The real deal

Allan Ong Jr. scales new heights in real estate

By Deneb Batucan

DAPPER and refined, Allan Ong Jr. brings an aura of confidence as he approaches the room. Standing tall, his smile is warm and inviting, never faltering. He greets his office with an optimistic air —he’s definitely happy to be where he is.

For Allan, going to work is no tedious job at all since he’s exposed to a field he is most passionate about — sales. “I like meeting new people and it’s a lucrative industry,” he shared. “I’m working, but it doesn’t feel like work!”

The University of the Philippines – Diliman graduate is the current sales director for Visayas and Mindanao of Ayala Land Sales, Inc. With his unrelenting passion for sales, the position was, for him, a treasure. “Not to mention that I get to be assigned in the beautiful island of Cebu,” the Bacolod native added.

Allan started his sales career at Ayala Land. Dealing with people of different personalities comes second nature to him. It was during the closing of his first sale that he knew he was set off in the right career path. “I said to myself then, ‘This is it!’” he said. “Real estate, for all people, is the realization of a dream. People are always striving to buy and save up for their dream homes. I’m happy and pleased to say that I’ve become part of people’s lives. It’s a nice feeling at the end of the day, knowing that you’ve helped people achieve their dreams.”

Constant learning

Allan admits, though, that there are times when the constant pressure of the sales job gets to him. “I deal with it one step at a time and just keep myself composed,” he mused. “I study everything first and find a solution to each problem or situation.” Mediocrity and complacency are two words that Allan believes have always given problems to people in the sales field. To avoid these quandaries, Allan thinks that one should stay updated with the latest trends in the industry. “Always be well-informed and be pro-active. Knowledge is power. Also, one should continue to improve their skills to be a better seller.”

And Allan walks his own talk. Even with his hectic schedule as a sales director, Allan finds time to finish his master’s degree in land valuation and management at the University of the Philippines – Cebu. He is also planning to learn a few foreign languages. “The Philippines is fast becoming an investment haven for different nationalities, so it just makes sense that I learn new languages,” he said.

Being in sales, Allan takes pressure as a daily supplement. But what he does to alleviate the constant tension is by creating a work-life balance. He does recreational things to keep the stress levels low, but at the same time, he still maintains, or even increases, his productivity flow. “I try to run or workout at least three times a week or watch movies, go trekking or hiking on weekends, go to the beach and travel, and travel some more,” he said.

Pursuits

Travel is something Allan loves to do, but if traveling isn’t a possibility, unwinding with a good read on his hand with some acid jazz or trip hop music on the background is something he would definitely be caught doing during his free time (if he isn’t cooking or watching action movies). But what most people don’t know about this travel enthusiast is that he could also sing. “I can sing well and can make mean cocktails!” he admitted, laughing.

Allan Ong Jr. is the epitome of a successful man. But even while he is on top, he still remains humble. He shared how his parents have inspired him and molded him into the man he is today. He also talked about how his clients have helped him. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

When asked about what he could say to people who want to be as successful as him, Allan expressed amusement and laughed. “Am I?” he said. “Oh, well, just keep yourself grounded and keep on doing what you love.” And no truer words could have been said by an all-around, good-natured guy who has grown into a modest but confident and self-assured man.

Photos: Alfred Gregory E. Bartolome
Locale: Ayala Land Premier Showroom