MBV Gravel To Greatness
MBV Gravel To Greatness
MBV Gravel To Greatness
TO
FROM GRAVEL TO GREATNESS / CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE M.B. VILLAR GROUP OF COMPANIES
from
GRAVEL to
greatness
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE M.B. VILLAR GROUP OF COMPANIES
From Gravel To Greatness
40 years of the m.B. Villar Group of Companies table of contents
CHAPTER ONE 6
Publisher The Boy From Tondo To The Man In Forbes
Dentsu Jayme Syfu
his businesses.
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“I think you only dream within your universe,” says Manny. And as a child,
his universe was the wet market of Divisoria. Manny was the second of nine
children. His father was a government employee and his mother was a fish
vendor. Back then, all he ever wanted was to own a fishing boat so he could also
supply to other vendors. Even at the young age of seven, he was up at midnight
with his mother, Curita, waiting for the haul of local fishing boats. At five in the
morning, he and his mother would go to the wet market to sell fish and shrimps
until mid-morning. Afterwards, Manny would take a nap before going to school.
Though life was difficult, Manny never felt that way. It was simply how life was.
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“ I had classmates
who were sons and
daughters of
politicians, doctors,
and businessmen
whose dreams were
bigger than mine. ”
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“ I felt that maybe
it was possible for
someone like me
to aim higher and
dream bigger, too. ”
His perspective changed when he entered the
University of the Philippines (UP). His experiences
with people from all walks of life opened his eyes
and expanded his universe. “I had classmates who
were sons and daughters of politicians, doctors,
and businessmen whose dreams were bigger than
mine,” Manny recalls. “I thought that if they had
those kinds of ambitions and I was just like them,
studying the same things in the same school, I was
their equal…I felt that maybe it was possible for
someone like me to aim higher and dream bigger,
too.”
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Once his entrepreneurial spirit was ignited, he never stopped dreaming and
turning those dreams into reality. A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
equipped him with the tools and a strengthened resolve to go into business.
After a few months as an auditor at Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Co., he earned
enough capital to establish his first business of delivering seafood in Makati.
Camella Homes became the foundation on which Manny Villar built one of
Asia’s most successful land development companies.
The very first truck for his Gravel and Sand business
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CAMELLA HOMES CONSTRUCTION SITE CIRCA 1977
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Though he began with building structures to provide shelter and a sense
of ownership for most Filipinos, even the churches he built became a haven
and gave a sense of spirituality to those around it.
There is a lot to learn from his story. But there is even more to learn
from the man himself.
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Manny and his family (L-R: Manny, Cynthia, Paolo, Camille, & Mark)
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Manny’s construction business began with two trucks
around the country. Over the years, the MBV group has
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In 1975, Manny Villar took a leap of faith. With only two second-
hand trucks, he began supplying gravel and sand to homebuilders in
the Las Piñas area. Through his interactions with other homebuilders, he
discovered a demand in the housing market, where he could provide the
needed supply and start such venture with the right business acumen
and proper resources. This landed him in a goldmine of opportunities.
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CAMELLA
A desire to provide low-cost and affordable housing for all Filipinos, combined
with his experience in business and homebuilding, emboldened him to secure a
seven-year loan to finance his first project, Camella Homes Phases 1 and 2 in Las
Piñas. This project sold 160 housing units, becoming a dominant entity in the
affordable housing market segment. Camella Homes, which was established in
1977, became synonymous to quality, affordable homes.
Camella community
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CAMELLA CERRITOS HEIGHTS IN CAVITE
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CAMELLA TIERRA NEVADA IN CAVITE
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CAMELLA DASMARIÑAS IN CAVITE
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CAMELLA tanza IN CAVITE
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CAMELLA CRESTWOOD IN ANTIPOLO
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COMMUNITIES PHILIPPINES
On seeing the sacrifices that many Overseas Filipinos (OFs) were making,
on top of the struggle to build a home while they’re away, Communities
Philippines was established in 1991. The company offers Camella and Lessandra
brands that sell low-cost, affordable, quality homes outside the Metro Manila
area. It began by bringing these housing brands to the provinces with the aim
of providing homes to the OF’s families in their hometowns. What started in
Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Pangasinan has expanded its footprint nationwide.
CAMELLA LAOAG
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CAMELLA PROVENCE IN BULACAN
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CAMELLA SORRENTO IN PAMPANGA
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CAMELLA taRLAC
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CAMELLA gapan IN NUEVA ECIJA
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CAMELLA LEGASPI
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CAMELLA SAVANNAH IN ILOILO
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CAMELLA AZIENDA IN CEBU
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CAMELLA GRAN EUROPA IN CAGAYAN DE ORO
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CAMELLA davao
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LUMINA
Though homes are much more affordable, they are not always available for
everyone. There are minimum wage earners who deserve an ideal and dignified
living space, but can’t afford to buy their own home. Vista Land advocates
socialized housing with Lumina, the development touted as “Every Juan’s
Home.”
