Keeping the Filipino bayanihan spirit alive, the Republic Biscuit Corporation (REBISCO) recently launched new programs to aid the continued education of school children during the pandemic. As the Department of Education (DepEd) pushes for online learning at home to curb the spread of the virus, REBISCO has come up with a series of learning materials in various formats that both educators and students can use.

Supplementary Learning Kits

Last July, REBISCO began its distribution of supplementary learning kits to 240 public schools in NCR. The kit contains school materials such as pencils, crayons, and other basic school supplies. According to Quezon City, Pasay, and Las Piñas school divisions, REBISCO is the first private stakeholder to respond to DepEd’s “Bayanihan Para Sa Paaralan” which seeks for support from private sectors in producing modified learning materials fit for home education. As the effects of the global pandemic were utterly unexpected, support from private entities are very crucial in accomplishing all planned activities for restructuring and reorganizing the education system to cope with the changes.

Activity Worksheets

Supplementary activity worksheets were also produced by REBISCO and will be incorporated into the printed modules that the DepEd will distribute to students once the school year officially starts on October 5. These will reach 351 thousand learners from the early grade.  

Instructional Videos For Teachers, Parents, and Learners

REBISCO is also instrumental in producing instructional videos to help educators navigate the new technologies to be used in virtual teaching. The two video materials are for DepEd Commons and DepEd LMS.

The DepEd Commons is an online library portal of learning materials accessible to public and private school students from Kinder up to Grade 12. 

The DepEd LMS is a virtual classroom where educators can facilitate the class and check 

real-time activities, among others.

Instructional Videos For Students

REBISCO is also leading in the production of branded video materials that can further reinforce learning among young grade schoolers. These videos will be made available on DepEd’s website https://commons.deped.gov.ph/ and will include the following instructional videos for students: REBISCO Hand Eatiquette, Topps SarapBalikEskwela tips, Frootees’ The Frooteam, and The Hanchies from Hansel Sandwich.

“For many years, REBISCO has enjoyed the untiring patronage of Filipino consumers, particularly the parents whose children would often bring our products to school as their baon. During this time when kids are forced to stay home and miss out on the learning opportunities, they can only get from attending school, we felt the need to help so our children can continue their development. Through these supplementary materials that we have provided the DepEd, we hope that our school children will be inspired to continue their quest for learning and education and be motivated to strive and do well even under challenging circumstances,” said Rey Delos Reyes, Rebisco’s Senior Vice President for Marketing.

To access the supplementary learning materials from REBISCO, visit the DepEd’s official website at www.deped.gov.ph, and social media accounts: Facebook (DepEd Philippines), Instagram (@depedphilippines), and Twitter (@DepEd_PH).

To learn more about Rebisco head to www.rebisco.com.ph and follow REBISCO’s official social Facebook page www.facebook.com/RebiscoOfficialPage.

Philippine volleyball fans, are you ready for this year’s SEA Games in Manila?

The Philippine national men’s and women’s volleyball teams have released their official line-ups for the games, featuring a pool of talented professional and competitive players. Here is a look at our Volleyball representatives eyeing a podium finish in the regional meet.

MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Joining the men’s national volleyball team are talented players who have made their mark in the sport. Headlining the team is a powerful trio collectively known as BAE (a playful acronym of their surnames), and their team captain John Vic de Guzman.

John Vic de Guzman

Men’s national volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman is a stellar pro athlete with the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters. He shot to prominence through his winning collegiate career, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an NCAA championship in Season 92, as well as earning the MVP honors along the way.

Bryan Bagunas

Bryan Bagunas is a collegiate MVP and Japan-based pro player. Bagunas led the Bulldogs to two UAAP championship runs and finished his storied collegiate career with two MVP titles. The 6-foot-5 athlete portrays his power on the court through his long wing-span and powerful spikes, taking his talents not only to the Philippine national team, but also to the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler volleyball club in Japan.

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla is a standout pro from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao. He is a BS Criminology graduate from DLSU-Dasmarinas, where he helped the team win three national championships from the Private Schools Athletic Association, two from the National Capital Region Athletic Association, and three from the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association. He currently plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Philippine Air Force, in which he also serves as an airman 2nd class. Folks in his hometown of Bongao revere him as a hero and a role model for the youth.

Marck Espejo

Marck Espejo is the country’s first ever “Mr. Volleyball,” proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Espejo’s crowning achievement is winning the Most Valuable Player in Ateneo de Manila University’s three consecutive championship seasons from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, along with Rookie of the Year, Best Attacker, Best Server, and Best Scorer awards.

