Passing the blueprint: Prime movers groom next gen titans

The Philippines’ leading homegrown real estate companies have undeniably contributed to nation-building by creating jobs, boosting incomes, and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.

These developers, led by their visionary founders, have pioneered concepts across office, residential, entertainment, leisure, hospitality, and industrial segments. They have poured in significant investments, while constantly innovating to cater to changing preferences amid evolving landscapes.

As many of these entrepreneurs pass the baton to the next generation, their children are already proving themselves as capable leaders, rising to the challenges of modern times while upholding their family’s legacy.

Here are some inspiring fathers in real estate and the talented successors they’ve raised, who continue to grow their businesses and help build empowered Filipino communities.

Andrew Tan and Kevin Andrew Tan

Alliance Global Group Inc.

As the eldest son of self-made billionaire Andrew Tan, Kevin Andrew Tan has consistently expressed his admiration for his father’s humility, compassion, and unwavering work ethic.

Andrew’s rise from humble beginnings is well-known. His journey, starting with the modest dream of owning a grocery store, involved immense challenges as he built a vast empire. The discipline, dedication, and tenacity that fueled his success were values instilled in Kevin, who fondly recalls how his father’s parenting style emphasized learning from mistakes and encouraged free expression of thoughts and ideas.

Kevin, who was only a child when the family’s real estate firm, Megaworld, began to grow, had said that they were never pressured into the family business. Instead, they were given the freedom to choose their own paths.

Eventually, Kevin did join the family business, starting at the ground level and taking on various roles. His father believed that titles and positions should be earned, not handed out.

After earning a degree in Business Administration with a major in Management from the University of Asia and the Pacific, Kevin started in sales and commercial leasing for Megaworld.

His pivotal moment came when he suggested to his father the idea of adding lifestyle and entertainment components to their township developments—particularly Eastwood City at that time. He also brought up the idea of making the offices they developed to be part of their recurring income portfolio. Kevin was then placed in charge of the commercial division of Megaworld, which markets and operates the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Kevin eventually became in 2012 a director of Alliance Global Inc. (AGI)—the parent firm of property giant Megaworld., integrated gaming developer Travellers International Hotel Group, global beverage maker Emperador Inc., and Philippine McDonald’s master franchise-holder Golden Arches Development Corp.

In June 2018, Andrew retired as the CEO of AGI and passed on the responsibility of leading the empire to his son Kevin, who was just 38 years old at that time. Andrew remained as the chair of AGI. Eventually, in June 2024, Kevin was appointed director, president, and chief operations officer of AGI while also leading the Megaworld Real Estate Investment Trust (MREIT).

In October this year, Kevin ascended the ranks at Megaworld after he was named executive director of the property firm. He previously served as Megaworld’s executive vice president and chief strategy officer.

The younger Tan’s plate has definitely become fuller with these new roles, as these companies continue to expand. But Kevin has always looked up to his father whom he considers his mentor—and an excellent one, at that.

As he continues his father’s legacy, Kevin vowed to continue supporting the government’s programs, build more townships in the provinces to help generate more jobs for Filipinos, and to fulfill their lasting vision of uplifting lives, impacting society, and helping shape the nation.

Exequiel Robles and Michelle Robles-De Castro

Sta. Lucia Land Inc.

Sta. Lucia Land Inc. (SLLI) has been consistent in its drive to develop, create, and provide decent and livable communities across the country.

Under the guidance of its president Exequiel Robles, SLLI has emerged as a reliable partner of many hardworking individuals who aspire to provide a better life for their loved ones.

In an interview with Inquirer Property, Exequiel shared that at age 15, he had already started helping in the family business, then known as BuenMar Realty—a small scale property developer founded in 1972 by his father and aunt, Buenaventura Robles and Marcela Robles-Santos, together with their respective spouses.

Two years after its inception, BuenMar was renamed Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc.

