Working with their kids, Donnie and Crickette Tantoco plant the seed of Nena’s Sanctuary
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards” was a famous quote by Apple founder Steve Jobs. This is what Donnie Tantoco found out as he connected three dots “to crystalize how Nena’s Sanctuary” came to be.
Nena’s Sanctuary is set to be the first well-integrated retail and garden center in the country, in what is called an omni-channel, lifestyle retail and leisure destination. The first phase is the opening of Lakehall on May 27, their event space. Subsequently, the sanctuary will open Rico’s Café, a flower shop, garden shop, gift shop, home store, and specialty food store—all in one enchanting space.
Paying tribute to his parents, Rico and Nena, was the “seed” that sowed Nena’s Sanctuary into reality, according to Donnie. His wife, Crickette, echoes his sentiment and adds, “Nena’s Sanctuary is also our children’s homage to their grandparents, and a wellspring of what will hopefully be opportunities where they can grow, express their creativity and pursue their dreams.”
Nena’s Sanctuary is a family affair—three Tantoco generations of it, to be exact.
Let’s now go back to the three dots connected as per Donnie, “and how Nena’s Sanctuary would be a fitting tribute to my parents, especially at this season in their life. We focused on helping them realize that the fruits of their life and their values will remain a strong, influencing force well beyond their lifetimes.”
The first dot was to create a space that is not limited to a few and inspired by his parents’ special heart for people. This inspiration came about in 2018 when Donnie would jog around Boston Common. He would ponder on other places and why they were fenced in and not shared with others.
The second dot was honoring, protecting, and celebrating nature. Donnie was enlightened during a trip to Hort Park in Singapore, where he was surrounded by different nature habitats while imbibing a coffee. It was an experience of having modern amenities without breaking the experience in nature.
The third and last dot “was when my father called me during the pandemic, and asked me to use our retail skills to help him diversify and enlarge the community of Sta. Elena. I had just recently visited Europe and I was very inspired by concepts in which I saw the magical convergence of food, retail, art, hospitality, and most of all, nature. So I said yes.”
With the dots connected, a new vision was born, the seed planted.
Nena’s Sanctuary is a family business endeavor, the first for them as a unit.
Donnie and Crickette work together with daughters Camille Tantoco Ng, Nicole Tantoco de los Reyes, and son Christian Tantoco, utilizing their unique talents and skills. According to Crickette, “the passions and talents of every individual in the family naturally aligned with the four pillars we needed to build the business: strategic (management), creative (marketing), quantitative (finance) and administrative (operations and process). Every member naturally gravitated to what their strengths were intuitively, so assigning roles was a mere formality.”
Camille is the administrative head taking care of purchasing, marketing operations, and budgets. Nicole’s role is research and development. An excellent writer, Nicole does all the copywriting needed as well. Christian is the creative director, handling visual communications, artwork, photos, videos, and social media. Architect son-in-law Miko de los Reyes is the grounds director in charge of the building and the grounds. As per Donnie, “We try to be mentors. Crickette makes sure there is a checklist and every person on the team, including our children, knows what is expected from them.”
I look forward to when Nena’s Sanctuary is an everlasting tribute to my parents, and the gift of opportunities for all who work there (including professionals, partners, my siblings, and their families). My biggest dream is for it to be truly a pillar of strength, a source of constant inspiration and purpose, and provider of encouragement and courage for our children, spouses and our grandchildren.
So what is the experience of working with family? Donnie believes that they are fantastic, and “one of the most creative but still results-driven teams I have ever observed.” Crickette describes the family-work dynamic: “It has been a very pleasant and rewarding experience for us so far. The working environment is intense and relaxed, if that makes sense. Intense because we are working 24/7 towards a common goal, but relaxed because we are collaborating with people we love and trust the most.”
Camille Tantoco Ng encapsulates their working environment: “I think we are like the Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music, but instead of all being singers, we are all businessmen and businesswomen. We all offer something completely different to the table and have complementing talents. My siblings and I have different strengths and working styles that would clash if we didn't have constant communication, cooperation and collaboration. Working with my siblings is inspiring because I get very amazed with how talented they are. I get motivated to contribute the most that I can to the company and to be on their level of creativity. I do feel I am surrounded by artistic geniuses.”
