CEO Profiles: Buds Wenceslao
Buds Wenceslao leads D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc., a key player in the real estate industry.
Delfin Angelo “Buds” Wenceslao is the CEO of D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc., one of the leading real estate and construction companies in the Philippines, whose legacy of more than 50 years continues to thrive under his visionary leadership. D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc. is known for its residential and commercial developments and reclamation projects, including Aseana City, Parqal, and MidPark Towers.
Current Companies and Roles
- CEO, D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc.
- Managing Director, Aseana Holdings Inc.
Other Roles
- Member, Filipinos in Institutional Real Estate (FIIRE) Executive Council
- Global Governing Trustee, Urban Land Institute (2020-2024)
- Country Chair – Philippines/Asia Pacific Executive Committee Member, Urban Land Institute (2018-2020)
Awards and Recognitions
- Quadruple A (AAAA) License, Philippine Licensing Board
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2019)
- Honoree, The Business Manual CEO Awards (2025)
Education
- Master of Science in Real Estate Development, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2008)
- Bachelor of Arts in Management Economics, Ateneo de Manila University (2000)
Key Quotes
“My dad was a very big-picture person. I learned how to be very focused on the details in terms of executing strategies to complement his style. He never micromanaged me and my brothers. We were lucky because he allowed us to be entrepreneurs inside his company. We wouldn’t be where we are without him allowing the company to adapt and transform.”
On what he learned from his father, the late Delfin Wenceslao Jr.
“Making mistakes is part of the journey, and with the cycles of real estate, it’s no different. Every project we build is similar in terms of the process, yet they are very different in terms of the different problems that arise during construction. The key is to ensure that the mistakes are small and to avoid making the same mistakes.”
On making mistakes and learning from them
“Everyone has a niche, but I want the company to be known for investing in public infrastructure and spaces that improve people’s lives. I think our main differentiator is our construction heritage and execution capabilities.”
On finding their place in the industry
“Transforming the culture of a family business takes time, effort, and determination. There may be a lot of disagreements about the path, but everyone should agree on the direction and goals or targets of the business.”
On continuing the legacy of the family business
“Find good people to work with. You can’t do everything! And invest in long-term relationships. Good partners are hard to find so when you find the right client, supplier, contractor, consultant, friends, and wife, treat them fairly.”
On his advice for professionals and entrepreneurs
Get more exclusive insights from Buds Wenceslao as he shares his journey in the real estate and construction industries and the lessons he picked up along the way.
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