It's the bayanihan spirit that kept us all moving in time of crisis, and being in a situation where literally working hand-in-hand is off-limits, still, we all try to improvise to accomplish what is ought to be done. 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.

It’s the time of the year when families get together and share in the warmth of each other’s presence.

As Christmas in the Philippines also means indulging in delicious and satisfying feasts with loved ones, there’s no better way to spread holiday cheer at parties and gatherings than with everyone’s favorite snacks and treats from Rebisco, now a part of Filipinos’ lives for more than 55 years.

“No matter how simple or grand the Christmas feast is at your home, there’s always space for the family’s favorite Rebisco snacks,” said Lulu dela Peña, Rebisco’s Marketing Communications Head. “We’re proud of having been an important part of the nation’s celebrations for generations now.”

It's a yummier holiday because Rebisco’s got something for everyone!

Whether you’re young or old, there’s a Rebisco product for every member of the family this Christmas!

Start off the holiday parties with the right snacks! Prepare the sweets platter for the kids -- and kids at heart—that’s full of familiar flavors everyone grew up with; serve candies and sweets such as Lipps, Vita Cubes, Judge candies and gums, Chubby chewy candy, Krimstix cream paste, Superstix wafer sticks, as well as the Mister Yema, Mister Keso, Mister Melon, and Mister Buco candies.

Anyone looking for crunchy and savory finger food they can munch as the night goes on can get the addictive Happy Peanuts and Ding Dong as they wait for the clock to strike midnight. Spice up snacking with something that’s sweet, sour, and spicy all at the same time with Dolce Tamarind Balls. For the more health-conscious relatives, there’s always Jeanne and Jamie’s guilt-free snacks, such as whole thins, water crackers, or digestives.

There’s also a snack for those who want to stick to their all-time favorites, like Rebisco Sandwich and Hansel Sandwich. There are also Rebisco Crackers and Hansel Crackers that guests can pair with some warm coffee or tea; or you can also relax with the rich chocolate filling of small treats like Choco Mucho Cookies and Wafertime Rich Cream.

For those who can indulge a little more, sweeter snacks are available for them to enjoy, like satisfying Choco Mucho chocolate bars, Doowee Donuts, or the comforting goodness of Mrs. Goodman Choco Oatmeal.
How about serving a cupcake tower centerpiece full of Rebisco’s yummy cupcakes like Topps Sarap, and Whoopie marshmallow cakes that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age.

The holidays are also a great time to do movie marathons and sleepovers with family and friends. That’s when you break out the chips and curls nobody will be able to stop munching. There’s Funky, a potato snack that comes in various flavors; the crunchy, cheesy, and spicy corn snack Kruffs in Cheesy Jalapeno or Sour Cream and Chives; the nacho-crispy goodness of Tostas, which has both smoky BBQ and savory cheese flavors in one pack.

No Christmas gathering, whether it’s Noche Buena or any party in general, is complete without spaghetti. Try the new Bueno pasta from Rebisco to make sure that everyone gets to enjoy the finest spaghetti dishes on the most enchanted evening of the year.

A Christmas meal is not complete without a delicious dessert. A moist Fudgee Barr is best served as it is or as part of a cake or ice cream recipe. If you’re going the ice cream route, it’s best to use Creamline ice cream with all its wonderful flavors and variants, such as lollies and cups for kids and bigger tubs for the whole family!

Lastly, when you’re looking for a meaningful gift to give your loved ones, there’s no better present than the Rebisco special designer tin can, which assorts the different Rebisco snacks in a beautiful special edition can that features heartwarming family-themed artworks by five amazing Filipino visual artists including three student artists from the only art-based school in Angono City, Rizal. This collection will definitely make someone happy this holiday season—not only will they be bringing home valuable works of art, you’ll also have done your part in promoting Angono, the art capital of the Philippines.

Stock your pantries now with these great Rebisco treats in time for your Christmas celebrations!

Looking toward tomorrow

In the near future, Rebisco is seeing new ways to bring delight to the Filipino family through a more diverse range of snacks and meals that are best enjoyed when shared.

