For people who think that fashion is merely frivolity, the Chief Executive Officer of Landtraders World Properties Corp. easily proves them wrong. “Running a real estate company requires power dressing,” Michelle declares. “Being a CEO means I am the embodiment of what the company represents. How you dress up reflects your character and in the business world, it is mandatory to dress the proper way to epitomize the image of your company.”
High-collared blouse from CHANEL, houndstooth mini-skirt from ZARA (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
Understanding the importance of appearances is just one of the aspects that has made Michelle a strong presence in the local real estate industry, where she plays an integral role in building Landtraders World to be one of the leading homegrown developers. “I feel responsible for the future of the company,” she reveals. “I make sure that all its objectives are being attained in both micro and macro management. In order to do so, I chart the course of the company by preparing both short-term and long-term plans and strategies, and making sure that they are assimilated and implemented accordingly by all my managers.”
Since its inception in 2011, the company has six high-rise condominiums in its portfolio: San Marino, Corinthian, Royal Garden, Soligrande, Parthenon and Corinthian Valley Residences. “It all started when my family had plans to venture into the pension house or hotel business in 2010. When the discussions became more serious, we finally decided to go into developing high-rise condominiums, considering the fact that we had several lots strategically located in prime areas of Cebu City,” Michelle recalls. “We have always believed that investing in real estate is the safest and has the highest returns. With this conviction, and Divine Providence, everything just fell into the right perspective.”
San Marino was the company’s first venture, and Michelle acknowledges that it’s a development that is close to her heart. “As the pilot project of Landtraders World, it opened up greater opportunities and made us focus on catering to a particular market. San Marino gave us more insight into the real estate industry, and made us more confident in pursuing this business model.”
Printed dress from DIOR (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
It certainly wasn’t an easy rise. Michelle admits that getting into an industry where there were already a number of players was a challenge they had to overcome. “The answer was simple—find the market niche,” she says. “But looking for that niche was also very challenging and complicated. A lot of corporate research, interviews with real estate authorities and keeping abreast with current events are vital in achieving and sustaining success. After years of pre-development planning and research, we found the right product for the right market.”
These past years have seen a steady growth for the company which is expected to be cemented even further with the launch of Landtraders World’s seventh project—the Grand San Marino Residences across Robinson’s Galleria in the North Reclamation area. “Landtraders World will still continue to cater to the median-cost residential market,” Michelle says of their plans. “But soon we will be adding more of a twist to our development by incorporating the concept of ‘Small Office Home Office’ or SOHO. Also, we would like to undertake a larger development, with plans of doing a mixed-use commercial, office and residential project.”
In most of my business negotiations, I tend to get the upper hand because men don’t realize the strength I have behind my being a woman. But I am a good listener and very open-minded. I believe I earned the respect from my male counterparts because of this nature. – Michelle
With such lofty aspirations in the near future, Michelle’s days are understandably hectic. She starts by having breakfast with her husband, Janby and catches up on current events by reading the daily newspaper. “I’m at the office by 9AM, and spend an hour going through my emails,” she says. By 10, she’s in meetings with department managers, with her afternoons open for other meetings, site visits or going over documents. “The secret is being able to balance your time,” she explains about maintaining a balance between work and home life. “It’s not easy being a working mother. Any working mother can attest to that. Both our careers and families demand our time and commitment.”
White blouse and floral skirt from DIOR (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
To do this, Michelle makes sure to set aside time every day for her three kids. “Dinner time is usually when I can sit down with my children, and they can tell me about their day or bring up any concerns. It’s the most important opportunity for daily bonding with the family. Occasionally, I miss dinner with them, but I make sure to explain why during the next dinner.” The effort doesn’t stop there – Michelle also asks to have their kids drop by her office after school. “It’s a chance to show them that whatever we have now is a product of hard work, and I hope that inspires them to study and work hard as they grow up.”
Sundays are set aside for time with the family, and Michelle spends the day playing with the kids and making dinner. “I try not to miss school affairs and activities,” she adds. “This way, my children will feel that I am always 100% supporting them in their studies.”
