We recently connected with Christopher Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Christopher, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Nayon Campground was really born out of years of passion and personal experience. My wife and I have always been avid campers—we’ve been exploring the outdoors for as long as I can remember, even when our kids were still little. Back then, we’d pack up the RV and travel to different campgrounds across Canada and the U.S. Camping became more than just a getaway for us; it was where we created memories, built friendships, and felt that deep connection to nature and community.

One day, my wife brought up an idea that really resonated with me: what if we built a campground that wasn’t just about camping, but also about culture? Specifically, a place that fused Filipino traditions with the great Canadian outdoor experience we love so much. That’s how the vision for Nayon Campground began.

The word “Nayon” in Tagalog means “village”—and that’s the essence of what we wanted to create: a community. Interestingly, the word “Canada” itself traces back to a very similar root. The French explorer Jacques Cartier learned the Iroquoian word “Kanata” in 1535, which meant “village” or “settlement,” and he used it to describe the land that eventually became Canada. For us, that connection was powerful. It symbolized the meeting of cultures, histories, and shared values.

So, we thought, why not create a campground that celebrates both? A place where people can enjoy the Canadian outdoors while also experiencing Filipino hospitality, food, and culture. It wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about offering something new and unique that no one else was doing. And honestly, what got us most excited was the idea of building a space where both cultures are celebrated side by side, where families can gather, share stories, and feel like they belong to something bigger.

That’s how Nayon Campground came to life. We formed a corporation an all-Filipino corporation and put our hearts into turning this dream into a reality. It’s more than a business for us; it’s a legacy of community, culture, and connection.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I migrated from the Philippines with my family, and like many immigrants, I started from scratch—working hard, step by step, with big dreams of one day leaving behind a meaningful legacy. My very first job in Canada was as a sander in a furniture company. From there, I was hired at a company that shipped bubble packs, and eventually I transitioned into health care as a health care aide. Each of those jobs taught me something valuable—discipline, patience, resilience, and the importance of doing every task with pride, no matter how small.

Over time, I became actively involved in the community, because I’ve always believed that success shouldn’t just be personal—it should be shared. That involvement inspired me to push further and build something of my own. I started a renovation company, which grew steadily through hard work and trust. That experience became the foundation for my real estate investments, where I learned how to build long-term value. Every step along the way was a building block, leading me closer to my vision.

That vision became reality with Nayon Campground. Nayon means “village” in Tagalog, and that’s exactly what we wanted to create—a community where people gather, connect, and feel at home. What sets Nayon apart is that it’s not just about camping. It’s about fusing two cultures: the Canadian outdoor lifestyle we love so much, and the Filipino hospitality, food, and traditions we grew up with.

We provide a unique experience for families and communities, one that celebrates both cultures side by side. It’s a place where people can enjoy nature, build memories, and share in something bigger than themselves.

What I’m most proud of is how far this journey has come—from sanding furniture and packing boxes, to health care, to entrepreneurship, to now creating something that brings people together. Nayon Campground is the culmination of years of sacrifice, learning, and dreaming.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and our brand, it’s this: we are builders of communities and legacies. Nayon is not just a campground—it’s a celebration of hard work, culture, and the belief that no dream is too big if you’re willing to start small and keep moving forward.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really illustrates resilience for me begins long before Nayon Campground. Back in the Philippines, I was already an entrepreneur and a licensed physiotherapist. Life was very different there—I had my career, my work, and a foundation. But when we migrated to Canada, everything changed. I had to start from zero. My credentials as a physiotherapist weren’t recognized, and the only way to practice here would have been to go back to school. At that time, it wasn’t possible—my priority was to put food on the table and provide for my family.

So instead of practicing my profession, I took on whatever jobs I could. My very first job was as a sander in a furniture company. Then I worked in a warehouse shipping bubble packs. Later, I became a health care aide. Each role was demanding and humbling, but I did them with pride because I knew my family depended on me. Those years were tough—going from being a professional in the Philippines to starting over at the most basic level in Canada tested me in ways I never expected.

But that experience also shaped me. It taught me perseverance, humility, and adaptability. It reminded me that resilience isn’t about holding on to what you lost—it’s about finding the courage to start again, to build a new path even when the old one disappears.

That mindset carried me forward. I became active in the community, started my own renovation company, grew into real estate investing, and eventually built the foundation for Nayon Campground. Each step was a stone laid with sacrifice and determination.

For me, resilience means never letting circumstances define your limits. I may have started over from zero, but those struggles became the fuel that pushed me to create something lasting—not just for my family, but for the community we’re now proud to serve.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The story of how we came together as cofounders is really one of shared vision and strong relationships. My wife, Gladys, and I always dreamed of creating something bigger than ourselves, but we knew the right people had to be part of the journey.

Our first partners were Jennifer and Ervine, a young couple with the same vision and values as ours. Like us, they believe in building a legacy and in celebrating Filipino culture here in Canada. We were already business partners with them in real estate ventures, so the trust and teamwork were already there. It just made sense to expand that partnership into Nayon Campground.

Then there’s Cathy—someone very close to our family. She’s like a sister from another mother. She and Gladys used to work together years ago in a clinic, and over time their professional relationship grew into a strong friendship. Cathy is young, hardworking, and full of idealism. Her energy and perspective were a natural fit for what we wanted to build.

Finally, we have Sheena, my sister-in-law and the youngest sibling of my wife. Having her as part of the corporation made the partnership feel even more like family. Her involvement ensures that the business isn’t just professional—it’s personal, rooted in the idea of creating something lasting for generations.

Together, the six of us formed an all-Filipino corporation, bound by shared values of legacy, culture, and community. Each partner brings a unique strength, but what unites us is the dream of showcasing Filipino culture while embracing the Canadian spirit of the outdoors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nayoncampground.con
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nayoncampground_igofficial
• Facebook: Nayon Campground