“We want to express our gratitude to generations of Filipinos who have always loved our products and the people who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve milestone after milestone throughout the decades,” dela Peña added. “Rebisco has, and will continue, to make deliciously delightful moments possible with snacks and meals Filipinos will love and love to share, every day.”

For more information on other Rebisco products for holiday feasts, visit rebisco.com.ph and follow Rebisco’s social media accounts, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RebiscoSnackademy/) and Instagram (@rebiscoph).

ports enthusiasts and volleyball fans cheer for the Philippines’ finest athletes competing at the SEA Games in Manila

For the Philippine volleyball teams, their drought of medals at the SEA Games for over a decade is a huge challenge to overcome—especially after a long, storied history of victory and domination in the regional tournament back in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

While the mission was always to get Philippine volleyball back to its winning ways, the road to accomplishing that was not always easy. For various reasons, the sport was plagued by a lack of tangible support. If previous national teams were able to win, they had to do so in spite of all of these circumstances.

“Lahat lalaban, para sa bayan,” says Alyssa Valdez on the PH team’s campaign in the 30th SEA Games. (Photo from Alyssa Valdez (@AlyssaValdez2) on Twitter)

In 2019, however, things changed for both the Philippine indoor and beach volleyball teams. Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc., the organization that helped form the Philippine volleyball teams, reached out to companies such as Rebisco for a partnership, allowing them to step up and provide everything the country’s volleyball delegates need in order to train and perform even better not only at this year’s SEA Games, but also in other tournaments around the world.

“Rebisco showed interest in helping the national team and initiated everything. With their help, as well as contributions from different organizations, we were able to train for the games earlier,” said men’s indoor volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman. “We also received income and allowances every time we trained, as well as better training facilities and equipment such as the Arellano University gym which we were able to use thanks to Mr. Pete Cayco, and the Ronac Fitness Center, which we were able to use thanks to Ms. Peachy and Dindo Medina from Uratex.”

The PH men’s volleyball team wins as one. (Photo courtesy of Carmela Tunay (@carmelatoo08) on Twitter)

“Before, only 12 to 14 players could train, but with the support of different organizations and Rebisco, around 20 players can now join, allowing for bigger tune-ups and scrimmages,” said women’s indoor volleyball team captain Aby Maraño. “We also got more local exposure after featuring us on social media and commercials, as well as international exposure as they helped us participate in more tournaments and training camps outside the country.”

“Each athlete dreams of representing their country, there’s no better feeling. Now we’re more prepared because more corporations like Rebisco are helping our team,” said women’s beach volleyball representative Sisi Rondina.

With the crucial support Rebisco is giving the Philippine volleyball teams, the country’s delegates stand a stronger and better chance to win big at the 2019 SEA Games and reclaim the glory of years past. There’s still time to support all teams as the SEA Games indoor and beach volleyball tournaments are currently running at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig and the Subic Tennis Center, respectively, until December 10.

The PH men and women’s volleyball team for the 30th SEA Games

Aside from backing the Philippine volleyball teams, Rebisco also continues to do its part in advancing the local volleyball scene in the country. The company hosts the Rebisco Volleyball League, a grassroots tournament that showcases the Philippines’ up-and-coming players, and the Rebisco Beach Volleyball International Open with 20 teams from around the world; the company also fields two teams in the professional Premiere Volleyball League in the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

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

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.

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 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 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 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:


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, 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 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 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.

The Philippine National Volleyball training pools are currently working hard to bring their A-game in this year’s Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines this coming November. Whatever the final line-ups will be, the men’s and women’s teams will continue a storied tradition of volleyball excellence when they step on the court to represent our country.

Current volleyball fans may be familiar with today’s collegiate and professional stars, but did you know that the Philippines has produced top players for decades? Philippine volleyball has had quite the glorious history, thanks to the contributions of these five legendary volleybelles:

The Philippines has been a superpower in volleyball, especially on the women’s side, ever since it was introduced to the SEA Games in 1977, with the Women’s National Volleyball team ranking second behind Thailand in gold medals won.

