Barefoot and beyond: Vince Lampert on finding ways in Siargao

Entrepreneur Vince Lampert still recalls his first visit to Siargao in 2001, when the island had limited infrastructure but was defined by what he described as its “raw, spectacular beauty.”

That early impression would later shape Lampert’s long-term commitment to the island. A decade after his first visit, he became involved in developing what is now Nay Palad Hideaway, a luxury resort designed around simplicity, nature, and a “barefoot sanctuary” concept rather than conventional hospitality standards.

Drawing from his background in outdoor furniture manufacturing, Lampert said the goal was to create a space that emphasized relaxation and harmony with the natural environment.

Lampert’s business journey has long been anchored on partnerships built over time. Earlier in his career, the Cebu-based company he worked with chose BDO Unibank as its banking partner, a professional relationship that eventually became a personal one and has spanned nearly 25 years.

When operations at the Siargao resort began in 2012, that banking support became increasingly vital.

“BDO’s robust infrastructure has been crucial for ensuring smooth operations,” Lampert said, citing the bank’s handling of international payments and foreign exchange, secure point-of-sale systems for card transactions, and payroll services that ensured staff were paid efficiently and on time.

Lampert relocated full time to Siargao in 2019, joining a growing number of entrepreneurs choosing to live and work on the island. At the time, the absence of a full-service bank branch meant that transactions such as cash management, foreign exchange, and corporate banking needs often had to be processed through Cebu or Manila.

Those early challenges were eclipsed in December 2021, when Typhoon Odette devastated Siargao, damaging businesses and disrupting livelihoods. Lampert said the decision to rebuild was immediate.

“The decision to rebuild was driven by our commitment to our team, who are like family, and to Siargao,” he said.

During the recovery period, access to liquidity and efficient fund transfers became critical. With continued financial support, the resort was able to pay salaries, manage resources, and begin rebuilding operations.

Today, Nay Palad Hideaway has reopened, and Siargao’s economy has regained momentum. Lampert described the recent opening of BDO Unibank’s first full-service branch on the island as “a watershed moment for the island’s development.”

The branch brings services such as deposits, loans, payroll solutions, foreign exchange, and remittances closer to residents and businesses. Together with two BDO Network Bank branches and 30 Cash Agad partners, the expanded presence is expected to support the island’s growing economic activity.

For Lampert, improved access to financial services allows entrepreneurs to focus on sustaining businesses that respect Siargao’s character. For the island, he said, it signals development that remains inclusive, community-rooted, and sustainable.