Photographed by Dookie Ducay
The GAOC Group of Companies founder and multifaceted actress bridge the paths of their careers with a shared hope for the future
The paths that bound the careers of Nadine Lustre and Dr. Steve Mark Gan can be depicted as parallels just based on their professions alone. Yet the two find their point of convergence as to how their careers have shaped their current selves, and how they still find the excitement for what’s to come.
“When I started going to Siargao, I felt a sense of relief in a way,” shares Lustre as she gives insight on one of her many introspective moments that have within the coastal landscape, “I get to savor the small moments […] with different people, [and] different animals; I appreciate life more when I’m there.”
Apart from this, the environmentalist has also found resonance in how she now approaches the competitive nature of mainstream media, sharing, “I’ve learned acceptance. Back then, it was more of ‘I have to make it in the industry,’ but now, I think about where I want to take my career, it’s more of what the good things that she’s done for the Philippines, or even for the planet.”
With her current outlook shifting to craft a legacy that embraces the rightful timing of the moments to come, she also hopes to let this be an invitation for the next generation; “I always tell aspiring actors, musicians, or [any]one who just has a dream that when they feel like giving up, it’s not about how good you are, it’s about divine timing,” Lustre expounds.
Dr. Gan relishes in a similar vein. Having amassed his accolades in the dental industry, the 55-year-old now sees the responsibility within the path he had paved. “I feel that it’s my responsibility to do my part and bring better oral health care in terms of my field,” shares the veteran oral surgeon as he recalls his learnings abroad and the challenge of applying them in Philippine practice.
The GAOC founder also sheds light on the direction he currently follows alongside his company, stating, “I want every Filipino […] to experience quality dentistry. I’m also pushing myself to go to another level for the masses where they can get quality dentistry for a fraction of the price.”
Such a mission does not just remain for Dr. Gan’s clientele. He, too, aims for the next generation of dentists to see him not as a standard to replicate, but as an inspiration to pursue a medical career with selfless service at the forefront. “I believe in fair play, and I believe that everything we do has to be ethical,” he shares.
As the business leader reflects on the vigor he has reserved for the future, he wishes to impart his knowledge to the next generation through the GAOC Foundation, allowing himself to truly commit to the father he always wanted to be. However, Dr. Gan details that his work is far from its conclusion, sharing, “There is always work to be done. There’s always things to be done here for the betterment of this industry.”
Though this was only one of many moments the role models have collaborated, the two parallels now share the goal of coming full circle with the knowledge they have learned throughout their careers, and to impart such for the next generation.
Learn more about GAOC’s services and locations through its website, https://www.gaocdental.com, and follow GAOC on Facebook and Instagram @gaocdental
