First of all, I am not a seasoned real estate broker or guru. I am simply a student of Wall Street — or what we have here in the Philippines: our very own stock market. For almost a decade now, I’ve been investing in various instruments available to us Filipinos through the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). And to be honest, I’ve lost more times than I’ve won. But despite these losses, I never stopped investing. Why? Because investing is always about looking forward — it’s about the “futures,” no pun intended.

Now let’s go back to the question: should Filipinos invest or buy real estate regardless of the economy? Just like any market, real estate has its upsides and downsides. But as the legendary Warren Buffett once said: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” When the market is down and prices fall below market value, that is exactly when millionaires and billionaires come in — buying up assets while others hesitate.

Filipinos can learn from this mindset. But let me be clear: there’s always a risk. The key is knowledge, preparation, and seeking advice to avoid costly mistakes. Sometimes, failures and painful experiences are necessary teachers. But if you manage to survive and navigate these challenges wisely, you emerge stronger, smarter, and better prepared for the next opportunity.

Of course, not everyone is Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, or Bill Gates. The difference between them and many of us is not just their wealth — it’s their willingness to try, to risk failure, and to stand back up every time they fall. Not all of us have the same resources, but what we do have is the ability to learn, prepare, and take calculated risks.

Real estate is not a guaranteed win — it is a gamble. But when done right, it can provide tremendous returns. Personally, I invest in the stock market, real estate, and even sometimes in cryptocurrencies. I’ve failed many times, but I’ve also won, and I continue to hold some of these assets to this day. As a former OFW, I remember standing under the scorching sun in the desert, always telling myself: “This too shall pass. One day, I’ll be back in my air-conditioned office.” (Just a little joke, but with some truth.)

Again, I’m not claiming to be a guru or billionaire. I am simply sharing my personal experience. The Philippine real estate market may be challenging right now, but many wise investors are still buying properties today — not just for immediate profit, but to secure their family’s future. The time to study, prepare, and act is now — while others remain fearful. That’s when the best deals on land, condos, and villas become available.I may be wrong, but I firmly believe: whatever happens, even in the worst of times, this too shall pass.

-Vitaliano T. Raagas Jr.