WOMAN OF POWER: Lorenzo doing a good job juggling various roles

Driven, a go-getter, and an achiever, Doctor Jo-Ann Tan Lorenzo epitomizes a woman of power.

Wherever she goes, success follows.

A sports nutritionist, culinary medicine specialist, chef, team doctor of the De La Salle University women’s volleyball team, general manager of Driving Range Nuvali, and executive managing director of John Hay Golf (JHG) on top of being a super mom, Lorenzo is a champion on different fronts.

And wearing many caps has never been an issue for Lorenzo.

“Balancing these roles involves a fine-tuned schedule and a strong support system. I’m committed to providing the best for my family, so my day typically starts before sunrise with a moment of reflection and planning. From there, I map out hours for teleconsultations, site visits and administrative tasks,” Lorenzo told Daily Tribune.

“Adapting to each role’s demands can be challenging, but seeing how these fields connect — nutrition supporting sports, wellness aligning with golf, and executive decisions benefiting the broader community — keeps me motivated,” she added.

“I also make it a point to remain hands-on with my responsibilities, ensuring my patients and colleagues see my genuine care and dedication. This synergy transforms potential stress into a powerful source of fulfillment.”

Early-riser

A woman who values hard work and the importance of time, Lorenzo’s day is like clockwork.

“I’ve learned to structure my day around what needs immediate attention without losing sight of long-term goals. Mornings are sacred — I wake up early to respond to urgent messages, mentally rehearse my priorities, and fit in exercise whenever possible,” she said.

Her weekly schedule is organized.

“Mondays typically stretch into late evenings because of teleconsultations with patients in different time zones. Tuesdays are reserved for site visits at Driving Range Nuvali, while Wednesday mornings often focus on the La Salle Lady Spikers before I travel to Baguio for Camp John Hay operations,” Lorenzo explained.

“Even when I’m physically in Baguio, I still handle patient care and team needs remotely. This approach underscores my philosophy that being in one place doesn’t limit my ability to excel in multiple areas at once.”

But, of course, she does find time to relax and unwind.

“I make time for self-care, which for me means regular visits to the salon and spa. I also cherish moments with my family, loved ones and my dog,” Lorenzo said.

“Even short vacations can work wonders for recharging the mind and spirit. Balancing downtime with my responsibilities ensures that I remain grounded and able to give my best in every role I fulfill.”

Love affair with food and nutrition

A foody by heart, Lorenzo has always been fascinated by how food bring people together, transcending age, culture and social status.

This and being an advocate of promoting good health and nutrition brought her to the world of culinary medicine.

“My journey began with a love for food that led me to Culinary Arts after medical school, followed by studies in Culinary Medicine and Culinary Health Coaching at Harvard Medical School,” she said.

Lorenzo’s curiosity tuned into passion.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the power of food to nourish and bring people together. That curiosity pushed me to enroll at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS), where I learned essential techniques under Gene and Gino Gonzales. As a doctor, I noticed that patients often struggle to adopt better eating habits, so combining culinary expertise with medical knowledge felt like a natural step,” she added.

“Specializing in Culinary Medicine allowed me to offer more holistic guidance — teaching individuals to prepare nutritious meals that align with their health goals. Seeing patients transform their lives through mindful eating has been a tremendous inspiration. My love for the kitchen, paired with my medical background, fuels a passion that keeps evolving.”

Lorenzo’s expertise in the field also landed her a gig with one of the country’s best women’s collegiate volleyball programs.

“I was initially invited to work with the La Salle Lady Spikers as a Culinary Doctor, optimizing their diets for peak athletic performance,” the youthful nutrition expert said.

“Yearning to deepen my expertise, I pursued a Diploma Course in Sports Nutrition at Barca University. Over time, I became more involved in the athletes’ overall well-being and transitioned into their team doctor. I’m grateful to Team manager Claudia Cojuangco and Coach Ramil de Jesus for welcoming me so openly. Working closely with the Lady Spikers, whom I now consider family, is an incredibly fulfilling privilege.”

Teeing off

Management and promotion are also Lorenzo’s cup of tea.

And her journey to becoming Camp John Hay’s executive managing director is an inspiring one.

