COUNTRY VS. TOWN: RIA HOBAN

RIA HOBAN was born and raised in the Philippines, where she spent most of her childhood at her family’s resort in Boracay Island. Her grandmother’s family, the Tirols, repurposed the island’s focus from copra (coconut oil) production and farming to tourism when they built resorts that were all initially run on generators. Ria’s father opened the island’s first food and beverage establishment, a quaint overwater bar called Sharks. Boracay is a special place to Ria. She and her husband married there in 2011, the same year that Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure named it one of the best islands in the world. Speaking of this special place, Ria says, “For many of my friends who flew in from the US, it was their first introduction to Asia. Some of my best memories were created there, and most importantly, this is where I spent most of my time with my grandmother who was the matriarch of our family who recently passed away. It’s because of her, and early exposure to constant international guests, that I developed an appreciation of diversity in dress, thought, and culture.” She adds, “These early interactions were my first insight into different cultures, and I found it all so magical. Experiencing something new always sends the heart aflutter. I think this is why we all connect travel with wonder.”

College led Ria to a pre-medicine path along the shores of Lake Michigan. She graduated from the Loyola University of Chicago with a B.S. in Psychology, and Minors in Biology and Economics, learning along the way that following in her mother’s physician footsteps was not her calling. She spent her senior year as a research assistant at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine studying the causes of epileptic attacks and became fascinated with applying data to rethink new realities to drive better outcomes. “I loved research, but I yearned for less lab time and more face-to-face interactions and looking at how innovation can improve the way we work and live,” Ria says.

Following graduation, Accenture offered a career in consulting and an opportunity in Singapore to lead the growth of the Southeast Asia market. The family grew as the business did, as Ria and her husband welcomed four children, now 12, 11, 9 and 5 years old, during their 10+ year tenure on the island.

Singapore was the ideal jumping off point to explore Asia Pacific and Australia. Ria reminisces, “The roads of Margaret River, Western Australia are so picturesque in the Spring and offer a beautiful landscape of both surf town and wine country. We would travel with other families and rent houses on the beach cliffs and host nightly dinners and embark on wine and culinary tours. Other trips included villa stays in Bali, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. There’s nothing like the magic that a tropical golden hour presents.”

Three years ago, the family relocated to Hinsdale on the recommendation of a friend from Singapore who had made the move. The Hoban family is right at home here. Ria says, “I feel so supported here, and am amazed by the caliber of people in this little bubble. It’s a town of high achievers and I continue to be inspired to meaningfully contribute and build a community that fosters learning and giving for our children.”

She proudly carries on her family’s tradition of service. “My grandmother devoted her life to service as President of Zonta and the Girl Scouts in the Philippines South, and my father was President of the Rotary in his district so being involved in the community has always been in my DNA. While in Singapore, I served on the Board of the American Association of Singapore as Treasurer, the Membership Committee of the American Club of Singapore, and was a founding member of 1880, an international members club that is continuously expanding globally. Here, I am a member of the Hinsdale Historical Society, the Soho House, the Infant Welfare Society, an associate of the Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club, and several Women in Data associations.”

---

Do you have a mantra? I saw this recently in a friends’ story and it stuck to me. “Remember the days you prayed for the things you had now.” There is so much gratitude and reflection packed into that little sentence. I also love “Always assume positive intent.” On your reading stack? I’m currently reading The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey. Sometimes I get in my head too much when I play. Many of strategies in the book can be applied to everyday life and helping you get unstuck by just doing. I love coffee table books, especially those about entertaining, bonus if they include recipes. I love Summer Style: Food Flowers Fun by Debi Lily, who is a dear family friend; and Occasions to Celebrate by Alex Hitz. And anything by India Hicks. What organizations do you support? I am a co-chair of this year’s “Elegance in Bloom” Kitchen Walk and absolutely love The Hinsdale Historical Society. I have always been passionate about preservation and have veered towards classical homes. I love The Courtyard and its many treasures, which supports Wellness House. What is the area of expertise on which your group chat will seek your advice? Restaurants! I’m obsessed. I love steakhouses and recently tried Perilla, Asador Bastian, Bar Mar by José Andrés and Divan Chicago and was impressed. Bavette’s is still my favorite for a classic meal.

Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? When I am home, I try to make a meal every night, and a giant breakfast on the weekends. Cooking together as a family and sharing that same meal together, and listening to everyone’s reflections of the day, fills my heart with so much joy Music you love? My husband Connor has introduced me to so many different artists that I love. I’ve really expanded my breadth of genres and thanks to him, got to discover bands like Mk.Gee, Westerman, Washed Out, Khruangbin, and Kings of Leon in the early days. We saw these artists when they were just starting out in small venues like Lincoln Hall. I’ll never forget seeing Westerman there. Favorite spring tradition or activity? The Hinsdale Kitchen Walk, duh! What beauty products are you loving currently? I love love love moisturizer. My favorite one is the Italian brand, WiQo which you can get at Natural Beauty Med Spa. I can’t live without Dior blush in Éclat Rose 001, Il Makiage No Filter primer and Givenchy Prisme Libre prep and set mist.

---

WHEN IN THE HINSDALE

What’s your go-to outfit? Lately, it’s been a rope sweater from J McLaughlin and Paige wide-leg jeans. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? Sadly, my phone! Where do they know you by name? RedE Mas. I love Toula. She’s the best. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? A Suburban Shangri-La.

WHEN IN CHICAGO

Do you wear any outfits or accessories that feel like too much for the school run but are perfect for the city?I don’t think there is anything too much for the Hinsdale school run. What’s in your bag? My phone, headphones, cuticle oil, Miss Dior hair mist, and an apple. View that never gets old? The west facing view during sunset on the FDR bridge over the Chicago river on Lake Shore Drive. Best quick bite or hidden gem? I still love the texture and sweet and salty umami taste of the crispy Pad Thai at Cozy Noodles n’ Rice in Wrigleyville. Going back with kids is a trip especially with the crazy signs and figurines everywhere. Best beauty or wellness shop or provider? I love the Cowshed spa at SoHo House. Do you have a favorite museum? The Shedd Aquarium never gets old. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? This is a toss-up between Wicker Park with Josh Hartnett, Diane Kruger, and Rose Byrne or The Breakup with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. I lived both in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park and am a sucker for tearjerkers. The last scenes at O’Hare in Wicker Park and on Armitage in The Breakup, leave me sobbing every time.