Balesin resort operator reshuffles leadership for growth push

Insider Spotlight

• Eric Recto steps back as chair, takes vice chair role
• Anna Ongpin named new chair of the board
• Dennis Valdes assumes dual role as president and CEO
• Joanna Ongpin Duarte returns to lead brand management
• Jose Alejandro Reyes expands role to head leasing for Tower 3 and mall
  
  
  

Alphaland Corp. — the high-end resorts developer founded by the late Roberto Ongpin — is revamping its executive leadership team effective March 1, 2026, as the property firm positions itself for its next phase of growth.

The changes, announced internally on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 through a human resources advisory, signal a strategic consolidation of leadership roles and a renewed push to strengthen brand and leasing operations across its key developments.

The big picture

Under the plan, chair Eric Recto will step back from his current role and assume a less involved position as vice chairman due to new professional commitments. He will serve alongside Michelle Ongpin-Callaghan, who will also hold the title of vice chair.

Anna Ongpin

From vice chair to chair

Taking over as chair of the board is Anna Ongpin, formerly vice chair, marking a transition at the top of Alphaland’s governance structure.

Leadership consolidation

In a significant operational shift, Dennis Valdes, currently president, will take on the expanded role of president and CEO.

The dual role consolidates strategic and day-to-day leadership under one executive, a move designed to streamline decision-making and sharpen execution as Alphaland navigates a competitive high-end property market.

Dennis Valdes

Assumes a broader role of president and CEO starting March 1, 2026.

The company said the structure aims to keep the organization agile and focused on its core mission.

Brand and member engagement

Joanna Ongpin Duarte will rejoin Alphaland as senior vice president for brand management. She is tasked with elevating the company’s brand presence and strengthening engagement with members, particularly within the Balesin Key community.

Duarte will establish a dedicated concierge group to enhance relationships with key members. Luisa Banta will report directly to her under the new setup.

Michelle Ongpin-Callaghan

From director to vice chair

The appointment underscores Alphaland’s focus on brand equity and customer experience as differentiators in the premium real estate segment.

Leasing expansion

Jose Alejandro Reyes, currently AAI president and CEO and senior vice president and special assistant to the president, will assume the additional role of head of leasing for Tower 3 and the Alphaland Mall.

Susan Acuña will report to Reyes as part of the expanded leasing oversight.

Eric Recto

From chair to vice chair, a role shared with Ms Ongpin-Callaghan

Why it matters

The leadership reshuffle aligns governance, operations, branding and leasing under a tighter executive structure, reflecting Alphaland’s intent to drive growth while maintaining close oversight of its flagship assets.

By elevating internal leaders and bringing back seasoned executives, the company is signaling continuity alongside renewed strategic focus as it enters its next chapter. — Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma