Between Europe and Africa, Bariou would spend summers in the Philippines, particularly in the archipelagic province of Palawan, where his grandparents live. It is also where his family found a home for good.

Read more: Why is Palawan so loved by travellers?

“I’ve always loved island life,” he says. “My siblings and I grew up close to nature, and it was natural for us to build something that is in harmony with its surroundings.”

It was on this island, teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, that he forged his early connection to nature. “For me, it was... amazing to be in this, and I felt like I was just an absorber of nature,” he reminisces.

Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines, but its waves lure more than just surfers. There’s a strong energy to the island that attracts dreamers, wanderers and seekers of a slower, more meaningful way of life. Many call it the “Siargao magic”, which also enchanted Bariou, keeping him rooted on the island for nearly a decade.

His connection to the island began long before it became a sought-after destination. His father was exploring the Philippines in the 1980s and found himself drawn to Siargao’s unspoiled beauty. The Bariou family acquired land, and years later, he took on the responsibility of managing it.

As Siargao gained popularity, Bariou saw an opportunity to create something meaningful—a luxurious yet sustainable retreat. And Maison Bukana was born. An exclusive villa blending French elegance with Filipino warmth, Maison Bukana’s name reflects this fusion: Maison means “house” in French, while bukana means “where the river and sea meet” in Filipino.

Read more: Christophe Bariou on Maison Bukana and building disaster resilient structures

Siargao was also where Bariou met Lustre, his partner in life, business and advocacy. Together, they have championed sustainability, not only co-founding Dehusk but also launching Ver De Siargao, a plant-based restaurant. A passionate vegan, Bariou firmly believes that “we should embrace [veganism] because it will be so beneficial for literally every being on this planet. In many ways, we are eating ourselves to our own extinction.”

Read more: Nadine Lustre and Christophe Bariou unveil their new coconut milk brand Dehusk

Before he built his eco-empire, Bariou faced a different kind of storm.

In 2020, just as Bariou was opening Maison Bukana, life threw him an unexpected challenge. At the age of 26, he was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma, with no known survival rates.

“You never really expect cancer to come into your life. At 26, definitely less so. I was living my best life, enjoying everything and I’ve always been mindful,” he says. “I was convinced 100 per cent that I was not going to be here anymore in a couple of weeks.”

The uncertainty surrounding his diagnosis was a terrifying experience. The emotional turmoil of possibly facing death at such a young age was overwhelming. “I couldn’t finish any of my projects... I couldn’t finish my main project, my resort,” he reflects. “I felt it was so unfair. I thought I was a good person, so why me? I was only 26. I [didn’t think I] deserved it.”

See also: Christophe Bariou narrates harrowing experience in Siargao during Typhoon Odette

Yet despite the shock and fear, his resolve only grew stronger. After further testing, doctors in France confirmed that the diagnosis was not as grim as initially feared. Although still serious, the lymphoma was treatable. “The doctors told me, ‘Don’t worry, you probably don’t have what you think. It’s most likely treatable.’” Armed with this new information, he flew to France to begin treatment.

What followed was a rollercoaster of emotions. At one point, he was misdiagnosed with a condition that could have killed him within weeks.

Through the pain and uncertainty, Bariou’s mantra—“live and let live”—became his guiding light through the darkness. Despite the fear and the pain, he refused to succumb to despair. “If you have an opportunity to do something in life, do it because there might not be another chance anymore to do it,” he stresses.

Today, having emerged from his battle with cancer, he continues to channel his energy into his businesses, ensuring that every one of his ventures remains a model of sustainability and that his advocacy for a kinder world reaches as many people as possible.

And just like the waves of Siargao, which endlessly rise and fall, it’s all about coming out stronger on the other side. 

This article is part of Founder Stories, a series dedicated to discovering the untold stories and challenges of today’s entrepreneurs on their climb to the top. Discover more sustainability leaders across Asia.

NOW READ

Meet the visionary CEOs fuelling Asia’s clean energy ambitions

How Filipino designers are turning pineapple leaves into sustainable home décor items

Naturally elegant: Manami Resort redefines the possibilities of luxury