THE once-sleepy town of Las Piñas, once known for its salt beds and famous for its bamboo organ, is about to transform itself into a “mini Las Vegas with a touch of Disneyland” in the south of Metro Manila.

With world-class facilities for hotels, gaming, convention, shopping, entertainment and wellness, the property complex, located in the Global South township traversing C5 road extension, will position Las Piñas as an alternative entertainment capital.

It will feature the concerts of international artists, shows of local entertainers and other worldwide acts, definitely making Las Piñas a must-visit destination.

A scion of the Villar-Aguilar clan revealed that this will be made possible with the opening of “the first integrated resort under the Villar group of companies sometime in 2025.”

Businessman Carlo Aguilar, a nephew of Sen. Cynthia Villar, pointed out that a change in the city’s landscape is very much welcome and called for.

Aguilar said that aside from its proximity to the airport, Las Piñas is “the last city in Metro Manila before people go to provinces like Cavite, Laguna and Batangas so definitely, we would like to promote the city, especially its tourism aspect.”

The young Aguilar was a councilor of Las Piñas from 2010 to 2019 and is now being groomed for the top post in the city.

He is the philanthropist behind the Zero One Volunteer Fire Brigade and is also a graduate of the management development program of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

The first phase of the integrated resort project will open sometime in 2025, in an 8.7 hectare property in Global South. About 21,000 square meters will be allotted for retail shops and thematic shopping.

While 18,300 sq.m. will be dedicated to the casino with live performances and celebrity shows. Another 5,800 square meters is being reserved as a separate venue for concerts, sports and cultural exhibits.

Developer of the complex is Vertex Entertainment and Resorts Corporation, a subsidiary of the Villar Group.

Aguilar informed that the “integrated resort is just right across Padre Diego Cera Avenue, the location of the Las Piñas historical corridor that includes the famous Bamboo Organ. Visitors will have the golden chance of seeing the old and modern parts of the city in one strip.”

“Senator (Cynthia), it’s really her advocacy to promote the cultural history of Las Piñas, like the festivals and our tourist spots. I can help her with that,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar ticked off the numerous benefits that the project will bring to Las Piñas such as employment to thousands of residents, surge in visitors, the revival of businesses around the area and increased revenues which the city government will then use to provide better social services for the people.

He expressed approval about supporting the showbiz industry, knowing that there are a lot of celebrities who live in Las Piñas. “‘Yung ancestral home ng late grandfather namin na si Dr. Felimon Aguilar, nasa likod ng bahay nila Christopher de Leon at Sandy Andolong. Neighbors sila. I remember when I was small, lagi ako doon,” recalled Carlo.

Admittedly, being a part of a family business has its advantages and disadvantages for Carlo. He started at a young age and had to prove himself that he was worthy of the position assigned to him.

“Initially, many saw me as a kid, so I worked hard to earn my place,” Carlo said. “I spent countless late nights at the construction sites, sharing meals with the workers during breaks.

“I treat them not just as colleagues but as comrades and family, having grown up alongside them. These individuals are the heart of the company and I deeply value their dedication, loyalty and hard work. And it has been very rewarding to see them grow professionally over the years.”

Carlo makes it a point to spend quality time with his family and loved ones. That is his bonding moments with his family, also a way of unwinding for him.

“I find joy in spending quality time with family,” he said. “My wife and I encourage our kids to explore outdoors, we often walk, bike, play basketball, pickleball and make regular trips to the playground to keep them off the gadgets. And once in a while, I treat myself to an adventure ride on my motorcycle.”

Carlo’s normal day starts with a prayer. “I embrace a mindset of gratitude for the life we have and preparing myself to face the challenges,” he said. “On weekends, I take my family to church and ensure my children have the opportunity to bond with their grandparents.”

Thankfully, Carlo’s family has always been very supportive of him. “I seek their guidance on my career and personal life,” he said. “My parents (Christian and Armelia Aguilar) have instilled in me the value of kindness and hard work, reminding me that these qualities can take me far in life. I have applied this principle in everything that I do.”

His father, Christian, is admittedly his role model from whom he learned his virtues of hard work and simplicity. “His dedication and tireless work ethic have instilled in me the importance of perseverance and commitment,” Carlo said.

“Despite his achievements, he remains humble and grounded. Everything I know today, I owe to his teachings and constant support. He shaped me into the person that I am.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio