Krissy Tiu: The thrill of Discovery
When John Tiu Ka Cho set up Union Hardware in Binondo, Manila, little did he know that selling locks and tools in 1947 would lead to bigger projects that his heirs would venture into. Tiu Ka Cho went on to establish some of the largest factories manufacturing nails, steel, wire and pipes in the Philippines. Encouraged by his success, the JTKC group of companies was formed.
In the mid-’70s, JTKC Land explored the real estate market and opened the first of its serviced apartments, Dakota Mansions. Three more buildings soon followed and their concept of caring for long-staying guests proved to be a winning formula.
By this time, Tiu Ka Cho’s son, Ruben, focused on the group’s land development and introduced Discovery Suites in Ortigas. More Discovery resorts opened and distinguished themselves as hotels worth staying in. With the courage that leaders like Ruben Tiu have, JTKC Land decided to blend their expertise in a most ambitious project, the building of Discovery Primea on Ayala Avenue. This is the enterprise that Kristelle is now engaged in.
Even as a young girl, Krissy Tiu wanted to help her dad, Ruben, run his business. She promised herself that as soon as she finished college, she would get involved. By the time Krissy was awarded her BS Psychology degree from Ateneo, the Discovery Primea project was ready to be launched. The timing was perfect. Krissy, 25, joined the marketing team and confirmed the vision that made Primea worthy. Service apartments on the fifth to 15th floors would cater to long-staying guests, a market they had specialized in. The 18th to 64th floors, reserved for condominium owners, would give residents the freedom of living in spacious homes.
Our bachelorette is a law student at Ateneo. Krissy pauses from her work and study schedule as she reflects on Boracay’s fireworks, travels and her horse, Darby.
My personal style signifier: I always have a big bag with me. I bring a lot of stuff, including my iPad, planner, files, etc.
What makes me happy are random acts of kindness. When someone opens the door for me or a car gives way for me, that really makes my day. Every morning I have to take one or two cups of coffee.
I get inspired to work harder when the odds are against me.
I work best in the mornings. Start at 9:30 a.m. Get coffee. Check mail. Report to my boss and ask what tasks do I have. Sometimes a change of setting helps me to focus so I go to quiet cafés.
The last meal that truly impressed me: Wagyu medallions at 22 Prime! I think the portion was just right and I love the grilled tomato with Parmesan that goes on the side.
Best quality about me: Simplicity. I am very simple. I can easily be wowed. I appreciate the small things. I can pay attention to what is really important.
A quality that I have been working to address: My indecisiveness. Sometimes it takes a long time for me to make big decisions since I can be too cautious and end up overanalyzing the matter.
A recent find is Ruby Woo lipstick from MAC. I normally don’t use makeup on a daily basis but I’m a girl on the go so I always have this in my bag in case the occasion calls for a more dressed-up look.
The last thing I bought and loved is a yoga mat from Aura Athletica since I started taking classes more regularly.
The thing I’m hoping to buy next: I’m saving up for a short trip this summer. I haven’t decided where yet but Vietnam, Cambodia and Kota Kinabalu are some options.
If I had to limit my travels to one city… New York, for sure. I am in love with New York. Broadway, Central Park, Columbia University, the museums, the hotels and best of all, the halal carts!
A memorable place I have traveled to in the past year: New Year’s in Discovery Shores. Boracay is always special — the fireworks display and the island packed with wonderful family and friends.
The souvenirs I choose to bring home: I love decorating my room with different art pieces from the places I visit. Some of my favorites are a couple of carved wooden frames from Bali and a clock by Frank Lloyd Wright, which I got from the Met in New York.
The best gift I have given recently: A donation to a feeding program done through a church.
And the best one I’ve received recently: A jade necklace that my dad got me from Myanmar.
In my fridge you’ll always find all kinds of chocolates!
I am proud of my family… what they have done and accomplished.
Beside my bed are a perfectly shaped sand dollar that my dad picked up for me off the beach, a candle, a rosary from Manaoag and a travel book.
My style icon is the actress Reese Witherspoon. Her style is classic. She won an Oscar for Walk the Line.
If I wasn’t doing what I do… I’d be taking archaeology or paleontology. I’ve been fascinated with those subjects since I was a kid!
In school, I learned that you don’t always have to be brilliant but you have to work hard. Hard work will get you places.
After being in business, I realized that… this sounds so clichéd but it’s true. Money doesn’t grow on trees! You have to work hard to earn it and budget it wisely. You have to put in a lot of initiatives.
I choose my employees… We’re a team of 12 in Discovery Primea. I don’t have a direct hand in choosing the employees but Discovery generally looks for people with experience, initiative and people who share in our vision of good service.
A recent setback I had was getting a bad grade on one of my midterm exams. Also, my laptop crashing! Good thing I backed up most of my files recently, though it’s still a big hassle to be at the mercy of borrowing one from whoever isn’t using theirs.
My talents include… I play basketball and sing in the school choir.
The sport I do the most: Basketball and equestrian on my hose, Darby.
I plan my day… School and work come first. Everything else falls in between.
The last time I cried was last Friday. I was helping my friend campaign for the student council and we missed it by a few votes.
Good advice I have given: Don’t judge. Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Good advice I received is fulfill the duty of the present moment.
* * *
E-mail: aurorawilson@gmail.com