But just before their plans could finally take off, the older Robles passed away, to be followed not long after by his sister, Santos. This left Exequiel no choice but to study and thoroughly understand the ins and outs of the real estate business to keep things together and prevent Sta. Lucia Realty from falling apart. Since then, Robles was able to keep the family legacy alive—for over five decades now.

A noteworthy strategy of SLLI was to consciously expand its footprint outside the nation’s capital. It has cemented its position as a market leader particularly in the provinces, way before other national developers dared to venture to such areas.

This tenacity, passion, and sincerity to serve Filipinos have been passed on by the leaders of the Robles-Santos clan to their younger generations who are fulfilling their share of duties to preserve their family legacy.

Among them is Michelle, the daughter of Exequiel, who is keen to serve not just her parents’ will but the company itself that she practically grew up with. She previously held the post as Sta. Lucia’s land corporate marketing director and was already with the company when it introduced its first condominium building in Metro Manila, the La Breza Tower in Quezon City. At present, Michelle is SLLI’s vice president for Advertising.

Michelle has always been vocal in appreciating the values her father taught her. In an Inquirer article in 2016, she talked about how her father has instilled in them the desire to raise the quality of life of each of their customers and that their needs should be considered foremost.

“He always reminds us to draw lessons and inspiration from the company’s humble beginnings as a small family business. The continuous growth that it is currently experiencing is greatly attributed to the hard work, perseverance, and discipline of all the members of our family. This is the proud legacy that I want to pass on to my children,” Michelle said.

Giovanni Olivares and Fatima “Pammy” Olivares-Vital

Ovialand Inc.

For Fatima “Pammy” Olivares-Vital, president of Ovialand Inc. (OLI), learning the intricacies of the family business from her father at a young age laid the foundation for her journey in continuing the family legacy of providing quality homes to Filipino families.

Pammy’s father, Giovanni Olivares, founded Malate Construction and Development Corp. (MCDC), the parent company of OLI, where he also serves as chairman. His expertise and advocacy for affordable housing have shaped Pammy’s approach to the business.

Pammy officially entered the real estate industry in 2006, shortly after graduating college. Invited by her father to join MCDC, a builder of socialized and low-cost housing, she faced the challenge of revitalizing sales despite having only two years of business management studies before shifting to psychology.

Her time at MCDC fostered a deep commitment not only to growing the family business but also to advancing her father’s advocacy of making premium homes accessible and affordable to hardworking Filipinos. Giovanni’s influence extended beyond the company, though. From 2010 to 2015, he also served as a private sector representative at the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, championing the low-cost housing industry.

Encouraged by her father to pursue growth and innovation, Pammy took part in Ovialand Inc. when it was incorporated in 2014. Tasked with delivering premium yet affordable house-and-lot packages, OLI became a game-changer in the housing sector by employing precast technology, enabling the construction of quality homes in as fast as 45 days. With the help of housing finance partners, Ovialand clients can move into their new homes in just 60 to 90 days.

Pammy’s role as business unit head of OLI went beyond building houses—she ensured that Ovialand was building secure and strong homes that met the needs of Filipino families. Her hands-on approach included engaging with clients at OLI’s San Pablo office, monitoring feedback on social media, and even joining Facebook mommy groups to spot emerging trends.

In 2020, Pammy was named president of OLI, a role that she embraced with the lessons of humility and service instilled by her father. Under her leadership, Ovialand is working toward becoming a national real estate developer, expanding its presence one region at a time.

With projects in Laguna, Quezon, Batangas, and now Bulacan, the company aims to establish a foothold in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao by 2033.

In a June 2024 article in the Inquirer, Pammy reflected on the company’s vision of being a “responsible, conscientious, and excellent” real estate developer. “It was a journey to discover how we could transform our family business into a lasting legacy—not just for our family but for all the families we serve,” she wrote.

Henry Sy Jr. and Jessica “Jica” Sy-Bell

SM Development Corp.

For Henry Sy Jr., the driving force behind SM Development Corp. (SMDC), the vision is clear: to make quality homes accessible to all Filipinos. He envisions a Philippines where homeownership is not a privilege but a standard for every Filipino family.

