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“I get fulfillment when I get the desired results for my efforts in addressing challenges and issues.”

Real estate is a specialty work of an individual or a corporation that needs important attention. Excelling in handling real estate projects needs is not normally just an expertise but a passion.

Luis Enrique “Eric” Mangosing has become so accomplished through the years in corporate real estate, property development and general management. He joined Metro Development Managers Inc. (MDMI) and is now the chief executive officer of the company.

“I set up MDMI in 2014 with former colleagues of mine as a corporate vehicle we organized to provide management consultancy services to startup real estate entities and even medium to large corporations,” Mangosing shared.

“Our claim to fame [so to speak] is based on my 30+ years of experience and 100 years combined in the real estate business with the last 20 years in C-level positions.”

Mangosing's leadership and knowledge in real estate asset and investment management have undoubtedly given him fulfillment that he has been doing the work.

“I get fulfillment when I get the desired results for my efforts in addressing challenges and issues that my clients bring to me for resolution,” he explained.

Apparently, the job of assisting corporations in site selection, procurement and strategic investment programs while providing efficient project management services is really challenging for Mangosing through the years.

“Real estate business in general (i.e., property development) is a long-term game and requires exhaustive pre-planning to ensure that the desired results are achieved throughout the project's (i.e., commercial or retail building) economic life.

“However, since a project's economic life is beyond medium term, it is exposed to the vagaries of economic cycles and hiccups, therefore the challenges in managing the portfolio.”

MDMI's professional and specialized approach in real estate management, advisory, consulting and its contribution to the overall growth and development of the Philippine real estate market is the kind of approach the company has been doing for its clients.

“MDMI provides targeted consultancy services based on specific deliverables and desired results,” Mangosing said. “Our years of relevant experience benefit our clients by avoiding costly mistakes.”

Mangosing's leadership and knowledge in real estate and investment management contribute to his judging capabilities in the annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

“My experience in real estate in general and property development, in particular, allows me to deep dive and get information on the more relevant details of the entries,” he said.

Not surprisingly, Mangosing also encountered challenges in his profession during the pandemic.

“The work from home during the lockdown, inability to visit project sites and meet colleagues face-to-face on top of day-to-day operations, i.e., project and construction managers, sales personnel, finance and accounting staff, posed the greatest challenge in running a real estate company. Virtual meeting was the most feasible alternative but admittedly was not sufficient to achieve the same level of productivity as in normal times.”

Prior to being in the real estate business, Mangosing started his career in investments and corporate planning, but was waylaid into real estate by accident during the 1983 recession, following the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Hence, Mangosing has been into the real estate business for close to four decades now.

As the youngest of eight siblings, Mangosing was earlier being convinced by his dad into taking up law and following in his father's footsteps.

“However, after finishing college, my dad became sick, so I decided to work in the meantime to lessen the financial burden, but never got back to take up law,” Mangosing disclosed.

Balancing work and home, especially at the height of the pandemic became hard for Mangosing.

“Especially since I accepted a full-time engagement, and the work-from-home configuration became the mode [forced by circumstances],” he said. “First, the real estate business was hit hard with the lockdown and the market dissipating.

“Driving the business sans personal interaction made it doubly hard to push the organization to a level of productivity you are used to. Finally, there was no clear-cut boundary between work and family life, unlike when you take on the usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work pattern then coming home to your family.”

Even now when the lockdown has been lifted, Mangosing still works from home a lot. He gets to schedule occasional meetings in person and local travels to clients.

His work schedule, notwithstanding, Mangosing manages to spend quality time with his loved ones.

“My children are all adults and have their own career that takes up most of their time,” he said. “So, coming home from meeting commitments is dinner with the wife, weekend 'dates' or family get-together and spending time with my grandchildren.

“Since the lockdown, we made sure we communicate to each other, and this time, more regularly (monthly) via virtual meet and greet sessions.”

His wife's name is Monette. They just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary this year.

On weekends, Mangosing finds time to play golf with his son, as well as his golf buddies. “My son has picked up the game, too,” the dad beamed.

Hard work, honesty and integrity are what Mangosing learned and remembers, to this day, from his dad, who is his constant role model in what he does.

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Quick questions

What is your biggest fear?

Getting much older than today and gradually losing some of your faculties and becoming dependent on someone.

What really makes you angry?

Irrationality and laziness.

What motivates you to work hard?

Providing for my family then and giving them quality education.

What makes you laugh the most?

Funny stories of the past with siblings.

What would you do if you won the lotto?

Travel.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Retired and enjoying more grandchildren.

Who is a celebrity you would like to meet for a cup of coffee?

Clint Eastwood.

What is the most daring thing you have ever done?

Getting married.