Those powerhouse teams were fronted by the likes of Nene Ybanez-Chavez, the 6’1” legend from Southwestern University in Cebu who helped the Philippines dominate the SEA Games in the early ‘90s. She’s best known for leading the women’s team to its last SEA gold in the 1993 games in Singapore, earning the MVP and Best Spiker honors along the way. Possessing extraordinary endurance in the sport, Ybanez-Chavez played competitively until 2013, and now continues to make her mark in Philippine volleyball by coaching a team in the Philippine Super Liga professional league.
The mother of the famous Ravena phenoms in Philippine basketball is a former volleyball champion in her own right. Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, the volleyball analyst/sportscaster and University of Santo Tomas alumna, was a two-time UAAP volleyball champion from 1988 to 1992. She also represented the country as a part of the Philippine Youth team in 1988 and the seniors’ team from 1988 to 1989. Today, her legacy lives on through her daughter Dani Ravena, who plays volleyball for the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

Before Philippine volleyball went mainstream via the collegiate scene, there was Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, holding up the sport in the country. Balse-Pabayo, from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, is another champion UST alumna and one of the players who carried the Philippines to a bronze medal in the 2005 SEA Games. Balse-Pabayo is still going strong today, currently playing for the Philippine Army Lady Troopers in the Philippine Super Liga and also the Premier Volleyball League, where she is a two-time champion.

One of the sport’s most successful players, Tina Salak has a storied career representing the country as part of the national team for many years, with huge wins such as the silver finish in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1995 and bronze in Manila in 2005. She also competed in the 2015 SEA Games held in Singapore.

Salak also has a rich professional career, with 10 seasons logged in the Shakey’s V-League and the Philippine Super Liga, where she won five championships and six medals with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers. She’s since retired, going on to work as a coach in the PSL.

One of Philippine volleyball’s contemporary stars, Angeli Tabaquero is a renowned collegiate champion, having won titles as part of the UST Golden Tigresses. Tabaquero also represented the country as a member of the Philippine National Team in the 2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, and as part of the PLDT Home Tvolution national team in another stint in the 2014 Asian Club Championship. An unfortunate injury forced her to retire in 2016 and become a coach for the Adamson Lady Falcons.

The road to the 2019 SEA Games continues

The Philippine Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Team will compete against the rest of the region from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. The athletic firepower of current volleyball stars like Alyssa Valdez and Aby Marano brings bright prospects in making the Philippines a regional powerhouse in the international volleyball scene once again.

With the steadfast support of organizations and companies like Rebisco, the national teams will be looking to bring pride and glory to the Philippines when they give their all on the court. Together, Filipinos will again cheer for the national team fighting as Sambansa – or one nation – under the colors of our flag.

Rebisco has been a proponent of Philippine volleyball and various organizations and leagues that comprise it. Aside from supporting the Philippine national team in this year’s SEA Games, Rebisco has also backed the Philippine Women’s Volleyball Team in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The company is also committed to developing the future of the sport with the newly-launched 18-and-under Rebisco Volleyball League.

For more info and updates on the Philippine National Volleyball Team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.

As a Mommy, I make sure that my kids watch the best for them whether it is on TV or online. So, whenever there's a show that is not appropriate for them, they already know what to do. I'm glad that one of the kids shows will be airing again.
The Kapuso, GMA Network and Rebisco Topps Sarap joins together to bring back the musical-variety program, every Saturday morning, Toppstar TV featuring the cute and talented Toppstar Kids.The fun will continue once again for the Kapuso viewers.

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.

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.


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.

Manila, Philippines – Homegrown snack giant Rebisco is spreading the anniversary joy to its grassroots business partners.

As part of its 55th year 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.

To watch the video, check out Rebisco Snackademy Facebook page.

The search is on and perhaps your child is the next big TV star with Topps Sarap, a favorite cupcake brand from Rebisco, Toppstar talent search.

The Topps Sarap Toppstar started in 2016 created as a platform to discover young Filipino talents and celebrate the “topps” factor in each kid. Parents are encouraged to showcase their kids’ talents in singing, dancing, or acting by having them join the nationwide talent search.
Winners of the talent search receive the ultimate prize—a chance to audition for TOPPSTAR TV.

