Born from grit. Built on trust. Rooted in excellence.

The Founder: John Robinson Lim Gokongwei Jr.

Picture a 13-year-old boy in Cebu. His father had just passed away, leaving the family’s business and fortune in ruins. Overnight, he became the eldest breadwinner of six siblings.

At dawn, John Gokongwei Jr. would ride his bicycle through town, selling candles, soap, and thread in the local market. On a good day, he earned about 20 pesos—just enough to help keep his family afloat.

He was a scholar, a valedictorian, and later, a relentless entrepreneur. After World War II, he ventured into trading goods from Manila to Cebu, eventually starting Amasia Trading, which laid the groundwork for what would become one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates.

What began as grit and survival turned into a legacy of vision. And because Cebu was where John’s journey started, it remains close to the heart of his companies—this is why you’ll find some of RLC’s most significant developments proudly built in Cebu.

From a bicycle in the streets of Cebu to skyscrapers across the country, his story is proof that foundations matter.

The Gift of Learning: A Legacy Beyond Buildings

For John Gokongwei Jr., success was never just about building businesses. It was about building people.

Despite becoming one of the country’s most respected tycoons, he never stopped being a student. In his 70s, he quietly enrolled in De La Salle University for an MBA. Later, he even pursued further studies at Stanford University—proof that for him, age was never a barrier to learning.

But his belief in education went beyond his personal journey. Through the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF)—the family’s philanthropic arm—he poured resources into scholarships, teacher training, STEM education, and school facilities. GBF remains one of the largest private education-focused foundations in the Philippines, continuing to empower generations of Filipinos with opportunities he once dreamed of as a young boy in Cebu.

Among his notable contributions is the Gokongwei College of Engineering at De La Salle University, a testament to his commitment to elevate education in fields that shape the future. Today, countless students benefit from these institutions, carrying forward his belief that knowledge is the greatest equalizer in life.

For Mr. John, wealth was temporary, but education was lasting. In his own words, “My biggest legacy is not the businesses I built, but the opportunities for learning we pass on.”

RLC Residences: Decades of Trust, Thousands of Homes

Today, RLC Residences stands as the residential division of Robinsons Land Corporation, carrying with it over 45 years of real estate experience.

Beyond numbers, RLC Residences is known for quality, consistency, and a deep understanding of what it means to provide not just a house, but a lifestyle worth coming home to.

⏳ 45

Years of Real Estate Excellence

🏡 18,000+

Homeowners have already chosen RLC Residences

🏆 165

Local and International Awards & Recognitions celebrate its consistent excellence

🏙️ 134

Residential projects launched nationwide, many of which have redefined city skylines

Our Purpose

To serve and delight every homeowner, every step of the way, welcoming them to their forever home.

The Backbone: Part of a Conglomerate That Shapes Industries

RLC Residences is powered by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), which in turn belongs to JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the Philippines’ largest and most respected conglomerates founded by Mr. John Gokongwei Jr.

Here’s the bigger picture:

Real Estate

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) – residential, malls, offices, hotels, resorts

Airlines

Cebu Pacific (CEB) – the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier

Food & Beverage

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) – maker of C2, Great Taste, Piattos, Jack ‘n Jill snacks, and more

Retail

Robinsons Retail Holdings – home of Uncle John’s (formerly Ministop), Robinsons Supermarket, Southstar Drug, Handyman, and more

From Ministop to Uncle John’s

In 2022, Robinsons Retail fully acquired Ministop Philippines from its Japanese partner and rebranded it as Uncle John’s—a name inspired by the group’s beloved fried chicken brand. Unlike abroad where Ministop still exists, in the Philippines, the convenience store chain is now 100% Filipino-owned and proudly carries the Gokongwei identity.

Banking & Finance

Robinsons Bank and GoTyme Bank – offering secure and accessible financial services, both traditional and digital.

Petrochemicals

JG Summit Olefins Corporation – runs the country’s largest integrated petrochemical complex.

Investments

Minority stakes in PLDT (telecommunications) and Meralco (electric distribution).

Why It Matters to You

When you invest in RLC Residences, you’re not just buying a home. You’re placing your trust in a developer with:

Roots in resilience – founded on John Gokongwei’s inspiring story.

Decades of credibility – 45+ years of building quality spaces.

The strength of a conglomerate – backed by JG Summit’s multi-industry expertise.

This is why thousands of families—locally and abroad—entrust their biggest milestone to RLC Residences. Because when the foundation is this strong, you know your future is in safe hands.

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