How I Started
Who could have thought I will be doing this full time. I probably ask this question to myself back in my real estate agent days. You see, even before I graduate in 2011, I always wanted to be a real estate agent. Yes, it was money motivated but mainly the freedom of time that draws me to the industry. And so, without hesitation went on board to become a sales agent for Robinsons Land Corp (RLC). It was fun ride especially if you’re in your 20’s. I may not be a superstar salesman, but I was far from being mediocre. I read books about salesmanship and entrepreneurship to better myself day-by-day, month-by-month, year-by-year. After 3 years of learning and experience with RLC, I took on a new opportunity with Alveo Land Corp. There I learn the discipline and cooperation of being in a team. To compliment income in those days, helped my schoolmate’s mom to lease out her 2 condominium units in Sea Residence Pasay city. I met this lady 1 year younger than me who had a real entrepreneurial heart. She leased the 2 units with the intention to put them on Airbnb. At that time, I was just glad I made extra income, until I ponder on it and ran the numbers. She mentioned that the going rate in Airbnb in that area was 2,500 per night. She leased 18,000 per unit, so that makes 36,000 for 2 units. It only requires her a 50% occupancy rate (15 days) to break even. Anything beyond the 15th day will be her profit. This opened my eyes wide open, and I had a “cha-ching” moment. My thinking was that I will have 10 Airbnb units with 10,000 monthly net income to get 100,000 per month income. And thus, the journey began. 
The Ups and Downs
I took a leap of faith and submitted my resignation letter to Alveo. I initially tested the water with 2 units using what little savings I had as my capital. A couple of months went by, and business concept worked! I netted over 10,000 for each unit. Greed started to set it and thought of ways to raise more capital to on-board more listings. I was very fortunate at that time that I had a combination of being in a bullish economy when banks were aggressively lending at a low rate plus having a couple of friends who had big appetite for risky investment. I loaned from banks and pitch the business to raise more capital. With the backing of the banks and investors, I was pressured to raise the initial target of 10 units up to 20 units. I possessed with me a huge sum that would make any 20-year-old guy stands tall head high. I am grateful to my parents who raised me well who instilled in me good character that saved me from being too arrogant and squander resources. I entered multiple lease agreements to take on high potential properties to achieve the number of listings as promised, as a result the business generated a handsome monthly revenue enough to keep investors satiated and meet the bank amortizations. 2019 was the best year of my life by far…. UNTIL….
In the latter part of that year (November), there was an unknown virus ravaging across the globe which later be known as the COVID-19 virus. I’m sure you know all too well what happened to the rest of the world when it finally became so serious that WHO declared it a pandemic status in February. I really did not take it that seriously even in March when Philippine government decided to follow suit with the rest of the world to lockdown and stay inside our home. I was really in denial thinking just few months all this will be over and back to normal. My sales did plummet due to guest cancellations, this caused me to burn my savings and past earnings, consequently I had to borrow more to keep things afloat. Due to my financial stupidity, the cash flow was ruined by drowning in bad debts. What makes matter worse was when I thought if I lend the money with interest greater than the interest I was paying, it will finally become good debts, a financially sound plan. As the saying goes “a fool and his money are soon parted”. It’s a long story that won’t give significant value on this topic, so let me just advise to you dear reader, never lend money you’re not prepared to lose. After I realized I slowly added fuel to the fire that was burning my cash, I had enough and must set things straight from now on. I cut off non-performing assets even though I have not yet ROI on those properties. It was a ultra-bitter pill to swallow.
The Business Thus Far
Few months after the mass vaccination across the country and onto the world, lockdown restriction was gradually lifted. Thanks to my family and friends who supported me in my dire situation, and most especially I am eternally grateful to my dear sister in Singapore whom without her aid I will be shattered. This taught me a very valuable lesson in life that no matter what you accomplished in life, you will ALWAYS in need of people around you for love and support. Additionally, don’t wait for life to teach you to be humble, embrace humility throughout your life, there’s no shame in asking for help.
Businesses resumed and everybody was optimistic. I’m down to just 8 listings at that time which was the only ones that survived because they do generate decent income still. To get back on the game, I thought I must add few more so that the bottom line will be sufficient to cover my colossal obligation. While that was a legit thinking, little did I know that market demand will not be back as it used to be pre-pandemic level for a long…long…. long time, as in years. Even as of this writing June 2025, I am currently at 12 Airbnb units. You might be wondering “what are you doing differently now? For starters, I exterminate lease agreements with 1 exception, there are 2 listings that doubles my monthly payment – Mezza Residence and Morgan Suite Residence. All other listings are now in a profit-sharing scheme 70-30. I am happy to receive 30% net income in exchange for a better-quality sleep. Stress and anxiety decreased. Although my bottom line now has drastically shrink, but I’m fine with it since I do not have to be pressured raising funds to pay monthly rent. To meet my monthly obligations to people and bank, I am resorting now to other creative means like selling stuff online and hoping 1 day my content creation in Meta and YouTube gets monetize.
Life is but a journey, guys. Think less of the destination, just enjoy the run.