Airing weekends on GMA 7 and GMA News TV, each half-an-hour episode features performances from the kids, interviews with celebrity guests, unboxing videos, comedic bits, Pinoy games, and product reviews. Viewers also get a chance to join in on the fun through interactive activity bumpers.

Journey to stardom

The talent contest is open to all kids from anywhere in the Philippines, aged four to 10 years old. To join, parents or guardians must create a maximum 30-second video showing their child’s chosen talent. Videos must be uploaded on the entrant’s Facebook account and must tag or mention Topps Sarap.

Once video has been posted, the link of the post must be copied and included in the entry form, which can be downloaded here: http://www.toppstar2019.com/. Participants can submit another entry 24 hours after the first submission. The last submission received will be considered the final entry to be judged. A confirmation e-mail will be sent within two to three days of submission. Entries will be accepted until 11:59PM on March 31, 2019.

From all the valid entries, the top 50 will be chosen based on talent and performance (50%); star quality (45%); and online votes (5%).

An online voting will be held from April 5 to 7, 2019, 11:00 AM. A special award will be given to four entries with the highest number of votes, with one each from Luzon, Greater Manila Area, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The top 50 will undergo a talent workshop-audition which will determine the top 25 who will advance to the final stage. The top 25 will compete in the Grand Finals on May 5, 2019. The final 10 Topps Sarap Toppstar winners will be announced on this event.

Each winner will receive P50,000 in cash and will be featured in the Topps Sarap Facebook page. They will also participate in talent workshops and a chance to audition for TOPPSTAR TV’s next season.

For detailed mechanics, rules and more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ToppsSarap/.

Sarap of Topps Sarap

Topps Sarap cupcakes are soft, mouth-watering cakes with rich, creamy filling, and thick frostin. Experience the ‘sarap from bottom to top’ goodness of Topp Sarap in 4 flavors—Choco, Cookie Monster, Yema, and Choco Peanut.

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, Cupp Keyk 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 total operations 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.”

For generations of Filipinos, snack time is Rebisco time.

The well-loved Filipino snack brand has been a go-to choice for baon, for merienda, as pasalubong or simply as a comfort food. And this year, the homegrown snack maker marks another milestone as it celebrates 55 years in the business and in the hearts and homes of Filipinos, here and abroad.

“Rebisco has grown leaps and bounds since we started 55 years ago,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “We’ve expanded our product portfolio and our markets, and we continue to nurture generations of our most valuable asset—our employees. More importantly, Rebisco has become an integral part of Filipinos’ snacking culture, which is why we’re excited to share this milestone with our consumers.”

Modern twist to an icon

For many Filipinos, no trip to the province is complete without the iconic multicolored Rebisco can—a simple and multifunctional pasalubong that represents the priceless joy of sharing and bonding over delicious snacks with family and friends.

As part of their 55th year celebration, Rebisco teamed up with four renowned Filipino contemporary artists to create the Rebisco Special Edition Designer Cans. The cans showcase Rebisco’s rich history and evolution through the unique perspectives of each artist. Using the can, Migs Villanueva, Aris Bagtas, Roel Obemio, and Joseph Banez recreated a shareable masterpiece that captures the culture and tradition that Rebisco has helped shape over the years.

“Long after the biscuits have been consumed, the original Rebisco can becomes a permanent part of the Pinoy household as a rice container, a flower pot or as a storage for toys and other knick knacks,” Rebisco Marketing Communications Head Lulu de la Peña said. “It has become an icon that we are truly proud of and the Special Edition Designer Cans continue that enduring tradition of supporting local artistry, serving great food, and promoting great Filipino family values.”

Artists for Rebisco

Palanca awardee visual artist Migs Villanueva noted how Rebisco has been part of her own life as a mother, a grandmother and even as an artist. “I wanted to depict the affection and the connection between family members like mother and son or siblings because that’s the nucleus of the society. Rebisco is a family thing,” she said.