How do you go into an industry with an already significant number of players? The answer was simple – find the market niche. – Michelle
Their family vacations become perfect chances to bond as well, with five trips scheduled every year. “Once within the country, twice within Asia and twice outside Asia,” Michelle enumerates. “We prefer to visit Japan, because their food is our favorite. On a few occasions, we’ve also joined cruises in Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Baltics, to name a few.”
Spending simple moments with her kids are among the best ways she unwinds after particularly stressful days, as are get-togethers with close friends over wine or coffee. “Having special romantic dinners with my husband every once in a while works too,” she says, before adding, “I also like opening my closet and looking at my clothes. That also helps me relax.”
Geometric-printed dress from VALENTINO, sunglasses from PRADA and satin pumps from MANOLO BLAHNIK (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016)
“I’ve always been interested in fashion. It’s a passion,” Michelle says. “I don’t mind what design I wear, as long as it’s comfortable and I’m happy wearing it. She favors shopping at Chanel, Fendi, Dior, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Hermes, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana, and likes pieces by Ronald Enrico and Francis Libiran. Her favorite item in her closet, though, is something more sentimental. “The piece that means a lot to me, though, is a pastel dress given by my father-in-law. It was for our teng-hun, our engagement.”
We have always believed that investing in real estate is the safest, and has the highest returns. – Michelle
Her fashion savvy and decided femininity is something Michelle isn’t giving up, and she has found that’s just fine—even as she works in an industry that is, in appearance, a man’s world. “I think I fit in very well in the masculine world of real estate,” she says, and goes on to explain that being a woman can, in fact, be an asset. “Sometimes a woman can do things a man cannot. Women have more patience in dealing with details than men.”
“I am diplomatic by nature, but don’t be deceived because basically I am a dominant character. I can hide that, and work it to my advantage,” Michelle continues. “In most of my business negotiations, I tend to get the upper hand because men don’t realize the strength I have behind my being a woman. But I am a good listener and I’m very open-minded. I believe I earned my respect from my male counterparts because of this nature.” It’s certainly no question—Michelle Mulet Yu is ready to bring Landtraders World to soaring new heights, and she’s certainly dressed for the part.
- photography Dan Douglas Ong
- styling Blaq Mafia
- makeup Emi Ayag
- hair Mariel Fernandez
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
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Zee Lifestyle’s February 2016 Real Estate Issue: Michelle Mulet Yu (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Stylists: BLAQ Mafia/Makeup: Emi Ayag)
On the cover is Michelle Mulet Yu. As the driving force behind homegrown real estate company Landtraders World Properties Corp., Michelle proves that while the industry is mainly a man’s world, femininity can be an asset in finding a place in Cebu’s growing skyline.
In this issue’s Conversations, key players in the hospitality and real estate industries are paired up for an interesting exchange of ideas. Hoteliers Manna Alcaraz of Marco Polo Plaza and Cassandra Cuevas of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, real estate brokers Renee Noval-Guillen and Xacah Kiener-Chang, real estate executives Davy Tan of Rockwell Land and Noli Hernandez of Megaworld, and sales executives Nova Noval of Vista Residences and Rouen Abel Raz of Taft Properties, all divulge their thoughts on Cebu’s evolving vista.
Zee Lifestyle introduces the next generation of Cebu’s Young Professionals. Tri-J Marketing’s John Rey Guadalquiver, Sprockets’ Rachel Arandilla, Atelier de Aurora and BLIND Clothing’s Kathrynn Dawn Sy, real estate broker Morgan Tornilla, The Cebruery’s Toni Marie Despojo, SALT’s John Mark Cañete, The Fat Pig’s Alfred Sayson, and The Chocolate Chamber’s Anthony, Jonathan and Hanna Choa, all prove that there’s no age limit when it comes to minding your own business.
