Stephen is your Boujee Superhost, bringing warmth, energy, and a wealth of experience to every guest interaction.

Stephen is well-traveled. Years ago, his former roommate gave him access to an airline buddy pass, opening the door to adventures he would not otherwise have had. Those journeys enriched his life in ways he never imagined, fueling his love for exploring new cultures, cuisines, and traditions, while strengthening his appreciation for his Filipino roots before immigrating to Canada in the mid-70s.

His travels have taken him far and wide: Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines in Asia; England, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany in Europe; Panama, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic in the Americas; and Jamaica in the Caribbean. Each trip added to his perspective on life, deepened his gratitude, and taught him what it feels like to be both a stranger and a welcomed guest.

As both an immigrant and a seasoned traveler, Stephen is sensitive to the culture shock many people feel when entering a new environment. He does his best to ease that transition, sometimes practicing his French or Spanish to help with communication. And when that is not enough, there is always Google Translate. Above all, what drives him is the memory of the many extraordinary hosts he met along the way. From the smallest gestures of kindness to the most thoughtful accommodations, those experiences left a lasting imprint. Stephen has made it his mission to recreate that same feeling of comfort and belonging for every guest who steps into The Boujee Beach Home.

Stephen has worked in IT for Toronto’s local electricity company since 2003, where he is now an SAP technical specialist focused on change management. Over the years he has worked across ERP, PeopleSoft, and SAP while also serving as a strong advocate for his colleagues through union leadership. He completed certifications in Labour Law and Negotiations at Osgoode Law School, sat at many bargaining tables, and participated in challenging arbitrations. These experiences taught him the importance of fairness, justice, kindness, and integrity. With early retirement on the horizon in 2031, he is beginning to look ahead at what comes next.

In 2013, Stephen added another career path when he became a medical esthetician, specializing in hair removal for men through waxing, laser, and electrolysis. He quickly became known as one of Toronto’s leading professionals in the field, with 5-star reviews across the board. He has served as Co-Chair of the Federal Canadian Electrolysis Association and has built a wide client base of CEOs, lawyers, teachers, students, models, and professionals of every age and gender. Some even cross the border from Buffalo just to see him for his highly regarded treatments.

When he is not working, Stephen is often renovating. An avid DIYer, he has turned a modest house into The Boujee Beach Home. He has installed a whole-home water filtration and softening system, painted the exterior from an 80-foot boom, dug fence posts by hand in the middle of winter, retrofitted railings for both his home and his neighbor’s, and even built his neighbor a 16-by-12 foot pergola to provide privacy after they fell ill. With Avery’s support and the help of friends and family, these projects have been a labor of love, creating a home that is not only beautiful but filled with heart.

Stephen’s downtime is devoted to Avery and Mango. The three of them are road trip adventurers who love exploring provincial parks across Ontario. They enjoy camping, cottaging, and beach days in both lively public spaces and quiet corners off the beaten path. Days are filled with hiking and swimming, while evenings bring campfires, stargazing, and the soothing sounds of nature. For Stephen, there is nothing more grounding than listening to wolves or coyotes in the distance, breathing in the crisp night air, and heading home with the smell of soot on his clothes. These simple, peaceful moments are what make all the long days worthwhile.

Looking ahead, Stephen has many projects still on his list, including a new shed, a full kitchen and dining room remodel, small changes to the third floor, and the dream master bathroom. Travel will also continue to play a big role. Together with Avery, he has planned a two-week trip to Japan with close friends they met through hosting, followed by a week in Boracay in the Philippines. It will be Stephen’s first time returning to his birthplace in 47 years, a journey filled with nostalgia and meaning. This trip may even inspire future plans for a semi-retirement home in Asia, as Stephen has always felt especially connected to the region.

Through all of this, Stephen’s philosophy as a host remains the same. Every trip he has taken, every friend he has made, and every incredible host he has met has reinforced the importance of hospitality, kindness, and creating a sense of belonging. At The Boujee Beach Home, Stephen and Avery strive to bring those values to life for every guest, ensuring their stay is memorable for all the right reasons.