Filipino real estate magnate Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the only Filipino to rank in the top 100 of Bloomberg’s prestigious Billionaires Index. As of August 2025, Villar holds the 99th position globally, with an estimated net worth of $23.1 billion. This marks a significant leap from his previous rankings and underscores the substantial growth of his business empire.
Villar’s ascent in the global wealth rankings is attributed to the robust performance of his diversified real estate ventures, which have expanded significantly in recent years. His inclusion in the top 100 highlights the increasing influence of Filipino entrepreneurs in the global business landscape.
The Rise of Manny Villar
Early Life and Career
Born in Tondo, Manila, in 1949, Villar’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. After earning his degrees in business administration and accounting from the University of the Philippines, he ventured into various businesses, including sand and gravel trading, before establishing his real estate empire.
Founding Vista Land & Lifescapes
In 1977, Villar founded Vista Land & Lifescapes, which has since become the Philippines’ largest homebuilder. The company has developed numerous residential communities across the country, catering to various market segments. Vista Land’s success has been instrumental in Villar’s rise to prominence in the real estate industry.
Expansion into Retail and Other Ventures
Beyond residential development, Villar has expanded his business interests into retail and commercial sectors. He founded Vistamalls, a chain of shopping malls; AllHome Corporation, a home improvement chain; and AllDay Marts, a supermarket operator. These ventures have diversified his portfolio and contributed to the growth of his wealth.
Golden MV Holdings and Villar Land Holdings
Villar’s wealth is also bolstered by his majority stake in Golden MV Holdings, the largest death care company in the Philippines, which has been rebranded as Villar Land Holdings Corporation. The company is leading the development of a massive 3,500-hectare estate in the southern part of Metro Manila, known as Villar City. This ambitious project aims to create a sustainable and integrated community, further solidifying Villar’s influence in the real estate sector.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index: A Snapshot
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a daily ranking of the world’s 500 richest people, based on their net worth. The index is updated at the close of each trading day in New York and provides a comprehensive overview of the wealthiest individuals globally. Villar’s inclusion in the top 100 reflects the significant growth of his business ventures and his increasing influence in the global business community.
Other Filipino Billionaires
While Villar is the only Filipino in the top 100, he is not the only Filipino billionaire on the Bloomberg list. Enrique Razon Jr., a prominent figure in ports and casino industries, ranks 239th with a net worth of $12.3 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year. These rankings highlight the growing presence of Filipino entrepreneurs on the global stage.
Conclusion
Manny Villar’s ascent into Bloomberg’s Top 100 Billionaires is a significant achievement that underscores the global impact of Filipino entrepreneurship. His diversified business ventures, strategic expansions, and commitment to sustainable development have positioned him as a leading figure in the global real estate industry. As he continues to innovate and expand his business empire, Villar’s success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