Together with Bagunas, Abadilla, Espejo, and De Guzman, the Men’s National Team, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, is completed by these talented players:

Francis Saura – Philippine Air Force

Kim Malabunga – Philippine Air Force

Ricky Marcos – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs

Esmilzo Polvorosa – Cignal HD Spikers

Jessie Lopez – Philippine Air Force

Ave Joshua Retamar – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs

Rex Intal – Cignal HD Spikers

Mark Alfafara – PLDT

Jack Kalingking – Philippine Navy

Joshua Umandal – PLDT

WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The star-studded and jam-packed women’s team is headlined by the best and brightest volleyball stars of this generation. Led by Coach Cesael delos Santos, the team hopes to earn home court advantage as they look to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. Some of the headliners are:

Aby Maraño

A champion professional and collegiate MVP, women’s national team captain Aby Maraño plays with a burning passion under the mantra Beast Mode Don’t Care, or BMDC. Maraño shot to fame in her college days playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, where she helped the team win an impressive three consecutive UAAP championships, earning two MVP awards along the way. Maraño has also had a successful pro career thus far, winning six championships in the Philippine Super Liga, five of which were with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. With this dazzling resume of accolades under her belt, Maraño will be looking to lead the team in dominating the field at the 2019 SEA Games this November.

Alyssa Valdez

Alyssa Valdez, affectionately known as “The Phenom,” is one of the most popular athletes of her generation. She’s best known for her time as a star player of Ateneo de Manila University during her college days, where she unceasingly led her team to two UAAP and two Shakey’s V-League championships, as well as numerous individual awards for her amazing play, including three MVP awards. Valdez has also been a standout in donning the Philippine tri-color in international tournaments, as well as in her pro career, leading her current team the Creamline Cool Smashers to two Premier Volleyball League championships in 2018 and 2019.

Majoy Baron

Majoy Baron is another champion pro and collegiate MVP.  She is truly unpredictable when she starts hitting it out on the court. She led the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to three consecutive UAAP championships, where she also won individual awards because of her commendable performance. Baron’s pro career is also flourishing, helping take the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to five PSL championships, including the recently-concluded 2019 PSL Invitational Conference, in which she also won MVP. Baron is not new to international volleyball tournaments—just recently, she was named the Best Middle Blocker in the ASEAN Grand Prix held in Thailand and the Philippines.

Jia Morado

Jia Morado is an award-winning pro MVP and former college standout who has previous experience representing the Philippines in the SEA Games. During the recently concluded 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, Morado made noise by setting the pace for the national team during its five-set victory against Vietnam. Netizens praised her outstanding performance, with some describing her playmaking as a “game changer.” Her pro career with the Creamline Cool Smashers has seen incredible accomplishments so far, with two Premiere Volleyball League championships playing for the club.

Completing the promising women’s national volleyball team in the 2019 SEA Games are:

Rhea Dimaculangan – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers

Ces Molina – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers

Eya Laure – Foton Tornadoes

Kalei Mau – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers

Mylene Paat – Cignal HD Spikers

Jovelyn Gonzaga – Cignal HD Spikers, PacificTown-Army

Maddie Madayag – Choco Mucho

Mika Reyes – Petron Blaze Spikers

Dawn Macandili – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers

Kath Arado – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers

Cheering as Sambansa in the 2019 SEA Games

Now that we know who will represent the Philippines at the SEA Games this November, don’t be shy to show your support! Both the men and women’s teams have been busy preparing with the help of various organizations and companies such as Rebisco, and they will need all the support they can get from their Filipino fans as our players look to play their best against the top talent of Southeast Asia and bring home the gold.

The volleyball tournament of the 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila.

For more info and updates on the Philippine national volleyball team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook (facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/), and on Twitter and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.

Beginning October 5, the fun continues for Kapuso viewers as GMA Network and Rebisco Topps Sarap bring back the musical-variety program, every Saturday morning, Toppstar TV featuring the cute and talented Toppstar Kids.

The second season of the program promises twice the excitement, laughter and performances as the Toppstar batch 1 kids welcome a new breed of kiddie stars on the show.

MEET THE TOPPSTAR KIDS 

The kids, who were chosen from Rebisco’s on-ground talent search all over the Philippines, will come together to showcase their skills in singing, dancing and hosting to bring out the “topps” in every kid.