BUSINESS CLASS. Cebu’s Young Professionals of 2016 (Photography: Joseph Ong/Sittings Editor: Patty Taboada/Creative Director: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Romero Vergara and Jam Diez/Hair: Gino Fonghe/Locale: BIG Hotel)
This edition also explores some of the most enviable spaces in the city. James and Tasha Dixon’s modern yet minimalist abode retains touches of Filipino architecture, interior designer Anton Mendoza creates a cosmopolitan residence in 1016 Residences, and Slater Young, Victor Consuji and Stephen Ku defy all odds with the stunning Sky House, a modern structure that floats over one of the cliffs in the highlands of Cebu.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Real Estate issue, out on stands next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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Zee Lifestyle‘s December-January 2016 Style Issue: Jennifer Helen Weigel-Sarmiento (Photography: Mark Philip Dales/Sittings Editor: Melo Esguerra/Production Manager: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Ramil Solis/Hair: Ariel Tatoy/Locale: UVNS)
Gracing the cover is Jennifer Helen Weigel-Sarmiento. Known as Penny to her family and close friends, this businesswoman, philantrophist, mother, and Mrs. Asia International Metropolitan titleholder proves that when it comes to style, age is but a number.
Jennifer joins a bevy of Cebu’s most stylish personalities. Abigail “Bombom” Ngo, Carla Larrazabal-del Prado, Michelle Mulet-Yu, Raquel Choa, Alyssa Lao, Ayana Jimenez, Vanessa East, Timmy Gomez, Michael Karlo Lim, Jacob Pimentel, Stuart Violanda and Allan Ong Jr. showcase their individuality in looks that are entirely their own.
THE HIT LIST: Cebu’s Most Stylish Personalities (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Hair and Makeup: Kimberly Lam, Hollie Damaolao, Janice Barillo and Nicko dela Peña)
Beyond its people, Cebu as a city is also known for being stylish. The visual flair of the city’s newest destinations Unos Design, The Chocolate Chamber Boutique, Pigafetta and HoliCOW proves that Cebu is home to the creative entrepreneur—well deserving of being part of the Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network.
With the opening of new malls in Cebu, new lifestyle brands such as H&M, Pull&Bear and Sfera have made their way to our shores, bringing their latest collections for the locales to go crazy over. This issue also provides a backstage pass to the Fashion Weeks in Milan, London, Paris and New York. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Kate Spade are just some of the well-known names that unveiled their Spring/Summer 2016 collections
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Style Issue, out on stands this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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Zee Lifestyle’s October 2015 Luxury Issue: Dina Arroyo-Tantoco and Catherine Tantoco Huang (Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Photography by Filbert Kung/Production Assistant: Patty Taboada/Styled by Sheryl Songsong/Makeup by Byron Velasquez of MAC/Hair by Eddiemar Cabiltes/Clothes available at Rustan’s Department Store)
With the launch of a bigger and better Rustan’s Department Store dedicated to bring to Cebu the world’s most luxurious lifestyle brands, cover girls Dina Arroyo-Tantoco and Catherine Tantoco Huang show the family dynamics behind the premium brand.
To give the lowdown on luxury, Leslie Ann Reyes, Patrice Huang, Chin Onglatco, SJ Quitevis, John Franco and Preston Nicholas share experiences and purchases they consider their ultimate indulgences.
Similarly, this month’s Conversations feature pits together Maris Aznar Holopainen and Annie Chen, Denise Fajatin-Pegarido and Allen Zaldarriaga, John Rey Guadalquiver and Tasha Dixon, Kyle Uy and Michael Goho, Allen Tan and Lor Torres, Michelle Yu and Dr. Cecilia Ramos-Bernad, and Drs. Fremont Base and Peter Mancao to find out their individual luxury preferences.
Zee Lifestyle also sits down with Alexandra Seno, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, Leigh Carcel, Mia Borromeo, Yiouri Augousti, Gerry and Pamela Montanus, Derek and Mary Ann Arculli, and Butch Carungay for The Call of Luxe, a dinner discussion focused on defining luxury and figuring out its various aspects.
This issue also features a rundown on the latest indulgent trends in the world as well as the best luxury that Cebu can offer, including Amparito Lhuillier’s home, designs by Debbie Palao, and the most premium accommodations in town.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Luxury Issue, out on stands this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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