Albert Martin Villa-real: Selling the dream of a first home

His first job with Landco was handing out flyers in shopping malls. There were also events that would attract the particular groups of people he wanted to sell to, so he had to go where these people would gather and smile as he gave out his leaflets. Ten years later, Albert Villa-real was appointed VP of sales.

It might have helped that he is related to the wife of the vice chairman of Landco Pacific Corporation, Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr. For Albert, 40, the advantage is a double-edged blessing. He must meet his sales forecast or face shame.

Fortunately, the company’s recent strategies to focus on high-end first-home residential communities in the province make it easier for Albert’s sales team to meet their targets. Their multiple developments are located across the Philippines, so Albert travels frequently from Cabanatuan down through Pampanga, Bulacan, Parañaque, Tagaytay, Batangas and Davao to visit his sales managers on site. Our 5’5” bachelor listens to the comments of his sales team and analyzes if the issues raised are particular to the community or his team. He makes it his role to inspire his team and encourages them to find solutions.

Now in his fifth year as VP for sales, Albert is thrilled that he is invited to attend all the board meetings of Landco with Manuel Pangilinan as chairman. Although Albert ‘s role is purely as an observer, the board realizes that his presence is vital. The marketing team also respects his judgment and involves him in their marketing strategy. Albert explains that their market research has been successful and they know what the market wants. Landco is penetrating the under-P1 million market so the Bulacan and Pampanga developments, for example, attract overseas workers who want to have a home in the area where their relatives live. 

Here Albert reflects on being inspired by Montserrat and loving his FC Barcelona Champions League shirt.

One of my goals this year is to over-deliver on the Landco sales targets.

My personal style signifier: Desigual and Shanghai Tang clothing. My wardrobe revolves around these brands for both office and casual attire.

Get ready, Batangas: Terrazas de Punta Fuego is building a community for people to enjoy the white sandy beaches and clean waters of Nasugbu.

What makes me happy are good food and a nice Napa Cab.

I get inspired to work out and run when I listen to music.

For grooming and style I rely on my girlfriend.

The last meal that truly impressed me was Catalan tapas at La Boqueria Mercat in Barcelona — it’s a small restaurant called Pinoxto.

One fear of mine is low sales.

My best moment was my yearly trip to HK with my whole family.

My worst moment was having to remove people.

Best quality about me: always happy.

A recent find is Vinya Roel in Barcelona.

The last thing I bought and loved is my FC Barcelona Champions League shirt.

The thing I’m hoping to buy next: JLC Master Compressor.

If I had to limit my travels to one city, it would be Hong Kong.

A memorable place I have traveled to in the past year is Belgium.

The souvenirs I choose to bring home are photos, magnets and shot glasses.

The place that inspires me is Montserrat.

The best gift I have given recently was my girlfriend’s trip to Europe.

And the best one I’ve received recently: my Med cruise this August.

In my fridge you’ll always find water, wine and cheese.

My favorite websites are Philstar.com, Inquirer.net, Landco.ph, FC Barcelona.com, CNN.com.

I am proud of my family and my job.

Beside my bed are an iPod dock, current book that I am reading, aircon, TV and home-theater remote.

If I wasn’t doing what I do, I’d be a lawyer.

The grooming basic I am never without are hair gel and toothbrush.

In school, I learned to be a man for others.

After being in business, I realized that it’s not all about the money.

A recent setback I had was no such thing as setbacks, only challenges.

A while ago I was browsing the news.

My talents include inspiring people.

The sport I do the most: running.

The book I am reading now is Hotel Babylon.

I remember an embarrassing moment at work when I had to walk out of a meeting in frustration.

The way I plan my day is to say a prayer first.

The last time I cried was when my secretary passed away.

Good advice I have given is to not let your emotions cloud your judgment.

Good advice I have received is to pray the rosary.

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E-mail : aurorawilson@gmail.com.