LUMINA IN BULACAN
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LUMINA ILOILO
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CROWN ASIA
In 1995, Crown Asia was established for the upper middle-income housing
segment. Each home is designed and built with exceptionally high standards
and workmanship. Beyond quality, the beauty of the homes and the luxury
of the communities in Crown Asia mark the ultimate reward for the residents’
perseverance in their pursuit of success and excellence.
Vista Residences, the vertical development arm of Vista Land was established
to build and manage preferred condominiums for the Global Filipinos in the
most desired locations in the country.
The company has the knack for finding the most accessible and attractive
locations in Metro Manila and in key provincial destinations. Its projects are
strategically located within central business districts, near main transport hubs
or in close proximity to premier schools and universities.
What Manny Villar started as a supplier of gravel and sand has grown and
Vista Land established itself as the largest homebuilder in the Philippines to one
of the leading integrated property developers with its acquisition of Starmalls,
Inc. More than just homes, Vista Land develops masterplanned communities,
coined as “Communicities,” integrated urban developments combining themed
residential developments, lifestyle, retail, prime office space, schools, healthcare,
and leisure components.
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VISTA MALLS
Vista Malls were developed to provide exceptional retail and leisure facilities Visiting the mall with family and friends is so deeply embedded in Filipino
for the residents of nearby Vista Land communities, as well as the general culture. That is why Vista Malls are dedicated to constantly raising the level of the
public. They carry a wide selection of retail options, from international brands Filipino “mall experience” with higher quality malls, a varied and dynamic mix of
to exclusive concept restaurants. They also provide guests with one-of-a-kind retailers, attractions and services, as well as structures inspired by international
experiences through photogenic interiors and award-winning architecture. commercial hubs, in order to bring this unique experience to more Filipinos.
Anyone can enjoy world-class cinemas that use only the best and latest in theater
technology, including the Philippines’ first MX4D equipped movie theater.
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124 VIP THEATER AT VISTA MALL STA. ROSA
DOLBY ATMOS THEaTER AT VISTA MALL TAGUIG
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STARMALLS
In 2015, Vista Land acquired Starmalls, Inc., a major developer, owner With keen business sense and practicality, the company chose strategic
and operator of retail malls that target mass market retail consumers in the locations that would continue to benefit the communities in the surrounding area.
Philippines and also develops and operates Business Process Outsourcing
(BPO) commercial centers. The move accelerated Vista Land’s transformation
into one of the country’s leading integrated property developers. Starmalls has
grown into a household name with locations spread all throughout Metro Manila
and other key cities in the country. It caters to young adults, professionals
and families, providing a fun and wholesome avenue for shopping, dining,
recreation, and entertainment.
STARMALL EDSA-SHAW
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STARMALL LAS PIÑAS
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STARMALL ALABANG
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VISTA HUB
To match the increasing demand for office space and encourage higher employment, Vista
Land launched Vista Hub, an office development brand with its flagship project located in the
upscale Bonifacio Global City. It caters to the IT and BPO industry, as well as the expansion,
consolidation, and relocation requirements of existing companies from Makati and other business
districts. This signals Vista Land’s entry in the office building category as it aims to build more IT
and BPO developments to increase employment opportunities.
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VITACARE
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PALAZZO VERDE
Going beyond developments for every day life, leisure and work, Vista Land saw an There are five elegantly designed venues fit for grand occasions. Inspired by the Victorian
opportunity to create an extraordinary place for celebration. Palazzo Verde is impeccably era, the magical and elegant Palazzo Verde is the crowning jewel of the masterplanned
planned and exquisitely rendered like sketches from a fantasy. It prides itself on lush indoor communities. Once again, Vista Land transforms an ordinary expanse of land into an exquisite
gardens and picturesque foliage unmatched by any other venue in the country. It is considered space and magnificent backdrop for any of life’s most memorable and cherished moments.
as one of the most sought after wedding venues in the country, popularized by its unique
design, and amenities like no other. It has a chapel and a gazebo for wedding ceremonies.
In 2015, Vista Land acquired Boracay Sands Hotel, a triple A beachfront hotel
with a Mediterranean theme located in Station 3 of Boracay island. Catering to
tourists from Korea, Taiwan, and Europe, to name a few, it is one of the most
preferred hotels in its location.
Its name is inspired by Vista Land’s flagship brand, Camella. The Mella Hotels
are three to four-star hotel developments of approximately 144 rooms. The
Mella Hotels are poised to disrupt and change the Philippine Hotel landscape
with its planned rolled out in various key locations in the country.
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From selling seafood in Divisoria to selling food
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Manny’s education in retail and sales began in the wet markets of Divisoria.
While learning his ABCs in Isabelo delos Reyes Elementary School, he was also
learning about supply and demand by selling fish and shrimps every morning. He
was his mother’s part-time assistant, while also a full-time student. As part of his
daily routine, he accompanied his mother in buying fish and shrimps at midnight,
then selling them until mid-morning at the Divisoria Market. His afternoons were
spent in class, and reviewing the lessons of the day. It was his education and
broad experience that shaped his aspirations and led to his success. Even at a
young age, he had aspired to greatness.
