John Singson, a Filipino-American real estate mogul, made history on January 26, 2025, by receiving the prestigious Keys to the City award—becoming the first and only real estate entrepreneur to be given this highest honor in Los Angeles County.
Known for his sharp financial skills, integrity, and strategic mindset, John has built a solid reputation in both commercial and residential real estate. Despite his lineage from a globally influential political family in the Philippines, his success is the result of his own drive, business acumen, and years of hard work.
John has earned the trust of A-list celebrities, professional athletes, and high-net-worth individuals. Still, he proudly serves all clients—regardless of their financial background. “I try to make my name mean something,” John says.
I had the opportunity to interview John Singson via email.
When asked how it felt to receive the Keys to the City, he shared:
“Receiving the Keys to the City is an incredible honor, but I don’t see myself as a legend. I’m just someone who got where I got because I was clear on what I wanted to achieve. Seeing my journey acknowledged in this way is humbling, and it also reminds me that success is never guaranteed unless you can change a person’s life in a good way—it’s also about the people who support you, the lessons you learn, and the opportunities you make the most of.”
Coming from a life of privilege, John could have easily lived comfortably without working. Yet, he chose to create his own path.
“I was raised to understand that true success isn’t what you inherit, but it’s about building myself over time so that in case everything falls, I can always get back up without being too dependent.”
On the secret to his success, he said:
“My success today is a result of years of great choices, and surrounding myself with the right people at the right time. For me, reputation compounds faster than money. I treat every deal very seriously that’s why I have never lost money on any deal I buy, and I share this with everyone. I learned how to build, invest, and create opportunities—not just for myself, but for others as well. At the core of everything, I’ve never stopped being a student of business and life. To add to this, my continued growth comes from me reminding myself that I’ve never really made it yet, even though I have reached the peak of my financial goals, I go back to 0 every day I wake up.”
John also shared his passion for giving back quietly.
“As for giving back, I believe in helping where I can, without the need for recognition. I’ve been fortunate, and I know what it’s like to struggle, because, in my country (The Philippines), I see this every day, so if I can support causes that make a real impact—whether for education, families, or communities—I will.”
When asked to choose between fame and freedom, he answered:
“If I were to choose between fame and freedom, I’d choose freedom, because a lot of famous people I know aren’t financially free or mentally free. They are still stuck with the role they don’t like and that’s all because they didn’t invest early or play in the business field while going after what they thought their passion was. I know many famous athletes and celebrities who are stuck in a hamster wheel just because they didn’t invest in the peak of their career and now they have to work back.”
On upcoming projects, John shared:
“There are always exciting things in the works—real estate developments, business ventures, and opportunities to create lasting value.”
His parting advice is a powerful reminder:
“Take care of your name. It takes years to build and only moments to lose.”
John Singson’s bold and principled approach to business has earned him deep respect. He walks away from deals that don’t align with his values and turns down offers from individuals involved in unethical practices. For John, long-term trust always outweighs short-term gain.
Know more about John Singson and his inspiring journey in real estate by sharing this Good Inspiration story and staying updated on GoodNewsPilipinas.com.
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