Bea Gonzales enjoys a good balance of respite and adventure.
The 30-year-old has a very active routine: She starts her day at 6 a.m. with a cold brew in hand, and follows it with either a run or a round of golf. Afterwards, she’s either in the office, having daily meetings, or visiting project sites around Metro Manila or Central Luzon. She also makes sure to spend time at Magarra Hotel, a property she runs as the president and co-founder, about once or twice a week.
Her evenings are for movements and connections. “I usually fit in a CrossFit session, then have dinner with my family, boyfriend, or close friends. On weekdays, I try to be in bed before 11 p.m..,” Gonzales told DAILY TRIBUNE.
CrossFit helped her embrace the beauty of strength. It’s the physical and mental challenges that she loves so much that in 2017, together with some of her closest friends, she opened Habitat CrossFit in Molito, Alabang. “Habitat was more than just a workout space — it was a community and a passion project. Unfortunately, we closed in 2021 due to the pandemic,” she said.
Her weekends can be as busy as her weekdays. “I’m either trying new things — whether it’s exploring new hobbies, discovering new spots to eat, or trying out new activities — or simply relaxing after a long week.”
After graduating from De La Salle University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Major in Marketing Management, Gonzales immediately entered the corporate word, starting as a marketing assistant for Promod, a French fashion brand specializing in women’s ready-to-wear.
“In 2016, I began working for our family-owned real estate development business, where we oversee the full development process of homes, buildings and hotels — from conceptualization and planning to construction and operations,” she said.
Even amid the challenges at the time, she, along with her family, pushed forward with a long-standing dream. “We started conceptualizing Magarra Hotel in 2019 and after numerous pandemic-related delays, we proudly opened our doors in March 2024.”
Magarra Hotel is a premier destination hotel in Orani, Bataan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a cool climate, perfect for relaxation. The hotel provides a wide range of activities for guests, in partnership with Sinagtala Farm Resort, making it an ideal getaway for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind.
“It’s particularly special to me as it’s the first hotel I’ve had the opportunity to manage from the ground up. Although my family previously owned and managed Acacia Hotel Alabang, which we sold in 2012, I was still in high school at the time and didn’t yet have the chance to be involved,” she said.
The 1.3-hectare property, currently in its first phase, will soon have its own infinity pool, barn, spa and function hall that doubles as a wedding reception overlooking the mountains.
“We target the adventurous types of families or barkadas (groups of friends) who like to go on staycations. But right now, our guests are mainly corporate. Companies and LGUs [local government units]. They are the ones filling up the place.”
Magarra also takes pride in its Matikas Cafe, a culinary destination of its own that serves an array of dishes including its bestsellers Suman Batirol, Sisig, Kare-Kare and Sinigang na Hipon.
There’s always something for everyone at Magarra, whether you’re a fairway seeker, nomad pathfinder, executive escapist, time traveler family member, active adventurer or culinary explorer.
“When you’re in Magarra, it’s very solemn. We want people to experience the beauty of peace. This is your escape,” Gonzales ended.