Charles Jumalon Jr is the Regional Director of Ayala Land International Sales. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

When Charles Jumalon Jr. found himself delivering directories in Dubai and eating a hotdog sandwich inside a Metro station toilet, he knew something had to change. Speaking to Expat Media, Charles recalls that life-changing moment that fueled his hunger for success: “It was Ramadan in 2014, I was exhausted from delivering directories under the sun. I bought a hotdog at a small shop inside Dubai Metro Al Rigga station and since I couldn’t eat in public, I ate in the toilet. Even the poorest people in the Philippines don’t eat here, I thought to myself. That moment changed me.” It was earlier that year when Charles moved to Dubai, lured by a job title that sounded professional: distribution analyst. In truth, it meant delivering directories and pushing a heavy cart across Dubai’s business districts. “I hid it from my parents,” he says, laughing. “They spent millions for me to finish nursing. How could I tell them their son was a delivery boy?” Still, he refused to let pride define him. “Every job I took, I treated as a stepping stone. Even when I was eating that hotdog in the Dubai Metro station toilet, I told myself — this is not permanent.” Today, he is Regional Director of Ayala Land International Sales, consistently closing over ₱1 billion worth of real estate sales every year and leading a team of more than 300 real estate professionals across the Middle East. At 40, the Dubai-based real estate boss has amassed a collection of high-value properties—bought from his earnings and massive sales commissions—and a passive income stream strong enough to let him live comfortably for life. But instead of slowing down, Charles is working harder than ever. “I could retire this year,” he says. “But I realized people still need guidance. They need a mentor. That’s my purpose now.”

Choosing purpose over profit

Today, Charles leads Ayala Land’s largest international team in the Middle East, guiding property road shows, leadership trainings, and investor meetings across Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha. His journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur continues to inspire those around him. “Money stopped being the sole motivation a long time ago,” he admits. “Now, I do it because I see so many Filipinos struggling to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. I want to teach them that financial freedom is possible.” For him, wealth means freedom, not extravagance. “Every time I close a high-value deal, I don’t splurge my commission on designer things. I buy property,” he says. “Every condo I buy is not for show; it’s for my children’s future.” So how did he end up in the real estate business? Just two months before pandemic lockdowns began, Charles received what he calls “a divine opportunity.” A friend introduced him to real estate. Within a year, he became the top international property specialist of his firm — even amid a global crisis. Then, Ayala Land International came calling. “They offered me a managerial role,” he recalls. “From there, everything took off.” He’s been a consistent top performer in sales. Now as Regional Director, Charles oversees a growing community of international sellers promoting Philippine properties to investors around the world. His results speak for themselves. Last year alone, he made P1.9 billion in sales. “I treat this as my own business,” he says. “My work is all about purpose-driven execution.” Instead of buying luxury cars, Charles buys property from his commissions after every major sale. In just four years, he has built an impressive real estate portfolio, mostly high-value condos in prime Philippine locations like Makati. The passive income he earns is enough to let him retire early. “But when I stepped back, I saw people who still needed help. So I kept going. It’s not just about money now; it’s about purpose.” He shares his insights with his team and clients: “When you buy property, know your purpose. Is it for personal use or income generation? Once you define that, do your due diligence and just try.”

Beyond Ayala Land: Man on a mission

This year, Charles launched his own events management and marketing services company in Dubai — designed to bring international speakers and thought leaders to inspire the Filipino community in the UAE. His latest passion project? Introducing Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow 101 board game across the Middle East. Recently launched in Riyadh, the game teaches financial literacy through real-world simulations of wealth-building. He still travels every quarter for property roadshows, and continues to build communities across continents. Charles also mentors hundreds of part-time and full-time agents across the region, encouraging them to build wealth the smart way. “When I see my team members leave their corporate jobs and succeed full-time in real estate, that’s my biggest win,” he says proudly. He laughs when reminded of his lowest moment in Dubai. “I’ll never forget that hotdog,” he says. “Every time I close a deal, I remember the boy who ate in the toilet. I don’t want to go back there — and I don’t want others to, either.” WDL/Expat Media This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine. 
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