Director Hans Palacios: Rising Above the Global Pandemic

While the coronavirus pandemic has crippled many businesses and affected countless individuals across the globe, Dir. Hans Palacios is among those who rise above the challenges. No, it was not because he’s running Holy App/East 2010 Ventures, a corporation that manages a retail chain of generic pharmacies in Southern Negros. It is more because through his business, he is able to bring more affordable medicine closer to people especially during this pandemic.

From someone who used to live an unhealthy lifestyle and completely dependent on medicinal drugs, he did a complete turnaround to become an exemplar of a healthy life gained, lived, promoted, and shared. He became a strong natural health advocate and involved himself deeply in important movements including the anti-GMO lobby group in the Philippines. He co-hosted TV and radio shows about nutrition, healthy living, and other health topics.

Get to know Dir. Palacios better as he shares some tips in surviving the new norm, his love for travel, and his interests and hobbies.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): When did you join the Rotary Club of Manila and what inspired you to join?

HP: I was inducted in April 2018. I was invited and supported by Jackie Rodriguez and Raffy Alunan. My late father was a member of the club in the 80s and 90s. That was enough inspiration for me to join.

RVT: How has Rotary changed your outlook in life?

HP: Rotary showed me the significance of the words in the song "It’s a small world after all".

RVT: As Chairman of Holy App Ventures, what is your typical day at work like?

HP: At the moment, my work is 80% conducted through the internet. Holy App/East 2010 Ventures is fairly straightforward to run. What makes it challenging is how the people working for you respect their work.

RVT: What are you most proud of regarding the company?

HP: What I'm most proud of is that we help people get better access to quality affordable medicines, especially during this global pandemic. And, how our people stepped up to serve the needs of the public in Southern Negros. We have the franchise for The Generics Pharmacy in the 5th and 6th Districts of Negros Occidental. TGP was the first client of our Advertising Agency B&W Omnimedia, Inc in 2008.

RVT: What are your interests and hobbies? What do you do when you are not at work?

HP: I am really interested in doing more traveling, especially in Europe. Before the pandemic, we tried to travel at least two to three times a year over the last decade. I have also been trying to finalize our retirement home in Antipolo. I am interested in picking up golf again. I had to give it up 20 years ago because I was active in helping my son with his baseball. When I'm not at work, I'm basically a homebody.

RVT: What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in life?

HP: I'd like to think that my greatest achievement in life is to improve the status of my health. Back in 2004, I was overweight and was taking major painkillers like Arcoxia. I turned to the alternative approach with the help of friends like Cory Quirino and recovered my health. I was co-host for a year in her DZMM Tele/Radyo Sunday Show, where I met up with Doc John Cenica. I've been pharma free since 2004 and don't suffer from migraine headaches since. I am also involved heavily with some very important movements like the "ANTI GMO" lobby here in the Philippines.

RVT: What’s the most important thing that people should know about you?

HP: Most important thing? I am a big Yankees Fan, next to my being very devoted to my family.

RVT: What’s one positive thing you’ve learned during this pandemic?

HP: What I've learned during this pandemic is that one shouldn't be a blind follower to the "supposed experts" who really don't have the real answers.

RVT: What tips can you share in surviving the ‘new norm’?

HP: Keep away from watching the news and eat healthy.

RVT: What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

HP: I am looking forward to doing more travel even if it's just domestic. I am looking forward to going back to visit Negros again.