Homecoming Investments: How Anthony Arellano Connects Filipino-Americans to Their Roots
“ It is fulfilling to give OFW’s not just a house, but a home-something that holds value beyond its price.”
Anthony Arellano’s path into the world of real estate is anything but conventional. It’s a story of dedication, quiet ambition, and a steadfast commitment to growth — both professionally and personally.
From a young age, Anthony already showed willingness to learn and go the extra mile. “While others were still figuring out what they wanted, he found himself drawn to activities that pushed him to think creatively and step outside his comfort zone”, Whether it was selling clothes, food, or joining school fairs, his curiosity for business was evident. It wasn’t just about making money but also understanding how to create opportunities and build connections. This drive only deepened when he moved to Manila.
Anthony transitioned to luxury retail in the bustling capital— selling high-end bags, shoes, and watches from prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Rolex. With a natural taste for flair, an eye for the finer things in life, and a sharp attention to detail, he found himself drawn to the world of luxury marketing. It wasn’t just about the products but about understanding his clients’ lifestyles and intricate desires. Anthony focused on building strong relationships, carefully listening to his customers, and gaining insights into their lives and visions. This approach allowed him to recommend what best suited their needs and help them recognize what truly made a good investment.
“Luxury living isn’t just about opulence — it’s about harmony with nature, where every elegant space breathes with life, and every view reminds us of the beauty beyond our walls.”
After a year of persistent & courageous effort, Anthony’s work began to bear fruit. His growing expertise caught the attention of developers with a broader, more international reach.
“I received an offer from a developer that focused on marketing properties globally,” he says. Though it was a significant leap, he saw it as an opportunity to expand his horizons and strengthen his career.
Anthony spent the next eight years working abroad understanding the complexities of the market in Canada and the United States.
One of the most memorable moments in Anthony’s career involved a client born and raised in the US to Filipino parents who had migrated decades ago. Despite never having set foot in the Philippines, the client wished to invest in his parents’ homeland.
It was tough to convince Filipinos who live comfortable lives abroad, but we always emphasized the importance of having a place to call their own back home. After all, they often return to visit, and when the time comes to retire in the Philippines, it’s essential to have a home waiting for them.
Anthony took the time to understand their roots — discovering both parents were originally from Laguna. Guided by their family history, he presented options close to their hearts, ultimately leading them to invest in Arthaland’s Sevina Park Villa in Nuvali.
I make sure to remind people that working abroad isn’t always about luxury and fun. Many individuals juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and some live far from their families, struggling with the depression and anxiety of being away. Others focus on saving as much as possible, with the goal of eventually returning home.
As a real estate specialist, I understand the importance of owning a home — it’s a symbol of the hard work and effort you’ve put in, a way of saying, “I made it.” I’ve also learned that having a clear goal and knowing exactly what you’re saving for is essential.
“Be a smart saver, and remember that one day, the rent you’re paying could be contributing towards building equity in your own mortgage.”
Client stories don’t simply end with a signed contract. At one point, Anthony even helped arrange for the client to fly his parents back to the Philippines after 35 years, showing them the future home nestled in the very town where they once lived and rented a house. It was more than a real estate deal — it was about reigniting a connection to their heritage.
“It is fulfilling to give OFWs not just a house but a home — something that holds value beyond its price,” Anthony reflects.
Today, Anthony and his team are focused on placing Arthaland on the world stage. “I’m handling the US market, specifically in California, while my leaders cover Japan, China, and Europe,” he says. Their flagship project is a prime development in Laguna’s NUVALI — an ideal investment for retirement and sustainable living.
Arthaland designs its properties with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting systems that help homeowners reduce their energy consumption by up to 40%. The developments are also crafted for water efficiency and thoughtfully integrated with solar energy systems, particularly for bedrooms.
To promote healthy living, only low-emission, non-toxic building materials are used — ensuring that every space is both eco-friendly and safe.
Despite the hurdles of breaking into international markets, Anthony remains grounded in a deeper mission — not just to sell properties but to highlight the Philippines’ potential for innovative and sustainable real estate.
“It’s not just about closing deals,” he emphasizes. “It’s about building something meaningful and showcasing world-class Filipino developments to the global market.”
For Anthony, real estate is more than just a business
— it’s a way to elevate the Philippines, one sustainable development at a time.