Son-in-law Miko de los Reyes adds, “I have experienced the best type of teamwork working as a family. It is a completely different experience working with people who share exactly the same passion and visions about a project with shared interests and a common goal.”
The soon-to-open Lakehall is surrounded by a serene view of a lake, golf course, and garden. Lakehall is a “fresh” event space to celebrate life’s special occasions, and where memories can be made. The venue has gorgeous multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, which seamlessly blend with the outdoors. It allows nature to share its awesome ambience.
Lakehall is ideal for many types of get-togethers: magical weddings, intimate celebrations, launch events; it can serve as an artist’s gallery, and hold corporate functions like business conferences, including company team-building activities.
What really appeals to me is their concept of “beyond four walls,” which is essentially the feel you get on the premises—there is no rigidity or constraints. It is not the typical social venue or corporate function room. Every event will be customized and will be unique in its own way as well. Personally, I love destination weddings, but sometimes it’s just too far and a hassle to travel; or if the event is at the beach or out of town, it lacks the comfort of luxurious facilities or amenities. Lakehall provides destination wedding feels but is only a 40-minute drive from Makati.
Lakehall itself is an impressive modern structure that blends into its environment, a “contemporary space nestled in nature.” Cardy Papa, their designers, were asked to create a beautiful destination that “engaged the senses, inspired passion, encouraged discovery and evoked a sense of wonder—and to do it in a way that captured both Rico’s and Nena’s spirits.”
The designers imbibed the unique story of Sta. Elena and learned about Rico’s and Nena’s passions. This included their favorite plants: the narra tree for Rico, and the sampaguita flower for Nena, which became the starting point for the whole concept. Miko further states that “the vision was to provide a flexible space large enough that provided for the comforts and functions to those available in the city. This space, however, would have an edge, as it did not depart from the nature that surrounded it.”
Lakehall is comprised of the elegant Bridal Suites, each equipped with their own bedroom, lounge, and private bathroom; The Courtyard, a tasteful space where guests can gather before the main event; The Banquet Hall with its floor-to-ceiling windows providing guests with breathtaking panoramic views of nature (it can be divided into three smaller rooms as well); and The Terrace, which is considered the most beautiful area, and can be used for outdoor celebrations, artistic performances, or ceremonies overlooking a serene lake.
The space comes with all the modern amenities that include a fully equipped kitchen, two prep kitchens, modern comfort rooms for each of the banquet rooms, sound system, ample parking spaces, and driver’s lounge, among others. Camille was excited “to share the incredibly beautiful space that we all worked hard to create with the public. It will be interesting to see how different clients use Lakehall and make it come alive with the various events they want to have there.”
Including Lakehall, the two phases of Nena’s Sanctuary are set to be completed this year, and Crickette enthusiastically shared,”We’re excited for it to continue to grow, just as Sta. Elena itself has evolved over the decades. Nena’s Sanctuary will evolve from year to year, and season to season; materials will soften and deepen, plants and wildlife will bloom, and customers will discover new experiences and sensations every time they visit.”
Donnie says it best: “I look forward to when Nena’s Sanctuary is an everlasting tribute to my parents, and the gift of opportunities for all who work there (including professionals, partners, my siblings, and their families). My biggest dream is for it to be truly a pillar of strength, a source of constant inspiration and purpose, and provider of encouragement and courage for our children, spouses and our grandchildren.”
With that noble intention planted, it looks like Nena’s Sanctuary will thrive for a very long time.
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A fun, almost month-long launch of Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary will take place from May 27 until June 30. Aptly called “Beyond Four Walls,” the launch includes restaurant takeovers, event styling, exhibits, and retail pop-ups among other activities. The event will showcase the versatility and creativity that can be on full display at the venue.
Nena’s Sanctuary is located within the grounds of the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. For more information, visit www.nenassanctuary.com. You may also follow their IG @nenassanctuary or FB Nena’s Sanctuary. For inquiries and bookings, call 09989643181.
