Star Rtn. Lance Tan: On Loving the Philippines and Giving Back

Star Rtn. Lawrence “Lance” L. Tan is a trademark in the Philippine tourism industry. But he is no ordinary businessman. Inspired by his undying love for our country and strong compassion for the Filipinos, he makes sure that his businesses epitomize Filipino culture and creativity. His Lakbay Museo, an interactive museum in Pasay City, showcases the country’s festivals, traditional dances, costumes and local cuisine. Most of the structures and displays are remarkably made from recycled materials such as rubber slippers, old rubber tires, old rubber mats and other recyclable materials. Tales of Illumina offers a magical experience with its art installations showcasing Philippine myths and legends.

Even with a full plate being President/CEO of The Millennial Concept Factory Inc., Star Rtn. Lance Tan still finds time to actively carry out and support programs and projects that create long-lasting and positive impact in many communities across the country. Get to know more about his passion to help promote the Philippines and in doing so, also provide employment opportunities to Filipinos.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): What made you fall in love with the tourism industry? Why are you so passionate about this sector?

Lawrence “Lance” L. Tan (LLT): First and foremost, the people of this country are really worth emulating. Their passion for life, happy mindset, and their ability to recover fast in any challenging situation are really admirable, aside from the Philippines being truly blessed and beautiful. What's there not to love? I was born and raised here and the only way I can pay back this homeland is to love it, and one way of doing so is to promote OUR COUNTRY and help its people through active tourism-based businesses and projects.

RVT: What inspired you to set up the interactive museums, Lakbay Museo and Tales of Illumina?

LLT: The culture of this country is what inspired me. The different ethnicities, arts, and ways of life. I may not be legally Filipino yet, but in a couple of months I will be a full-fledged Filipino. But even if I carry a different nationality since birth, it has always been my passion to promote and cultivate what I know about the Philippines. Filipino creativity and craftsmanship is, indeed, world class and I made sure that Filipino talents are showcased in all the businesses that I launch and own. Most art installations in both Lakbay Museo and Tales of Illumina were all made by hand by Filipinos. The concept is all Filipino focusing on the country’s rich heritage like industry, festivals, ethnic costumes, regional dishes, agriculture, arts, music, up to Philippine myths and legends that are soon to be showcased in Tales of Illumina.

RVT: What is your favorite kind of vacation?

LLT: Culture is what usually attracts me whenever I decide to travel. It is in the understanding and appreciation of the differences in culture that we are made to live a life full of stories, sounds, taste and visual appreciation. Each part of the globe has a world of its own, qualities which differentiate one from the other and make them unique and distinct in their own way. Understanding these cultures helps me understand the views of people, and I have learned to appreciate and respect them more.

RVT: If you can travel for leisure now, where will you go and why?

LLT: I would say, I will go back to Palawan. But this time, I want to explore the beauty of Coron. I am truly amazed at what God has blessed the Philippines in terms of beauty and abundance of its natural resources. Each landscape has a story to tell. Each island has an intriguing beauty it offers its visitors that keeps you wanting to explore more.

RVT: What is the best thing that happened to you during the quarantine?

LLT: During this whole pandemic, I learned to survive for other people, not just for myself. I found the true meaning of life's purpose in serving others, because I realized that money is just a fuel to live but not the end of it all. What you can do for others from your heart is more meaningful and fulfilling. Living each day and dreaming of a better tomorrow is encouraging, because your mind and your heart will never go idle. The challenges keep me going, because I know that with my capacity, I can do things other people may not able to do. I am humbled by what this life has offered me in serving our countrymen through my own private means.

RVT: What is your favorite weekend activity?

LLT: Most of my weekends are for my JCI activities. That is doing sustainable projects and programs that will help different communities. As much as possible, I maximize my time, not only during weekends. Because why not, when we know now that life is too uncertain, we must make the most of our days doing what we love to do the most. For me, it is building communities to be sustainable so that they can, in the future, with their own volition, pay it forward and help others too.

RVT: What inspired you to join the Rotary Club of Manila? How did the experience change your outlook in life?

LLT: I have seen what Bobby Joseph has been doing. He has been my mentor since the early days, and he inspired me so much in creating long-lasting impact in the projects that he has done. His attitude and outlook in life is what I am already duplicating. I am just starting with Rotary Club of Manila, but I plan to be a team player and involve myself in the projects that have long lasting impacts in the communities and in our country as a whole. I admire the sincerity of the vision of the Rotary Club of Manila. I have seen some of the projects and we are already reaping the fruits. Rotary Club of Manila opened my goals into a wider perspective. I realized with RCM and JCI Makati that better things can be accomplished fast and more efficiently if more brothers are involved. These experiences are starting to draw better curves and lines in my life.

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

LLT: That I am a person who wants happiness for everybody. That being said, the projects that I do hopefully will be a variable in making life easy for a lot of people and can contribute to their happiness. And that I am a person who knows that life will not always be easy, but we can create our own possibilities with our faith in God and positive outlook in life.

RVT: What do you look forward to the most in 2021?

LLT: Survival and accomplishment. Surviving this pandemic while continuously doing what I love the most, which is creating sustainable programs for the underprivileged. This is what will keep me going and energized for 2021.