What would you do if you lived in paradise? For many, it would probably involve a lot of relaxing by the beach and basking in the sunshine. Philanthropist Bea Zobel de Ayala, however, spends her time overseeing the vanguard of sustainable tourism and local culture in El Nido, Palawan — when she’s not away in Metro Manila giving local craftsmen a platform through the Designer’s Holiday Bazaar, anyway.

Abandoning the hustle of the big city, Zobel de Ayala made her shocking move to Lio, El Nido in 2017. But while the scion does live a quiet life, that isn’t to say it isn’t busy with Kalye Artisano, a cultural hub the likes of which the country hasn’t seen before. Here, there are no malls or concrete high-rises: only bed-and-breakfast houses no taller than a coconut tree, a retail space showcasing local artists, architects, and designers, and food and services showcasing uniquely Filipino traditions. Community, sustainability, and authentic culture, all hand in hand: This is what she advocates.

“We’re here to support Philippine culture and architecture,” she says. “We don’t need to look outside. Let’s look at what inspires us in our country.”