Introducing the Team EMPIRE CORE Leadership Team 2.0

Manila, Philippines - July 1, 2025 - Team EMPIRE continues to soar to new heights in Metro Manila’s real estate industry. As the group grows rapidly, both in scale and professionalism, it proudly announces the formal induction of its CORE Leadership Team 2.0. This elite group includes a new PRC-licensed Real Estate Broker and top-performing Rent Managers who have demonstrated excellence, resilience, and leadership in the field.

These individuals represent the driving force behind Team EMPIRE’s mission to deliver premier residential leasing and real estate solutions. Here's a closer look at the team members who are leading this revolution:

Boss Renzo Ramo, REB – Broker-CORE Member

Fresh out of college with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Renzo Ramo wasted no time establishing himself in the industry. He began his real estate journey in May 2022, starting in project selling where he quickly honed his skills as a salesperson.

Renzo’s talents became evident early in his career. During his internship at Pinnacle, a well-known residential and commercial brokerage firm in the Philippines, he gained significant exposure to the luxury residential and commercial side of the industry. Today, he leads a thriving team of Certified Rent Managers at Filipino Homes and Rent.PH, under Luzon Leaders, EMRS Realty, and the subteam Team EMPIRE.

His hard work bore fruit in July 2024, when he was recognized as Top Rent Manager within Team EMPIRE. Renzo carved out a niche in residential leasing in Mandaluyong and Cubao, Quezon City, particularly in districts such as Pioneer and Greenfield, as well as DMCI condominiums like Infina Towers and The Orabella.

In the April 2025 Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination, he was one of two Team EMPIRE agents who passed—marking the emergence of the team’s very first licensed brokers. His recent appointment as Broker-CORE Member is a testament to his grit, leadership, and contribution to the growth of Team EMPIRE.

Boss CJ Manalo, RES

CJ Manalo also holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management from PLM. He began his career on July 16, 2020—his birthday—as a gift to himself, amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. He entered the industry as a marketing partner for a brokerage firm based in Mandaluyong, and quickly made a mark by closing multiple deals in a condominium project in Manila.

Eventually, he found his stride in residential leasing in Mandaluyong, and in October 2023, he joined Filipino Homes under EMRS Realty, becoming a Certified Rent Manager. Alongside fellow Rent Managers, he helped formally establish Team EMPIRE, a group focused on Metro Manila’s residential leasing market.

In August 2024, CJ achieved a milestone by closing Team EMPIRE’s first commercial lease, valued at PHP 3.48 million. He later completed his internship with EMRS Realty and at the Assessor’s Office of Makati City. His innovative approach and ability to break new ground in commercial leasing solidified his place in EMPIRE's leadership.

Lastly, he pioneered the creation and establishment of EMPIRE Pro, an all-in real estate solution for real estate professionals covering multiple operations of real estate service. This online application is currently used by Team EMPIRE as the core operational system of the team. In April 2025, the application is extended to partners and EMRS Realty.

Boss Brian Punzalan, RES

Brian Punzalan, a BSREM graduate from PLM, began his real estate career in September 2022. His first year was marked by challenges—spending 12 months learning, improving, and patiently working toward his first deal. In September 2023, he finally closed a townhouse transaction in Cavite, though the deal eventually fell through when the buyer backed out.

Rather than being discouraged, Brian pivoted to residential leasing, joining Filipino Homes under Team EMPIRE the same month. This shift marked a turning point, and within just over a year, he had closed more than 50 residential lease contracts worth over PHP 12 million.

Brian completed internships both at Filipino Homes—where he contributed to EMRS Realty’s operations—and at the Taguig City Assessor’s Office. As one of the pioneer CORE Members, he now focuses on leases across Metro Manila, on properties developed by the top developers like Ayala Land, Avida, DMCI, and SMDC.

Boss Mckyle Pelingon, RES

Another PLM graduate, Mckyle Pelingon began his real estate career in September 2022, but it wasn't until October 2023 that he discovered his passion for rental properties. His journey took a positive turn after a conversation with Brian Punzalan, whose rental success inspired McKyle to shift focus and level up as a leasing agent.

Like many new agents, Mckyle faced early hurdles, including Facebook marketing restrictions, self-doubt, and zero closings during his first two weeks in Team EMPIRE. However, he persisted—and soon after, closed two units in a single day, jumpstarting a successful streak.

He completed his internship at Prime Philippines, a commercial and industrial real estate firm, and at the City of Manila’s Assessor’s Office. As the fourth official CORE Member, Mckyle gained recognition for closing over 10 contracts early on. He specializes in DMCI properties such as Infina, Orabella, Prisma, and One Castilla in the Aurora Blvd area of Quezon City.

Boss Cicelle Samling, RES

Unlike her fellow CORE members, Cicelle Samling comes from a different background. Hailing from Mindanao, she took a leap of faith by moving to Manila to support her family. Her first interaction with Team EMPIRE was not as an agent—but as a prospective tenant.

In November 2023, Cicelle officially joined Filipino Homes and immersed herself in residential leasing. With an aggressive and goal-driven attitude, she closed her first deal in under a month. Yet, her journey was not without obstacles, as she navigated market challenges and learning curves.

Persevering through those difficulties, she expanded into property acquisition and disposition, eventually closing her first full-cycle brokerage transaction with support from EMRS Realty. As the sixth CORE Member, Cicelle has become one of Team EMPIRE’s leading brokerage superstars, specializing in luxury leasing and brokerage in premier estates such as Bonifacio Global City and Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Boss Norman Alpay Jr., RES

Norman Alpay Jr., a PLM graduate in Real Estate Management, began his real estate career in November 2023. Known for his quiet demeanor and strong output, Norman quickly earned a reputation as one of Team EMPIRE’s "low-key" top performers, consistently closing deals every month.

He focuses primarily on residential leasing, particularly DMCI developments including Infina Towers, The Orabella, One Castilla, and Lumiere Residences. He completed his internship at Aviso Valuation & Advisory Corp, where he developed skills in market analysis on industries such as hospitality market, industrial market and institutional market. He also completed his internship in the Assessor's Office in the Local Government of Pasig City. 

Today, Norman is one of the newest additions to EMPIRE CORE, with his dedication and consistent performance earning him a well-deserved spot on the leadership team.

Boss Julia Gadduang, RES

Julia Gadduang, also from PLM, started her real estate career in June 2024—making her one of the newest but fastest-rising stars in Team EMPIRE. In less than a year, she has closed over 30 residential leasing transactions, valued at more than PHP 10 million.

Her area of expertise spans Quezon City, Pasig City, and parts of Makati City, particularly in DMCI properties like Lumiere Residences, One Castilla, Infina Towers, The Orabella, and Satori Residences.

Julia completed internships at the City of Manila Assessor’s Office and Raemullan Lands Inc., where she focused on real property tax, title transfers, and turnover processes in socialized housing projects outside Metro Manila. As the seventh official CORE Member, she brings fresh energy and results-driven leadership to the team.

Looking Ahead: A Bigger Vision for Team EMPIRE

With the formation of the CORE Leadership Team, Team EMPIRE is laying the groundwork for an expansive and sustainable future. The team is actively establishing its foundation to serve a broader market through a wide spectrum of real estate services, including:

• Property acquisition and disposition
• Tenant and landlord representation (residential, commercial, industrial leasing)
• Property and project management
• Real estate research, consultancy, and advisory
• Transaction documentation services
• Property valuation 
• Asset Management

As Team EMPIRE enters this exciting new chapter, its CORE Leadership Team stands ready to lead with integrity, innovation, and professionalism—helping more Filipinos navigate and succeed in the dynamic world of real estate.