For his part, Roel Obemio based his artwork on social narrative observations, inspired by his own experiences with Rebisco. He shared, “Kumakain ako ng Rebisco habang nagpipinta ako. ‘Yun ang mga ibinibigay namin sa mga kamag-anak namin sa Mindanao. Sa probinsya common na siya. Icon na kasi e. Lumaki ako sa ganun.(I eat Rebisco when I paint. And that’s also what we give to our relatives in Mindanao. It’s common in the province because it’s an icon. It’s been a part of my experience growing up.)”

Aris Bagtas, who paints Filipino folk art and culture, expressed excitement over the collaboration, which is a special collectible item. “I’m really proud kasi Filipino product ‘yun,” he added. Filipino Pop-Social Realism artist Joseph Bañez also noted the significance of the campaign. “’Yung makilala ka, madagdagan ng exposure at maging part ka ng isang icon na produkto dito sa Pilipinas, that’s the best part. (To be recognized, to gain more exposure and to be part of an iconic Filipino product, that’s the best part.)”

A Filipino tradition

Ng added that the company’s 55th anniversary is a celebration of its legacy and an opportunity to express gratitude to its loyal consumers. “It truly is heartwarming to see and hear how Rebisco has made so much impact on generations of Filipinos. That, to us, is our biggest cause for celebration this year,” he said. “We hope our consumers enjoy their very own special edition designer can and celebrate this momentous occasion with us.”
The Rebisco Special Edition Designer Cans are now available at all leading supermarkets nationwide for a SRP of P175 per can. There are four sets of designs, and each can contains assorted premium biscuits, crackers, cookies and wafers. Share your own #Rebisco55 story at Rebisco Snackademy's official Facebook page and watch the highlights of the Rebisco Special Edition Designer Can Launch

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.

Being able to eat healthy food is something that we often take for granted because it is a norm for us.

But for many Filipino children and their families, access to nutritious meals is a constant struggle. Satisfying hunger is one thing; ensuring that the food is nourishing is another challenge altogether. This nutrition gap can lead to deficiencies that deprive a growing child’s body of proper nutrients needed for growth and brain development.

According to data from UNICEF, two of the main micronutrient deficiencies are iron and iodine. Iodine is vital for normal growth and tissue development. Lack of iodine can contribute to brain damage that is otherwise preventable. It is most devastating during fetal development and the first few years of a child’s life.

Iron helps carry oxygen around the body, and is especially vital for the brain and blood. Iron deficiency is the “most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world.” Anemia, which occurs when red blood cells do not have enough iron-rich protein known as hemoglobin, can be detrimental to a child’s physical and cognitive development. It can also affect their productivity as adults.

Pasobrang Love

Recognizing this need, local snack manufacturer Rebisco is pitching in to help make a difference in the lives of young Filipinos.

For every purchase of a Rebisco Cracker 200g handy pack aptly dubbed Pasobra Pack, Rebisco allocates a portion of the proceeds for the production of specially fortified biscuits. These ‘nutribiscuits’ are formulated with much-needed micronutrients—particularly iron and iodine—that help equip school-age children to be physically healthy and mentally active.

Rebisco has teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology-Food Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) to develop these nutritious biscuits, formulated to address the micronutrient deficiency problem prevalent in indigent communities.
“Rebisco products are meant to be shared,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “As Filipinos, our culture of sharing goes beyond our immediate families and circle of friends. We want to tap into this giving spirit and enjoin our consumers to make something as simple as snacking count for something that makes an impact on the lives of Filipino children.”

Pilot Feeding
Rebisco recently unveiled this advocacy program via the Department of Education (DepEd) Caloocan Division’s Oplan Kalusugan Program. The first batch of specially fortified biscuits was turned over during the launch event held at Bagong Silang in Caloocan, where Rebisco also set up a sampling booth for residents and students.

For the current academic year, Rebisco is providing nutribiscuits, supplemented by main meals from DepEd, to a total of 871 students from Grades 1 to 3 in three Caloocan-based public schools: Bagong Silang Elementary School, Gabriela Silang Elementary School and Sto. Nino Elementary School.

