Today, Byron Yip is in charge of Okada Manila, a sparkling jewel luxury located in the heart of the Philippines. The journey of Byron Yip to be here was not that smooth. It was a rollercoaster ride filled with intense struggle, brave decisions, and the unwavering belief he always had to create something grand.

Byron’s first job was not glamorous, he worked as a front desk assistant in a small hotel, during his college. This is how he started learning about interaction with clients and making them feel at home. There he found a passion in the hotel management industry. Byron Yip studied the financial models of hotel management at night and greeting and welcoming guests during the day. This gave him a deeper understanding of operational and strategic parameters in the hospitality industry. His hard work and dedication paid off in creating a dazzling luxurious hotel.

His educational background marked a major change. He acquired a solid base with a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University. After their bachelor's, it was time to obtain a masters time at Yale, where he acquired an MBA that ultimately opened doors. Byron was recognized at Yale for thinking outside the box. To demonstrate his understanding of what made luxury experiences unique, he planned a pop-up "hotel" experience on campus, which soon became a campus legend.

When Byron Yip joined Okada Manila's parent firm, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI) it changed their approach to hospitality. It was about connecting, not just about luxury. In Byron's mind, Okada Manila was more than just a resort; it was a narrative in which each visitor was the hero and each staff member contributed to making the hero’s journey memorable.

As Okada Manila's president today, Byron Yip leads with passion and vision. Even in an upscale, luxurious setting, he emphasizes treating people- with warm gestures, empathy, value, and respect. He is aware that Okada Manila's success depends on how it treats guests—with kindness, deference, and a dash of magic, rather than just its first-rate facilities or striking design.

Byron Yip's inspirational story serves as an encouragement to dream big, put in a lot of effort, and never forget that making others feel welcome is the foundation of hospitality.