One Mind, One Heart, One Direction,” perfectly
encapsulates what Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas advocates in every field she
touches. For her, collaboration is not just a strategy—it’s a way of life.
As infrastructure projects like the Laguna Lakeshore Road
Network and Calamba-Bay Bypass Road promise to open new tourism corridors across
the province, she envisions a future where every municipality—Los Baños,
Calamba, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Majayjay—thrives together. “Tourism should lift everyone, from the smallest business owner to
the largest hotel operator,” she shared.
Her advocacy for sustainability also extends beyond
tourism. As a plant-based lifestyle
advocate and supporter of green entrepreneurship, Nicolas champions a
modern approach to economic development—one that balances innovation with
responsibility to the environment.
One
Heart for Laguna
At the conclusion of the council meeting, as leaders posed
for photos under the banner of unity, there was an unmistakable sense of hope.
Laguna’s tourism is no longer just about destinations but it’s about people who
care deeply, collaborate openly, and lead courageously.
And among them, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas stands as a
beacon of what leadership truly means—empowering others, connecting sectors,
and ensuring that progress is shared by all. What she is all about.
Because for Nicolas, true leadership is not about standing
out—it’s about bringing others together. And with that, she continues to help
shape a Laguna that is not only beautiful to visit, but inspiring to belong to.
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