“We’ve been creating well-loved biscuits for over five decades now, and we want to be able to lend our expertise to a greater cause,” Ng added. “As a proudly homegrown brand, we are committed to doing our part to empower this country’s future generation of Filipinos. With the continued support of our consumers, we are confident that we can truly make a difference.”

For the month of July, Rebisco has produced enough nutribiscuits for 1,120 children that will cover 120 days starting the 2019 school year. The snack food giant is continuously working to increase this number to help feed more children. Every purchase of the Rebisco Crackers Handy Pack is equivalent to one biscuit for one school day. Check out facebook.com/RebiscoCrackersPhilippines for more information.

Rebisco marks 55 years in business. 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.”

Amidst a cheering sea of pink, the Creamline Cool Smashers swept the Mall of Asia Arena Court with their combined prowess and trademark good vibes to clinch the coveted championship title of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 2 Reinforced Conference.

Led by team captain Alyssa Valdez, the Cool Smashers bested the PayMaya High Flyers and sealed the deal after only two games in a best-of-three finals round. In addition to the title, players Valdez, Jia Morado, and Michelle Gumabao received individual awards: best open spiker, best setter and finals MVP, and best opposite spiker, respectively.

“This championship is one of the biggest rewards we’ve received as a team who worked hard, trained hard, and really wanted to bring home the trophy for our Rebisco family and our fans,” shared Valdez.

One big family

The Creamline Cool Smashers credit their triumph in the recently concluded PVL to something more than the expert guidance of Coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit and the individual skills of the players.

“Each member of the team is focused, driven, and hungry to win but we still enjoyed our time together because we loved what we were doing,” Morado said. “The Cool Smashers is my first pro club and it has been my childhood wish to find a team that inspires and takes care of me while I pursue my dreams in the court. Not every player gets it right the first time and I’m so lucky and thankful to be with the Rebisco-Creamline family.”

“I’m also thankful to the Rebisco-Creamline family for believing in me and the team. Without that support and the camaraderie that we’ve built, victory wouldn’t taste as sweet as it does now,” said Gumabao.

The Rebisco-Creamline family that the team found extended beyond the court and the training sessions—in fact, it is a big family that includes all of the snack giant’s employees, from executives to those on the production floor responsible for whipping up Rebisco’s trademark treats such as the Rebisco Sandwich, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Choco Mucho, Ding Dong, Judge, and Creamline bars, cones, and tubs.

“Rebisco has always supported our employees in breaking their daily routines through sports and other physical activities,” said Noric T. Ng, Rebisco VP of Operations. “Everybody, from management to the factory employees, was excited when the Cool Smashers got into the PVL finals and we wanted to be here to support them all the way. This championship is the manifestation of our 55-year-old culture of teamwork, collaboration, and camaraderie. By working together for a common goal and doing this every day in every aspect of our lives, we have accomplished so much and have a lot to celebrate for our 55th anniversary.”

Buoyed by good vibes and the support of the entire Rebisco-Creamline family and their fans, the Creamline Cool Smashers are grateful that all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that led to their victory.

Mean spikes, generous hearts

As part of the Rebisco-Creamline family’s “champinkship” celebration, the Cool Smashers hosted the first-ever Creamline Good Vibes Day as a way to express their gratitude to their fans.

Held at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Capitol Commons, the event brought the team closer to their adoring fans through good food, fun activities, and a meet-and-greet session. The players even gamely answered fan questions and honored requests for songs, messages, and selfies.

The highlight of this special event, however, is a generous gesture from the Rebisco-Creamline family. Pursuing its advocacy of fostering youth development through sports, the Cool Smashers and the company donated volleyball sporting equipment to ten beneficiary public schools which participated in the Rebisco Volleyball League 18 & Under.

Team captain Valdez presented a symbolic volleyball to Metropolitan Sports and Events Managing Director Freddie Infante, one of Philippine volleyball’s leading figures.