As part of the brand’s commitment to bring out the best in every child, every segment of the show is created to ensure that we deliver this: the Toppstar Performance showcases the kids’ talent in singing and dancing; the Toppstar Games allows the kids to play while learning new skills; the Toppstar Laughs lets kids have fun showing their comedic talents while learning wholesome jokes, and the on-cam conversations in-between that hone the kids’ talents in hosting and interview.

Bloggers got the chance to meet the Toppstar Kids which was hosted by Kapuso host/actress and Fab Mom Chariz Solomon.

  

Check out the amazing talents of this season's TOPPSTAR KIDS

To complement the Saturday morning episodes, Topps Sarap will mount school tours across Metro Manila.  Video snippets of these visits will be featured on the show.

Make Saturdays twice as fun with Topps Sarap Toppstar TV Season 2.

Starts October 5, from 9:15 to 9:45 AM on GMA, and with replays every Sunday at 5:00 to 5:30 PM on GMA News TV.

Homegrown snack giant Rebisco is spreading the anniversary joy to its grassroots business partners. 

As part of its 55thyear celebration, Rebisco awarded 55 lucky sari-sari store owners with store makeover and products for each. The winners were selected among hundreds of small business proprietors who shared their stories detailing how the snack food giant has made an impact on their lives and businesses. 

According to Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng, the project was borne out of a simple yet poignant motivation: to express gratitude. “Sari-sari stores are crucial to our business model,” he said. “These entrepreneurs are our loyal and hardworking community partners who help nourish Rebisco’s continued growth and success. This project is one of many ways we want to give back, by empowering them and their businesses.”

Shining the spotlight 

Of the 55 winners, three were featured in an online video recently released by Rebisco. 

Ester Recinto, a 66-year-old sari-sari store owner from Batangas, runs a strategically located store near an elementary school. She started selling in 1974, with a P300 capital. Over the years,she was able to grow her business from a cabinet display of Rebisco products to an actual store. 

Twenty-two-year-old Naname Dahoya from Cebu started a sari-sari store to help augment her parents’ meager income and support her six siblings. She calls Rebisco her “superhero” because the company’s popular snacks helped her small business grow, thus providing her and her family a more stable income. 

The third featured winner is Sally Angulo from Zamboanga del Norte. At first, Sally only sold condiments and vegetables but eventually realized that there was a market for snacks. After researching her options, she decided to sell Rebisco products because of its high-quality products at more affordable prices. 

“We hope that their stories inspire others to persevere amid adversities,” Rebisco Trade Marketing Head Michelle Ceniza said. “We are grateful to our partner sari-sari store owners for their loyalty and patronage these past five decades. It truly is an honor for Rebisco to be an instrument to the success of their business.”

Stronger partnership 

After a momentous year-long anniversary celebration, Rebisco looks to the future with optimism. 

 “We look forward to sharing more successful years with our sari-sari store partners,” 

Ng added.

There’s nothing like food to make you feel at home.

For millions of Filipinos living or working all across the globe, a familiar flavor or a well-loved taste can instantly bring back fond memories and rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort. 

While most Filipino dishes can be recreated in any kitchen, some Pinoy staples require a bit more effort to find.

This is where Rebisco comes in. 

The snack food giant has been doubling down on its international business, ‘invading’ key markets armed with delightful sweets and treats. 

 “Wherever there are Filipinos, we have a market for Rebisco products because our snacks represent a piece of home,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “At the same time, the shared love for food is a universal language that transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. While we bring our diverse portfolio of products to a wider market, we also want to put the Philippines on the global map as a maker of world-class snacks.”

Spreading the love for Filipino-made snacks

Rebisco has been in the export business since early 2000, with key markets including China, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Myanmar. Among their top export brands are local favorites like Ding Dong, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Rebisco Sandwich, Doowee Donut, CuppKeyk and Choco Mucho. 

According to Rebisco International Business Group Head Jonnel Mangubat, main consumers vary per export market. “For countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA, and Taiwan the main consumers are our overseas Filipinos as these countries are top OFW and Filipino migrant destinations,” he said. “As for China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Myanmar, we primarily cater to the mainstream aka local consumers. Thus, our products could be found in their supermarkets and wholesalers where local consumers go to.”

Winning over local snack lovers

Marketing strategy varies, depending on the market. “We localize our portfolio and promotions based on the unique consumer needs per country,” Mangubat explained. “While some distributors directly approach us due to our company’s popularity, we mainly enter new markets through participation in international trade missions and food exhibits. As soon as we see market potential and product acceptance, as indicated primarily by consistent orders, we follow through with significant investment in sales and marketing initiatives in order to maximize the business potential.”