As the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, the Sy family’s integrated property developer, SMDC continues the legacy of its patriarch, Henry Sy Sr., a philanthropist and a pillar of the Philippine economy. SMDC’s commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities reflects the older Sy’s enduring impact on the country.

Now on its 20th year, SMDC has delivered over 183,000 residential units since its first project, Chateau Elysee, in 2004. Under the younger Sy’s leadership, it has redefined urban living by focusing on sustainable, inclusive communities that meet the growing needs of Filipinos.

But what began as a mission to make homeownership more accessible has now evolved into a broader goal: to create well-planned, sustainable communities deserving of the Filipino people.

Joining him in this commitment is his daughter Jessica Bianca Sy, who serves as the lead executive of design, innovation, and strategy at SM Prime and SMDC. As a third-generation Sy family member, Jessica has double the pressure but also double the guidance to carry on the family business while strengthening the advocacies of her father and grandfather.

In several instances, Jessica has often expressed the company’s commitment to not just building homes but nurturing communities. With a degree in architecture, she is especially focused on disaster risk reduction, emphasizing that the choices made early in development can dramatically impact the longevity of properties and the quality of life for residents.

This focus on resilience is now embedded in SMDC’s planning process, with disaster and climate resilience integrated into every blueprint. “We’re not just building condominiums and houses; we’re creating homes designed to withstand the test of time and nature,” she said.

Reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave, Henry Sy Jr. said he envisions SMDC being remembered not just for building homes but also for fostering stability, connection, and pride.

“I hope our legacy lives on in people’s lives, those who say, ‘This is where I started, where I found stability and belonging,’” he said.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Mariana Zobel de Ayala-Aboitiz

Ayala Corp.

In 2024, Ayala Corp. marked its 190th anniversary, solidifying its position as one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates with significant interests in real estate, banking, digital solutions, renewable energy, healthcare, logistics, mobility, industrial technologies, education, and technology. As a family-led conglomerate lasting 19 decades, Ayala continues to thrive, creating positive impact on the communities it serves.

Under the leadership of Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (Jaza), who has chaired the corporation since 2006, Ayala Corporation has remained resilient through two recent economic crises while contributing to the national development agenda. Today however, the younger generation of Zobels are becoming important assets of the company.

One would be Mariana Zobel de Ayala. The daughter of Jaza shared in a 2021 Bloomberg interview that she and her peers are encouraged to work across Ayala’s various units to understand the business operations and align the company’s objectives.

Mariana graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics), and received a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from INSEAD. She returned to the Philippines in 2013 to joined Ayala Corp., after a two-year stint at JP Morgan in New York.

In 2014, Mariana had said that she was “grateful for the resources” at her disposal. “The opportunity to come home and learn from the Ayala group is very unique.”

An interview with her alma mater, St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, United States, quoted Mariana as saying that being part of the eighth generation of her family has primed her to help lead their corporation, and it’s “definitely a privilege” that she doesn’t take lightly.

“I’m lucky to have had the example of many generations of visionary and hardworking family members,” she said in a St. Paul’s School interview.

Mariana has been a director of Ayala Corp. since October 2022. She is also a non-executive director of Ayala Land’s real estate investment trust arm AREIT Inc. and was senior vice president at Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), leading its marketing and digital platforms.

In September 2024, Mariana was named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Philippines Rising Star award. This accolade, presented by PropertyGuru in partnership with Bridges, recognized her exceptional contributions to the industry and her role in shaping the future of real estate in the Philippines.

As an executive director of Ayala Corp. and senior vice president and head of leasing and hospitality business at Ayala Land Inc., Mariana heads key divisions such as Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, and Ayala Land Hotels & Resorts. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the company’s leasing and hospitality sectors.

Manny Villar and Camille Villar-Genuino

Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc.

