A successful entrepreneur who has made a name for herself by building, leasing, selling and even designing real estate properties, Judy Miranda Abalos encourages people from every generation to remain optimistic, proactive and resilient in pursuing their dreams. She also loves to emphasize the value of education and a curious mind in helping one get ahead in life.
By GRACE C. DIEZ
Judy Miranda Abalos is the epitome of a modern and empowered woman — beautiful, intelligent, confident and full of heart.
Equal parts style and substance, her beauty is matched by an insatiable desire to learn new things. Aside from earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at De La Salle University, she also took up her Global Senior Executive Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Melbourne.
“I also love studying. Even then, I viewed it as my ticket to a better, more fulfilled life,” says Judy, who eventually took up a master’s degree in Architectural/Interior Design at the Florence Design Academy, where she graduated summa cum laude. She’s also currently taking up another master’s degree, this time in International Affairs, focusing on Global Security.
Not one to merely depend on her powerful last name and the generosity of her in-laws, she became an accomplished entrepreneur through sheer grit and hard work. Her success in real estate led her to build a diverse property portfolio and enjoy a steady stream of passive income early on.
Still, Judy tells PeopleAsia that she has no intentions of calling it quits soon, or even slowing down. Rather, the passionate businesswoman — who has made a name for herself in the fields of security, real estate, investments, building and design — finds herself raring to forge ahead and break new ground.
Grounded and humble
Recognizing that true success is neither measured by wealth nor accolades, Judy remains grounded and humble. She finds fulfillment in knowing that she has overcome the challenges that came her way, built something meaningful and created opportunities for herself and for others.
Judy, the second of four children who grew up in a middle-class family, opens up about her humble beginnings. “I grew up in a very close-knit and Catholic family. My father was a businessman. He passed away during the pandemic, but his dedication and hard work left a significant impression on all of us. While my mom, a devout Catholic, instilled in us strong values from a young age, shaping our lives with a profound sense of faith and moral grounding,” she shares.
“Although we weren’t rich, we weren’t poor either. I had a normal upbringing. Sometimes, I would wear hand-me-downs from my older sister,” she continues.
And while she took up Accounting in college, her interest in interior design soon caught up with her. She wasn’t surprised. “As a child I was already captivated by the arts and beautiful homes, which naturally led me to building and design. It’s a passion that has only grown stronger over time.”
Unqualified success
Early on, Judy tried her hand at real estate, where she enjoyed much success. “As soon as I had the means, I started investing heavily in real estate. Even then, I knew my investments would increase in value tremendously because I was good in property forecasting,” she says.
Real estate, she adds, crosses over with her love for design. She has had a direct hand in designing many of the properties she acquired through the years.
Ever multi-faceted, Judy also established a manpower and security agency with her husband’s blessing. And while running a security business was not on her wish list, the indefatigable lady used it to gain valuable experience, develop essential skills and cultivate a strategic mindset.
“I remember I had a meeting with Ms. Robina Gokongwei, who was introduced to me by my father-in-law. She gave me a chance to manage the security of one of JG Summit buildings. Since I had no track record then, they only agreed to sign a contract once my agency performed well. Instead of backing out, I agreed,” she says.
And the rest, as they say, is history. Building on her success as general manager of a manpower and security services company, Judy, among other things, is currently president and CEO of JM Diamond Properties and Holdings.
That experience always moves her to motivate other people, especially her junior staff, to use every opportunity available at their disposal as stepping stones to achieve their ultimate dreams in life. “Don’t waste time and opportunity to do a good job. Give everything you’ve got. It also helps to work with passionate and like-minded people. These are the same people who will inspire you to do your best, work harder and dream big,” she says.
Balancing act
She may be reaping the fruits of her hard work now, but she admits that the path she took wasn’t an easy one. For starters, it was a struggle for her to balance her competing roles as wife, mother, entrepreneur and student.
“My family, of course, will always come before my business commitments,” she says. “I’ve always been present for them. But balancing various concerns and endeavors is easier said than done. At the end of the day though, nothing comes close to the fulfillment I get from spending quality time with my family. It helps keep me happy and grounded.”
And that priority also includes spending time making new memories and renewing bonds with her mother and siblings.
To be able to do all these, Judy manages her time properly. She also nurtures and trusts the right people, as she goes about delegating responsibilities and tasks, once she has too much on her plate.
Her father’s words
Growing up, Judy’s father would always tell her: “Don’t let physical beauty lead you to complacency or discourage you from dreaming big. What’s important, I also remember him saying, is the essence of who you are inside, and that essence is what endures,” she says.
Well, she certainly proven that she’s so much more than a pretty face.
Aside from her chops in business, Judy also has a big heart for the less fortunate. She established Legacy of Hope, a charitable organization that seeks to uplift and empower marginalized people by providing them with livelihood opportunities. Among its beneficiaries are the White Cross Orphanage, Little Sisters for the Elderlies, Philippine Cancer Society and Center of Hope.
“Legacy of Hope is very meaningful and close to my heart, as it’s a way for me to give back to people. I have a son who’s a cancer survivor. Overcoming that personal crisis has inspired and strengthened my commitment even more to pay it forward. To extend a helping hand to the hungry, the ill and the financially troubled,” she continues.
Asked if she would ever consider formally going into public service, she takes a deep, meaningful pause. “One doesn’t need a government position to make a meaningful impact. There are many ways to help our fellowmen,” she says.
She also dreams of helping OFWs, since they have sacrificed a great deal in foreign lands just to send money to their families and ensure a bright future for their children. “Studying in multiple countries expanded my horizons, especially because I met many Filipinos taking odd jobs overseas. It’s one way of giving something back to society and to our countrymen,” she expounds.
As a woman and a mother, and through Legacy of Hope, Judy says her ultimate mission is to empower fellow women and the youth. She leaves us with these words wisdom. “Focus on self-empowerment from an early age and invest in education. Don’t wait for the perfect job before you start to work towards your goals. Start early and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Then use these opportunities as stepping stones to realize your dreams,” she concludes.
Photography by BOBBY DELOS SANTOS
Art direction by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA
Hair and makeup by JAKE GALVEZ