Manufacturing is a key success factor for Rebisco’s international business. In 2015, the legacy snack maker opened its Vietnam manufacturing facility, complete with a sales and marketing force. Mangubat added, “Vietnam’s strategic location in the region makes it an ideal manufacturing hub for businesses that want to penetrate the ASEAN markets. Its free trade agreements also make the country more attractive to investors because of the fewer tariffs and restrictions.”

The Vietnam plant produces cakes, biscuits, wafer and cream paste, for domestic and top export markets like China and Myanmar. Rebisco Vietnam has also recently begun export shipments to Hong Kong and Singapore.Mangubat noted that the totaloperations in Vietnam have steadily doubled its sales in the past five years, with the top-selling brands including Doowee, Krim Stix and Rebisco Extreme.

More reasons to celebrate

As Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, the homegrown manufacturer of snack time favorites sees a bright future ahead for its international business. 

Ng noted, “We’re optimistic about the sustained growth of our international operations. We continue to evolve with the changing needs of the market—both locally and globally. Good food never goes out of style. Regardless of where you’re from, there’s always a good reason to sit down and enjoy a snack.”

How can you make love last the test of time? Is there truly such a thing as forever?

Rebisco’s upcoming family-oriented movie explores these timeless and enduring questions in a simple yet poignant story of a family’s journey to discover the true meaning of commitment, even as people, priorities and feelings change. 

Aptly dubbed Three Words to Forever, the movie is the snack giant’s third sponsored cinema offering which aims to inspire and strengthen Filipino families by promoting values of understanding, respect, unity and love, among others.  Their first film, in partnership with Star Cinema, was the 2013 comedy-drama blockbuster hit Four Sisters and A Wedding, which coincided with Rebisco’s 50th anniversary celebration. It featured an ensemble cast including Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, Toni Gonzaga, Shaina Magdayao and Enchong Dee. 

In 2017, the snack maker co-produced the heartwarming family drama, Seven Sundays, which starred Ronaldo Valdez, Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes and 

Enrique Gil. 

Three Words to Forever will mark the homegrown snack manufacturer’s third collaboration with Star Cinema, and will cap its year-long 55th anniversary celebration. The highly anticipated movie, under the direction of Cathy Garcia-Molina, will also star Kathryn Bernardo. 

Rediscovering family and relationships

“Filipinos have close-knit families. It is one of our strengths as a people,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “But even families need time and effort if they are to remain strong and stable. And that’s what this movie is about. It’s about the realities—the proverbial ups and downs—of families and relationships.”

Ng noted that, as a well-loved legacy brand enjoyed by generations of Filipino families, this movie reinforces the company’s vision to bring families and loved ones together through the shared love for food. “Sometimes, all it takes to rekindle the love is a simple gesture, like snacking together while talking or reminiscing the good times,” he added. “Family and food are two things that are near and dear to our hearts. We hope that this movie inspires people to rethink and reaffirm their relationships, especially as the holiday season approaches.”

For updates on Three Words to Forever, visit the official Rebisco Facebook page. 

And tell us: How do you express your enduring love and commitment in just three words? 

As a school-age kid, what was your favorite part of the day? 

Aside from the thrills of Science, Math, Language, Reading and Araling Panlipunan, one of your most cherished school memories would probably include a funny or embarrassing moment during recess time. 

For generations of kids, recess time was, and still is, more than just a time for eating. It is a time for bonding, developing social skills and forging friendships over the shared love for food. 

Remember those carefree school days? Here are five ways snack time made a lasting impact on our childhood.

• It gave us motivation to go to school. Remember when you couldn’t get yourself out of the bed on a school day? Aside from fear of mom and ‘ma’am,’ the thought of eating, and sharing, your favorite snack was enough to make you want to go to school. 

• It taught us about barter and sharing. Recess time is like a mini smorgasbord for snacks. Not particularly fond of your cheeseburger today? Why not trade it for a Hansel Mocha Sandwich? Of course, you always have the option of sharing your food as testament to life-long friendship. 

• It encouraged us to experiment. Why enjoy just one Rebisco Sandwich flavor when you can combine two to create your very own chocolate-strawberry special? Recess time helped hone our culinary skills by encouraging us to create new variations of our regular snacks.

• It taught us to value rewards. Remember when you aced a test or won in that school contest and the next day your baon was packed with your favorite chocolate snacks? While our parents always encouraged us to eat healthy, allowing us the occasional sweets taught us the value of giving ourselves a well-deserved treat every now and then. 