The company is also spearheading the Rebisco Volleyball League, an under-18 tourney where 12 high school teams battle it out for the title. Another facet of Rebisco’s youth development advocacy is the Volley Fiesta, a series of volleyball clinics for young aspiring athletes in rural communities, with drills led by Valdez, Morado, Gumabao, and the entire Cool Smashers team.

“Volley Fiesta and Creamline Ice Cream Fiesta were borne out of our desire to spread good vibes at the barangay level,” said Rebisco Category Manager Chiara Fojas-Ferrer. “Not only do we pursue our advocacy of youth development through these events but we also get to bring Creamline products closer to communities and bring a smile to their faces through affordable ice cream, fun games, and the presence of their volleyball idols.”

“It’s so inspiring to be part of Creamline’s mission to spread good vibes across the Philippines through volleyball. The team is blessed to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience in the sport and to see young athletes in the provinces learn and dream just like we did once. So to all the future volleyball superstars we’ll meet in this year’s Volley Fiesta, hihintayin namin kayo dito sa Manila for your turn to represent the Rebisco family and even the country,” concluded Valdez.

In photo (back, L-R): Ivy Remulla, Coleen Bravo, Rizza Mandapat, Michele Gumabao, Nikolina Asceric, Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza; (front, L-R): Pau Soriano, Risa Sato, Kyla Atienza, Julia Morado, Alex Cabaños and Melissa Gohing

As the Creamline Cool Smashers began their rally for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) trophy, a sea of pink cheered them on.

Clad in Creamline’s signature pink, over 800 Rebisco employees invaded the San Juan sports arena to show their all-out support for their very own company team. The proud cheerleaders included members of the snack-food giant’s production department. Seeing their own Cool Smashers team up close and live is a huge morale boost for sports-loving Rebisco employees.

“Everyone was thrilled to watch the Creamline Cool Smashers in action,” shared Noric Ng, Rebisco VP for Operations. “They were so impressed by how the team performed and to this day, everyone’s still talking about their favorite plays by Alyssa Valdez, Michelle Gumabao, Mel Gohing, and our imports Kuttika Kaewpin and Nikolina Asceric.”

Watching the PVL match live is just one of the snack-food giant’s various employee engagement activities and programs designed to promote the Rebisco core values and “good vibes” among its 7,000 people spread out across its numerous offices, manufacturing plants, and distribution hubs.

Nurturing brand advocates from within

In 2015, Rebisco— a homegrown Filipino company and one of the market leaders in well-loved confections, snacks, and food products—launched its very own employee engagement program titled “Love Ko, Rebisco.” This program aims to transform its people from employees into brand advocates, with all activities, including information campaigns, contests, and internal promotions cascaded across executives, factory personnel, and distributors. Rooted in brand love and loyalty, the program has successfully imbibed not only company culture among Rebisco employees, but also empowered them to act as Rebisco ambassadors among their own social circles.

Apart from the ‘Love Ko, Rebisco’ program, the company has also invested in leadership and coaching seminars and brand management training programs to promote a culture of learning and development for its employees. Rebisco has empowered its people to achieve more within and outside the company offices and factory walls through relevant knowledge and skill sets.

The company has also launched its very own Rebisco University in partnership with the Ateneo Graduate School of Business – Center for Continuing Education. This diploma program integrates core and new knowledge, builds competencies, and develops skills to empower key employees to advance their leadership and strategic capabilities.

In photo (back, L-R): Alyssa Valdez, Coleen Bravo, Risa Sato, Rizza Mandapat, Kuttika Kaewpin, and Ivy Remulla; (front, from L-R): Michelle Gumabao, Julia Morado, Alex Cabaños, Jema Galanza, Nikolina Asceric, Melissa Gohing, and Kyla Atienza

Meaningful rest and recreation are also important to develop well-rounded employees, which is why Rebisco also regularly organizes activities to add joy in their people’s daily lives. The annual summer outing provides Rebisco employees a chance to bond with their colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

“Our comprehensive employee engagement programs are a manifestation of Rebisco’s love for its people. As Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, our people—and the rest of the nation—can expect more exciting things to come and more heartwarming, more memorable experiences to share with each other,” Ng concluded.