Rtn. John Nico P. Valencia: A Born Leader with a Generous Heart

Rtn. John Nico P. Valencia’s stint as Chief of Staff of his father, then Congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia, for over a decade and his rich experience in various companies engaged in real estate development and marketing within the RGV Group, helped him prepare for where he is now—serving as President of Westchester Realty Corporation and CEO of Valencia Estates Holdings Development, Inc. Despite his success, he keeps his feet on the ground. A kindhearted probinsyano since his younger days, he continues to help his less fortunate kababayans in Oriental Mindoro, particularly the Mangyans who are all close to his heart.

Get to know more about Rtn. Nico Valencia, one of the youngest members of Rotary Club of Manila, as he shares his thoughts on being a Rotarian, his passion and hobbies, as well as a glimpse of his childhood in Oriental Mindoro.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): Can you describe your younger self and how your parents helped shape you? How did they influence you?

John Nico P. Valencia (NPV): I was raised by loving and God-fearing parents and grew up possessing strong values in life which have become instrumental in paving the road to my success. My parents, although they can provide all my needs, never forgot to teach me the importance of faith in God, love, respect, discipline, integrity, and determination. I was able to discover my potentials while walking on the path of goodness.

RVT: What motivates you to do what you do now? What are you most excited or passionate about?

NPV: I was blessed with the woman who captured my heart 10 years ago, my wife Zyrene. She motivates me to continue carving a good future not just for our humble family but for the Filipino families whom I can serve as a real estate developer. My passion is to build high-quality, inexpensive, and secured homes that most Filipino families can afford. I believe that this passion could help others carve their beautiful and brighter future too in a place where they could assemble their dreams from—their own home.

RVT: If you weren't in real estate development, what would you be doing instead?

NPV: I see myself as a loving husband to Zyrene, free-spirited, dedicated, motivated, disciplined, focused, and faithful in anything that I want to do. These attributes are something that my parents taught me. Have I not become a real estate developer, I believe I would be in fields which are in need of such attributes, such as being a pilot, and maybe a professional scuba diver because of my love for God’s creation and my being a travel enthusiast. I was born in Oriental Mindoro where I became fond of hiking and diving. I am proud of nature’s gifts in my home province, and I even encourage my friends to visit places like Puerto Galera, Mt. Halcon, Naujan Lake, as well as the rice fields and agricultural farms.

RVT: What accomplishments are you most proud of?

NPV: Without regrets, knowing that God had put me in a career where I truly belong—in the real estate industry where I can serve millions of my countrymen— I am proud of what I had become and my accomplishments in my chosen career path. In particular, I am proud because our company, Westchester, was awarded the top 8 developer of Pag-IBIG for only a period of six months operation from June to December 2020.

RVT: How do you keep a healthy work/life balance? What do you do when you are not working?

NPV: To keep a healthy work/life balance, I do healthy activities that will benefit my mind and body. I work out regularly, eat healthy foods, and do some hobbies like hiking, scuba diving, biking, swimming, and playing badminton and golf. I also love to spend time with my wife Zyrene and just stay home, especially during this pandemic. We read the bible together, reflect every morning, and watch online movies for some relaxation and bonding.

RVT: For you, what is it like to be a Rotarian? How has Rotary changed your outlook in life?

NPV: Being a Rotarian allows me to build relationship with different people from different walks of life and have the chance to exude generosity by helping people in need. My generosity led me to serve more people by working for the government for more than a decade. I discovered different ways of helping less fortunate Filipino families like the Mangyan tribes in Mindoro. My wife and I provide them with homes, education, and health services. I look forward to continuing what I’ve started and help as many people as possible. With my faith in God, loving and supportive wife who never stops guiding me, I will continue to endeavor for further success while minding the people with whom I can share my blessings with.