Danilo Buen Jr., better known as Jay, is a testament to the power of dreams and relentless reinvention. His journey, marked by a string of successful ventures, showcases his ability to transform ideas into reality. From a travel agency to a patented travel pillow, from photography to building his own boutique resort, Jay has consistently defied limitations and redefined success on his own terms.
There's something about dreamers that make the world a little brighter. And when you meet Danilo Buen Jr. — better known as Jay — you immediately sense that he's the kind of dreamer who doesn't just imagine; he builds. Quite literally.Often described as a 'jack of all trades, master of none,' Jay sees this as a badge of honor rather than a limitation. His story isn't one of linear success but of continuous reinvention.'I have done many things in my life,' he shared.
'I took up accountancy in college and practiced for a year, but I quickly realized that being stuck in an office, talking to four walls, wasn't for me. I needed to be out there, talking to people, creating things.'And create he did.His first real venture into entrepreneurship was launching his own travel agency, which he successfully ran for eight years. With a clientele that included celebrities and high-profile personalities, Jay knew that customer experience mattered. To add a personal touch, he gave away travel pillows as gifts to his clients. But then came the daydream that changed everything.'On a flight back to Manila, I thought, 'Why not make a travel pillow that's unique?'' And so, the Nilo Pillow was born — a cloud-shaped travel pillow that was patented and sold in Papemelroti. The success of the Nilo Pillow was undeniable. It landed Jay on television, in newspapers, and in the arms of celebrities who raved about its comfort.'It opened doors for me,' he recalled. And one of those doors led him to the world of photography.Meeting advertising professionals who took notice of his work, Jay pivoted into photography and spent the next decade capturing everyone from celebrities to CEOs. 'I loved it because it allowed me to be creative while also making connections with business leaders.' Photography wasn't just a profession for Jay; it was a masterclass in ambition and strategy.One of the CEOs he photographed was a hotelier, the owner of a famous hotel. Their friendship sparked a new vision. 'I told myself, 'If he can do it, I can do it too.'' That was the seed that eventually grew into Ohanawave, Jay's boutique resort in La Union.Building Ohanawave wasn't a passive endeavor for Jay. He didn't just hire a team and watch from the sidelines.'It took me three years. I was physically there, working as a construction worker alongside my 80-man team,' he said. His hands-on approach wasn't out of necessity but passion. 'I love building things from scratch. I like to imagine something and turn it into reality.'The journey, of course, wasn't without challenges. Targeting the right market and ensuring visibility was a game of strategy.'It's like chess,' he explained. 'Every move I make has a corresponding result. It's a domino effect.' And like any great strategist, he calculated his steps, staying focused on the goal.For Jay, success isn't measured in earnings but in impact. 'For me, success is the number of jobs I create. The ability to help others provide for their families — that's what matters. Income? That's just a bonus.'This philosophy is deeply ingrained in his approach to business, and it's why he has no plans of stopping. 'I'll expand. More hotels in different areas. Because at the end of the day, it's about creating employment and giving people opportunities.'When asked about his driving force, he doesn't hesitate. 'My family. OHANA means family. And family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.' His deep connection with his roots and his family's legacy is what drives him forward. Ohanawave isn't just a business for Jay — it's a tribute to where he comes from, a legacy he hopes to pass on.As for advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Jay keeps it simple: 'What you imagine, just do it. Don't mind what others say. If you fail, create another one. Try and try. If it's meant for you, nature will cooperate — it will work like magic. Pray hard. Work harder.'And one final lesson from someone who has worn multiple hats in business: 'Never partner with anyone. Even if your business is small, as long as you are the head and not the tail, you're in control.'From travel pillows to photography, from construction to hospitality, Jay's story is proof that life isn't about choosing one path — it's about creating your own. And if there's one thing to take away from his journey, it's that dreams, when paired with hard work and resilience, can become tangible realities
Entrepreneurship Inspirational Stories ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUCCESS INSPIRATION TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY HOSPITALITY OLHANAWAVE DREAMS PHILIPPINE BUSINESS
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