Ray Go Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Group, delivered an inspiring address to the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Class of 2025, reminding them that true success is not about perfection or instant wins, but about perseverance, meaningful relationships, and staying grounded in one’s values.
A self-made entrepreneur and seasoned business leader, Manigsaca shared his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to transforming AppleOne into one of Cebu’s leading property developers. Through grit, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership, he has turned challenges into opportunities, offering invaluable lessons to the next generation of professionals and leaders.
The ceremony also honored Manigsaca with an honorary Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) degree from PCU, recognizing his significant contributions to business, education, and community development.
For graduates stepping into the workforce, his advice was clear: keep learning, embrace risks, nurture relationships, and lead with purpose.
Ray Go Manigsaca’s Leadership Principles for Career Success
With decades of experience in business, property development, and hospitality, Manigsaca distilled his leadership wisdom into four essential lessons that graduates and professionals alike can apply to their journeys:
- Embrace Learning Over Instant Success
“I was not a straight-A student always eager to raise my hand, but I was always observing, listening, and learning.”
Manigsaca’s career began not at the top but as a salesman, and he didn’t rush for instant success. Instead, he focused on learning the ropes—observing others, understanding the fundamentals of business, and treating each challenge as a stepping stone. For Manigsaca, success is a continuous process of learning and adapting, not a race to the top. He believes that every experience and interaction, regardless of the job or person, teaches something valuable.
- Take Calculated Risks—Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
“When the right opportunity came, I took the risk.”
In 1995, Manigsaca and his wife, Engr. Venus Manigsaca, took a bold leap, using their savings to start a construction business. This decision eventually led to the founding of AppleOne Group, a leader in real estate, hospitality, and healthcare. He believes that success doesn’t come from waiting for the “perfect” moment but from stepping outside your comfort zone, taking calculated risks, and acting on opportunities with careful planning.
- Build Genuine Relationships—Business is About People
“It’s not just about what you know, but how you treat people and the connections you make.”
Manigsaca emphasizes that business success isn’t solely about strategy or knowledge; it’s about building authentic relationships with people—mentors, colleagues, employees, and community partners. He encourages young professionals to respect everyone they meet, from interns to executives, and seek guidance from experienced mentors. True leadership, he says, is measured not by titles but by actions and the way you treat others.
Dr. Jet Cababan, Vice President for Finance & Administration at PCU, captured this sentiment perfectly:
“His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not only measured by financial gains but by the lives we touch and the legacies we build.”
- Lead with Values—Success Should Make a Lasting Impact
“Business is not just about making deals; it’s about making a positive impact.”
Manigsaca’s leadership is deeply anchored in faith, integrity, and service. His commitment to education, healthcare, and community development reflects his belief that business growth should uplift communities, not just generate profits. He stresses that true success is measured by the positive, lasting impact one makes. For him, businesses should not only be a source of profit but also a force for good in society.
Turning Lessons into Action: The Journey Ahead
As AppleOne Group continues to grow, Manigsaca remains grounded in his core values, committed to building businesses that uplift and elevate communities.
For the new graduates about to embark on their careers and take on future leadership roles, his message is simple but profound:
“The world is waiting for you, and I have no doubt you will leave a lasting impact. Take risks, keep learning, and above all—serve others.”
