Dick and Mars Balajadia: In love with business

MANILA, Philippines - Some people believe that working with one’s spouse leads one to the expressway of marital collapse. But this young couple begs to disagree.

Dick and Mars (nee Abesamis) Balajadia are, in fact, enjoying the best of both worlds — getting to work with someone they love to do business with while at the same time spending more time with each other. There may be little disagreements here and there in the boardroom. But the bedroom will always be a place for their peace and quiet.

Both grew up in a family of entrepreneurs — Dick’s family is into a number of businesses including a pharmaceutical and hotel management company while Mars’ family is involved in construction. “There really wasn’t a day when we just woke up and realized that we wanted to be entrepreneurs,” begins Mars. “I think it’s just the natural path to go since we both grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs.” Dick furthers they were blessed to have the chance to venture into businesses they are both passionate about — a spa, an events place and a hotel.

Dick and Mars are both spa enthusiasts so it didn’t come much of a surprise when they became franchise owners of the BlueWater Day Spa on Tomas Morato in Quezon City. Mars relates, “We used to go around the metro and in other countries in search of good spas. Then we came across BlueWater Day Spa’s quality services at very reasonable prices.” The couple was impressed by the idea of a spa theater — one gets to have a relaxing foot spa while enjoying a movie of one’s choice. Now that’s a double treat. “With both our busy schedules and the limited time we have for leisure, it was nice to find a place where we can enjoy the two things we love doing,” she says. For both Dick and Mars, it doesn’t even feel like work when they are at their spa branch. Managing a number of businesses is quite stressful so Dick and Mars agree that it’s nice to end their day at the spa.

Dick and Mars acknowledge that the spa industry is booming right now as people are constantly in search of places to de-stress and focus more on their wellness. In fact, going to one is already becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Mars recounts the spa’s first few months, “Since we were new in the business, there were a lot of adjustments that had to be made. We had to make sure that we were giving quality and standard services. We also made sure to get little or no complaints from our clients even if we were just starting. We had great front liners and therapists so we really didn’t have any major problems. Plus our mother company has a good support system.” Although the Tomas Morato area posed a competitive challenge for the spa, the couple consistently tries to come up with new ideas to promote the branch’s services.

“From Day 1, we knew that putting up the spa is a good decision. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, then what is the point of investing time and effort into it?” says Dick.

This same principle applies to their events place business, 55 Events Place. This hip and happening place is just a perfect business for the equally hip couple. Both young and fun loving, Dick and Mars are very passionate on running this business. In such a short time, 55 Events Place in Quezon City has been a witness to many fabulous parties and memorable events. 

Three years ago, the couple also built a cool hotel in the summer capital of the Philippines. The opportunity to welcome guests to Mines View Park Hotel came when they saw the need for more good hotels in Baguio. “A lot of people spend their vacations in Baguio. Opportunity knocked on our doors when we found a good location to build a hotel on,” explains Mars.

Mines View Park Hotel in Baguio City.

Just a stone’s throw away from Mines View Park, a popular tourist spot in the City of Pines, the hotel boasts of 27 modern rooms complemented by the feel of Baguio’s old world charm — six rooms in the old wing and 21 in the new wing. The couple admits now that the first few months were challenging for the business, as “people were not aware that there was a hotel near Mines View Park because it is located far from the crowded city.”

But if you’re in Baguio for some spiritual searching (the hotel is very near Good Shepherd convent) or just plainly seeking solitude, Mines View Park Hotel is a great option. “We have a spa that can do room service. We also have a gym and a function room that can fit 100 to 120 guests and a full service restaurant,” claims Mars. Dick is also proud of the hotel’s signature dishes: Strawberry Sinigang at the Zenz Restaurant and Bibingcrepe at Halfmoon Café.

Dick and Mars seem to be very much in love with their businesses — not to mention with each other. So what are their secrets to running these successful enterprises? “We just love our work! We are always in pursuit of new things,” says Dick. Mars furthers, “Our management team and staff are like family to us. We promote teamwork and camaraderie in our work place because one’s success is the success of the whole team. Everybody plays a crucial role in the growth of our businesses.”

“We just love and enjoy what we’re doing. I think that is one important factor for your business to be successful,” says Mars. Dick lovingly looks at his wife and couldn’t agree more.