“I’m the general manager of Golf Plus Management Inc. (GMI), where we design, build, and operate golf courses and driving ranges. Our integrated approach caught the attention of Camp John Hay’s stakeholders, who invited me to present our capabilities,” she said.

“Soon after, we won the contract alongside our partner, Duck World PH. I credit Bong Arguelles — President and CEO of Golf Plus — for recognizing my executive-level management potential early on and supporting my leadership endeavors.

“Stepping into this role at John Hay Golf aligns with my vision of creating top-tier facilities that blend wellness, sports, and community engagement. The position is challenging yet incredibly exciting, offering a chance to merge my business acumen with a desire to enhance local tourism.”

Her new role requires her to travel to Baguio most of the time.

In fact, she was heading back to Manila from the country’s Summer Capital when she indulged Daily Tribune for an interview.

“I do spend considerable time in Baguio, especially during key operational phases, but I’ve learned to remain fully engaged with my other responsibilities — like patient consultations and the Lady Spikers — through remote channels. Managing calls, video conferences, and digital platforms allows me to address concerns promptly, regardless of my physical location,” Lorenzo continued.

“I see this flexibility as a strength: it proves that distance doesn’t have to compromise quality or efficiency. Of course, face-to-face interactions are still crucial for building strong relationships, so I schedule in-person visits as often as I can. Ultimately, being present where I’m needed most — whether that’s a telehealth session or a board meeting — is my way of ensuring everyone feels supported.”

But she enjoys the experience and the adrenaline-rush of planning and executing new programs as well as maintaining the course to world-class standards.

“It’s a remarkable journey that constantly challenges me to push boundaries. John Hay Golf holds a special place in Philippine history and tourism, and being entrusted with its growth motivates me to create an experience that resonates with both local players and visiting enthusiasts,” Lorenzo said.

“There’s a sense of excitement in strategizing new offerings, maintaining the course at world-class standards, and developing programs that merge sports and wellness. I also value the chance to build and mentor a dedicated team eager to elevate our services.”

“Overseeing such a cherished destination demands a balance of vision and hard work, but seeing guests enjoy the results — and hearing their positive feedback — makes every late night and early morning worthwhile.”

Nothing is too much

There’s no such thing as too much on the plate for Lorenzo.

In fact, she embraces it.

“It’s both exhilarating and humbling. Each field — medicine, culinary arts, sports nutrition and golf management — offers a unique challenge that broadens my perspective,” Lorenzo said.

“I find joy in helping patients adopt healthier lifestyles and equally love guiding athletes toward optimal performance. At the same time, exploring golf course operations has opened up exciting avenues for leadership and innovation,” she continued.

“These seemingly distinct areas blend together more than most realize, especially when you’re passionate about delivering quality experiences. Seeing tangible results — from a patient’s improved health to a golfer’s memorable round — is deeply rewarding. The variety fuels my growth, and I believe that when you pour genuine effort into each domain, you can forge a meaningful impact in all of them.”

As a career-driven woman, the sky is the limit for Lorenzo.

“I hope to expand my contributions in preventive healthcare, culinary innovation and sports management. There’s still so much potential for blending medical insights with community-oriented initiatives. I’m eager to explore partnerships that can introduce healthier eating habits to underserved populations and to champion more inclusive opportunities in sports,” she said.

“Additionally, I want to keep refining my leadership style, ensuring I lead by example and encourage others — especially young women — to chase their dreams without fear. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of positive change, whether through a patient’s renewed health, a golf course’s elevated standards, or a student-athlete’s enhanced performance. Each victory, no matter how small, can inspire further growth in countless directions.”

Despite her success, Lorenzo always keeps her feet on the ground and never forgets to express gratitude to those who help and inspire her to achieve her goals.

“I owe much of my success to those who believed in me early on, from the Lady Spikers’ management to the Golf Plus team,” she said.

“A special thanks to Bong Arguelles for recognizing my capability to lead, and to Claudia Cojuangco and Coach Ramil for trusting me with the well-being of the amazing young women on the volleyball team.

“I also can’t thank my daughter Janna enough — she has grown into a wonderful woman who remains my rock and confidante. As Michael Jordan once said, ‘Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.’ This quote reminds me daily that dedication and love for what you do can turn dreams into reality.”

Winning in career and life while touching the lives of others, Lorenzo is a superwoman indeed.