“Over my five decades in urban development, I’ve witnessed—and helped drive—the evolution of real estate. It’s no longer just about land and location; it’s about holistic urban development shaped by collaboration among urban planners, designers, architects, developers, and government. Real estate now reflects how people live, work, and connect. It integrates zoning, transportation, water systems, job centers, and social services into a comprehensive approach to city-building.
“At PALAFOX, we embrace this vision through multidisciplinary teams dedicated to architecture, urban design, engineering, and innovation. Our work, such as the planning of Rockwell, reflects this philosophy—we created a “five-minute neighborhood” where residents can live, work, shop, dine, play, learn, and worship within walking distance. On a larger scale, I’ve long dreamed of connecting the Philippines through bridges, tunnels, railways, roads, and waterways—a vision I believe is possible.
“Real estate today is about connectivity, accessibility, and mobility. As a member of organizations like the Urban Land Institute and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, I’ve seen how the built environment shapes quality of life. We must strive for green buildings, sustainable communities, and inclusive urban spaces designed for all. As I often say, ‘Development is not worthy of the name unless it is spread evenly like butter on a piece of bread.‘ Everything we do must be for God, country, and the planet—Pro Deo, Patria, Et Terra.
“In my 53 years as an architect and 51 years as an environmental and urban planner, I’ve been blessed to apply global best practices in over 1,800 projects across 40 countries. What drives me is a vision: for the Philippines to become a first-world economy by 2050. At PALAFOX, our advocacy is ‘Philippines Toward 2050 well into 2100’—a call to action for leaders, architects, planners, and future generations to shape smart, inclusive, and livable communities.
“With over 100 million Filipinos expected to live in urban areas by 2050, the urgency for responsible, sustainable planning has never been greater. Real estate development spans time, space, and disciplines—it requires a holistic, ridge-to-reef approach that balances urban growth with environmental stewardship. Our mission is to harmonize nature and cities, and to create places where Filipinos can thrive for generations to come.”
