Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — For the first time, Angelina Mead King has spoken to a group of television reporters, but not about being a trans woman, but as one of the country’s top drive-in hotel chain operators.
As managing director of the Victoria Court group of companies, King and her wife Joey Mead graced the press launch late Wednesday of a new Star Wars-inspired suite of his hotel in Pasig City.
The room features intricate laser lights and moves with hydraulic joists. It looks much like the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, the iconic spacecraft flown by Hans Solo, one of the lead characters in the Star Wars series.
It is one of the new attractions at Victoria Court that King says will help it maintain its lead in the tough and challenging drive-in hotel industry.
In a market where “an item can be easily copied” staying ahead is difficult, King said, referring to innovations or attractions that are also adopted or replicated by competitors.
“It’s hard to stay ahead, but what we bank on is our service … the experience. It’s not just the product that we are pushing, it’s the total package of everything. And that’s us, signature us, and no one else,” King said.
Angie, as she prefers to be called by those close to her, refused to answer personal questions from reporters, but expressed her excitement about what lies ahead for her – especially with wife, Joey, beside her every step of the way.
She was publicly known as a businessman and prominent car enthusiast before coming out as a trans woman a few weeks ago. Many in the LGBT community have since regarded her as an icon of liberation and empowerment in the country and expressed their support for her on social media.
King says she is still overwhelmed, empowered, and thrilled about the outpouring of love and support from the people around her.
Read: Love wins: Netizens, friends support Ian King as transwoman