Establishing and growing his own business had always been his dream. And
for a man who did not fear to dream bigger, this spelled the difference between
owning a boat to sell fish, and owning a chain of stores and markets that sell
everything.
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ALLHOME
AllHome taguig
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AllHome LAS PIÑAS
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AllHome VISTA ALABANG
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AllHome
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AllHome
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AllHome
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ALL DAY
In 2008, Manny established Finds Convenience Store, which later became the To date, there are nearly 100 stores nationwide, and All Day continues to show robust
highly popular All Day Convenience Store. Manny Villar’s entry in the convenience potential for growth and expansion. The All Day group established places where families don’t
store format initiated his foray into bigger retail offerings such as the neighborhood just drop by, get what they need, then leave.
store All Day Mart and the bigger All Day Supermarkets.
Instead, they serve as venues for friends to meet and parents to bring their kids – making
Following All Day Mart’s initial success in the Vista Land communities, particularly grocery shopping an experience to look forward to.
in providing for the everyday needs of the community’s residents, All Day began
functioning on a larger scale. As an added convenience, they began providing relevant
services such as bills payment for major utilities and service providers, automatic
teller machines, and load for cellular phones.
AllShoppe is a haven for shoppers; with a wide line of top global and local
brands, Filipinos can now discover their own styles and their own preferences
with multiple fashion selections.
Allshoppe
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Allshoppe IN vista mall BATAAN
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Allshoppe IN vista mall BATAAN
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ALL TOYS
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ALL TOYS AT evia lifestyle center
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ALL TOYS AT evia lifestyle center
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ALL TOYS IN VISTA MALL TAGUIG
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ALL TOYS in vista mall TAGUIG
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ALL BABY AND KIDS
While AllHome and All Shoppe may provide everything you could want for
your home and personal needs, All Baby & Kids caters to a different, much smaller
market. Partnering with well-known and trusted brands, it offers a selection of
high-quality products for babies, infants, and children. From the essentials, to
clothes, toiletries, toys, and furniture, you’ll find everything you need to keep the
little ones comfortable and happy.
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The Coffee Project
Not one to rest on his laurels, Manny established The Coffee Project in 2014,
a specialty coffee shop for the evolving tastes and lifestyles of Filipinos. It is an
artisan specialty café that offers exceptional blends of espresso-based drinks,
delicious food, and delightful experiences. It definitely provides a new and
enriching experience for the palate. It is a collaborative project of the people
running the store with the ultimate aim of satisfying customers with a reverential
brew.
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COFFEE PROJECT IN vista mall ANTIPOLO
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COFFEE PROJECT IN IMUS
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COFFEE PROJECT AT VISTA PLACE
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COFFEE PROJECT AT VISTA PLACE
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COFFEE PROJECT IN vista mall STA. ROSA
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COFFEE PROJECT in vista mall bATAAN
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Manny Villar’s entry and triumph in these diverse industries demonstrate
what a formidable character he is. Success runs through his veins, but he is the
first to admit that things do not come easy. Like most entrepreneurs, it requires
hard work, sacrifice, strategy and overcoming failure in order to achieve a set
goal.
His resilience gave him the strength and ability to think through the struggles.
Though he is now at the pinnacle of success, he never forgets that his journey
began from selling fish and shrimps.
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Manny Villar has a knack for finding the potential in downtrodden or
flailing businesses. He sees what others cannot, and uses that vision
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Manny Villar does not have the Midas Touch, nor does he have the Luck of
the Irish. Learning business however he could, using the meager resources he
had at his disposal, learning by failing, succeeding by trying...these were the
variables to his success. His experiences as he journeyed from the wet markets
of Divisoria to the boardroom gave him an eye for spotting opportunities no
one else could. Luck had nothing to do with his ability to turn fledgling start-ups
and non-performers into industry leaders. He is simply exceptional at finding
the diamonds in the rough and polishing them to brilliance.
For Manny, there is no one formula for success. However, there are key
ingredients. In all his work, there are two constants: sipag at tiyaga (hard work
and perseverance).
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GOLDEN HAVEN MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
Under the stock symbol HVN, GHMPI became the first company from the
deathcare industry to be listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) via a
highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO).
As of March 2016, the company has six memorial park projects covering a
gross area of over 55 hectares spread across various parts of the Philippines,
including the cities of Las Piñas and Cagayan de Oro and the provinces of
Bulacan, Cebu, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.
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We will end this chapter with an ellipsis because
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The future shows MB Villar Group expanding into total hospitality and
leisure, making life better for Filipinos who have already trusted them to build
their homes. Homebuilding will remain the core of its business, but they will
explore other ways to make life more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Manny Villar has come a long way from his humble beginnings. If asked, he
himself would never have guessed the amazing trajectory his life has taken.
However, as much as things have grown and changed, one thing remains: his
core belief in sipag at tiyaga.
With sipag at tiyaga, he built and created synergy among all his businesses
- from retail, land development, and other services.
If what you sow is what you reap, then the future of Manny Villar and his
companies promises to be very bright. We look forward to witnessing the next
chapters of his story unfold.
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