The Casa Alon Journal.
Stories about real estate, retirement, design, travel, and creating a life you’ll love in the Philippines.
-
We're a team of passionate thinkers and doers, dedicated to building with purpose and clarity. Collaboration and curiosity drive everything we do.
-
We believe in keeping things simple, smart, and human. Every project starts with listening and ends with something we're proud to share.
-
From startups to seasoned brands, we partner with people who care about doing things right—and doing them well.
Retiring in the Philippines as an OFW: Can I Afford Makati?
At 63, Richard Valdez is planning his return to the Philippines. After decades in San Francisco, he asks the question many OFWs eventually face: Can I afford to retire comfortably in Makati?
The White Snake and the Ballet at Dawn
A dream can disappear as quickly as morning light—or remain with us long after we’ve awakened. In this personal Casa Alon Journal, Richard reflects on a vivid dream of a white snake gracefully moving with a bird in what felt more like a ballet than a chase. Rather than interpreting it as a prediction, he explores what the dream revealed about transformation, patience, wonder, and learning to trust life’s natural rhythm. This reflective essay invites readers to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and discover how some of life’s greatest moments unfold not through force, but through grace.
The Three Currencies That Shape a Life—and a Home
A deeply personal reflection on retiring in the Philippines—how a gay couple turned broken pieces into intentional real estate decisions in Baguio City and Quezon City.
Why OFWs Are Choosing the Philippines for Retirement: A Real Journey Home
After years abroad, the dream of coming home becomes more than a wish—it becomes a mission. This is the journey of an OFW planning retirement in the Philippines, navigating real estate, reconnection, and the search for something deeper than just a house.