Tycoon Manny Villar is a well-recognized name in the Philippines, being one of the richest Filipinos, a former House Speaker and Senate President, and a highly successful entrepreneur. Manny is the founder of the country’s largest homebuilder Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc., and Golden MV Holdings. He is also the chair of Vistamalls, Inc. (formerly Starmalls, Inc.), AllHome Corp., AllValue Holdings Corp., and AllDay Marts, Inc.

Manny’s success didn’t come easy but with his hard work and determination, he was able to push the family business forward. And despite juggling several professional hats from his political and business careers, he maintained a strong, positive presence in his family.

“Even when I was very busy with work, I make sure that we all gather for Sunday lunch. That is a tradition in our family. No matter how busy things get in our individual lives, we sit down for Sunday lunch and catch up,” Manny had said.

He beams with pride when he talks about his children. Their good upbringing is one of his greatest achievements surpassing any awards in business or politics, he said.

“I am proud that my children—Paolo, Mark and Camille—all grew up as beautiful, successful and humble persons. I have never heard any complaints about any of them throwing their weight around or feeling entitled,” he earlier said.

His daughter and youngest child, Camille, is just as proud of him. According to Camille, her “parents created quite a career for themselves, but our whole lives, they were very present. They’ve always shown us that family is first and family is the most important.”

Camille, for her part, has built a successful career in both business and politics. She is part of the Vista Land Group, managing in particular the AllValue retail business operations. Under her leadership, AllHome emerged to become the Philippines’ fastest-growing full-line home center.

In politics, she ran for and won in 2019 as Representative of Las Pinas City’s lone congressional district. She was reelected to a second term in 2022.

In managing her busy life, Camille still lives by the words of her father so as not to lose her focus: “I would get overwhelmed, but my dad would tell me: You just have to prioritize, you have to know what’s important, then complete your tasks one thing at a time, and you will see that things will fall into place. In my case, he said family is the most important, so I need to prioritize my family. If they need me, I drop everything. And then after that, I carve time out for public service and then business. And that’s kind of how I’ve been managing my time.”

Tomas Lorenzo and Monica Lorenzo

Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.

Tomas P. Lorenzo, the president and chief executive officer of the Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. (TLDC), is what one would call a visionary leader.

He saw early on an unmet demand for quality student residences in the university areas—to which he responded with the 21-story 1Torre Lorenzo along Taft Avenue in Manila. Since then, TLDC has expanded to more areas and ventured, more recently, into upscale hospitality and leisure projects like the Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, the flagship leisure project of TLDC in the Davao Gulf.

According to Tomas, their success came from listening to and studying the market, taking ownership of the project, and remaining consistent in their ideals. He makes sure to put his visions to work. Such discipline is what he passed on to his daughter Monica, who now works as the business development manager of TLDC.

“When I say, own the project, it means you have to take it to heart. You cannot simply delegate it. Yes, you have a team—like in my case, I have a fantastic team—but you have to understand it for yourself and live it. Whenever I have a new project, I make sure to walk within the vicinity, observe the behavior of the people living in the area, and simulate the lifestyle of the future resident. You have to embrace and absorb everything even if it’s useless information because it might come in handy in the future,” he said.

This, he said, is exactly what he and his daughter Monica did for an upcoming TLDC development in Sampaloc, Manila. They walked around the vicinity of their project at noon, as if simulating a student going to class at a nearby university.

This is also why Tomas is confident that every TLDC project is built with uncompromising quality, innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship. And indeed, the last 25 years have been filled with milestones and achievements that enabled TLDC to earn its rightful place in the industry.

Monica, for her part, had said that one important thing she learned from her father is the importance of being hands on and involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. She said her father pays attention to even the small details. Now, that is her approach, too, as she takes on more responsibilities in a company that her father founded.

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Bloomberg, megaworldfoundation . com, smprime . com, asiapropertyawards . com, hbs . edu, ayalaland . com.ph, sps .edu, torrelorenzo . com, Official Instagram account of Torre Lorenzo, camillevillar . com, vistaresidences . com.ph, vistaland .com.ph, stalucialand .com.ph; labrezatower . wordpress.com, ovialand . com