The Philp family, with members from around the globe, gathered in Vuda, Lautoka earlier this month for a weeklong reunion brimming with laughter, joy, and treasured memories.
Family members traveled from Seattle, Singapore, New Zealand, Sydney, and Hobart (Tasmania) to partake in the festivities. Anthony Colin Philp Sr, affectionately known as Colin Philp, a well-respected businessman, mentioned that this was their first weeklong family gathering in Fiji. With over 40 relatives attending, it was an unforgettable event.
“It’s fantastic to have the younger generation here—many of them are visiting Fiji for the first time,” said the 79-year-old Mr. Philp Sr. He added that some family members hadn’t met in 15, 20, or even 25 years, making it an extraordinary reunion.
Born on November 4, 1947, in Hobart, Tasmania, Mr. Philp Sr has deep connections to Fiji. His father, along with his uncles Barry and David, both naval architects, arrived in Fiji in 1949. They bought an old plantation homestead and built the Beachcomber Hotel, now known as the Pearl Resort, in Pacific Harbour. Between 1950 and 1952, the property was rented to MGM Studios for the filming of His Majesty O’Keefe.
“I first came to Fiji when I was just three years old,” Mr. Philp Sr reminisced. He returned permanently in 1965 and started Tradewinds Marine in 1967, managing water sports at the original Tradewinds Hotel. This company still operates yacht shops throughout Fiji. His uncle Barry later constructed the Mocambo Hotel (now Novotel) in Nadi and the Reef Lodge Hotel, while his father built the Tradewinds Hotel in Lami.
“Our commercial interests have always been widespread and significant,” he said. The Philp family’s investments continue to bolster the Fijian economy. They have also represented Fiji in international surfing events, including the Olympics, with Tony Philp Jr achieving outstanding success as a top-ranked athlete.
“There’s something truly magical about Fiji. Living in Lami back then was wonderful. We lived right on the foreshore, and developing the Tradewinds Hotel was a major project,” Mr. Philp Sr shared. After briefly studying hotel management at the University of Hawaii, he returned to manage the Tradewinds Hotel and worked with Travelodge. He also established Pizza Hut in Fiji, ventured into boat building, and co-founded the Hot Bread Kitchen with Tiko Eastgate and Mere Samisoni.