• It made our childhood memorable. Laughing, playing and sharing stories over baon are priceless memories that we carry through to the rest of our lives. These memories help form the foundation of our friendships and the values we hold dear. 

As Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary, the homegrown snack giant continues to be a highlight of Filipino kids’ baon—carrying on a legacy of providing delightful treats and opportunities to create precious bonding moments. 

To make it easier for moms and dads to pack their school-age kids’ favorite Rebisco snack, Rebisco recently launched Bag-O-Baon—a multi-pack that features an assortment of school-friendly Rebisco products including favorites such as Rebisco Sandwich Strawberry, Fudgee Barr Choco, Combi Triple Choco, Choco Mucho, Topps Sarap Cookie Monster and Vitacubes, among others. Go to your nearest supermarket to get one of the limited Bag-O-Baon bundles and reminisce on the incomparable joys of snack time with family and friends. 

What’s your fondest recess memory? Share it with us at the official Rebisco Facebook page

Homegrown empire celebrates legacy in Filipino snack culture

When it comes to Filipino snack time favorites, Rebisco is a household name among families, friends and working professionals. Who doesn’t have fond memories of munching on the creamy goodness of Marie as a child? Or opening their baon to find staples such as Rebisco Sandwich, Rebisco Crackers and Hansel? 

With an extensive portfolio of some of the nation’s most beloved snack products, Rebisco has steadily expanded its portfolio to appeal to the changing preferences of Filipino consumers. 

Today’s kids and kids-at-heart have a lot more to choose from—biscuits and crackers like Rebisco Sandwich, Hansel, and Combi; cakes and breads like Fudgee Barr and Topps; chocolates and wafers like Choco Mucho, Krimstix, and Superstix; nuts and seeds like Ding Dong and Happy; chips and curls like Funky, Potato Plus, and Pop-O; and candies and gums like Lipps, Chubby, and Judge.

As the well-loved snack leader celebrates its 55th anniversary, Rebisco not only looks back on its legacy but more importantly, gears up for bigger plans ahead as it continuously grows its business and expands its market.

The company’s increasingly diversified portfolio reflects Rebisco’s drive toward innovation to meet the Filipino consumer’s changing preferences. One such product innovation is the country’s first commercially packaged donut, Doowee Donut, which was created for a growing market with a limited snack budget and access to popular donut shops in malls.

Another unique product is Mr. Keso, a savory candy filled with a delicious cheese filling that remains to be the first—and only—of its kind in the local market. This sweet-savory treat was named as one of the three Nielsen Southeast Asia’s Breakthrough Innovation Award winners in 2016 for Rebisco’s thoughtful combination of research, marketing, and consumer insight in developing and launching the product.

The launch of Hansel Premium Matcha, a limited-edition twist to one of Rebisco’s classic brands, further illustrate the company’s commitment to innovation. The product took the popular matcha trend straight from social media and digital magazine features to the production floor and the marketplace. Thanks to the efficiency of product development and on-point marketing, Hansel Premium Matcha took Philippine Facebook by storm and became viral within a few hours of launch. The product also sustained an upward trend in digital conversations until it exited the market as part of its limited-edition nature.

“Our company’s desire for continuous innovation has empowered us to increase efficiency, improve product quality, and test new concepts with record speed and accuracy,” said Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng. “The preferences and market behaviors of the Filipino consumer are evolving swiftly and we want Rebisco to continue being their brand of choice for snacks and light meals.”

Beyond snacks

What started as a small neighborhood bakeshop in San Juan is now a homegrown empire. Buoyed by the triumph of various snack products, Rebisco has explored other markets where it can bring its successful production and business models, as well as the company’s reputation for stellar quality and affordability. 

The company continues to expand its offerings to other food categories like ice cream with Creamline, spreads with Happy Peanut Butter and the Rebisco Yema Spread, and beverages like the Chalife Milk Tea. 

Creamline offers a wide range of products such as cream bars, pinipig bars, ice cream cones, and family-sized tubs in flavors that Filipinos love and crave, at affordable prices. The ice cream brand will also be launched in the United States this July 2018—Creamline products will be available in Seafood City Supermarkets in the West Coast.

Ng added, “As we celebrate our company’s 55th anniversary this year, we want to express our gratitude to generations of Filipinos who have always loved our products and our people who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve milestone after milestone throughout the decades. Rebisco will continue to make deliciously delightful meals for everyone, every day.”