CERES Pasalubong, the Bacolod-based producer of the best pasalubong products, opened its branch at Gaisano Grand Mall in Silay City on Friday, June 25, 2021.
Father Brethen Rye “Bong” Gamala of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Mansilingan, Bacolod City led the blessing of the store, with Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson gracing the event.
“When one door closes, another door opens, as the saying goes. This is an opportunity not only here in Silay City, but the entire Western Visayas. Thank you, too, to Gaisano management for allowing Ceres Pasalubong to open a new branch here,” said the governor.
He wished the new business good luck, adding that, with the blessings of Fr. Bong Gamala, the Lord will shower His blessing upon the branch in Silay.
Bong Rubino, general manager of Ceres Pasalubong, for his part, said, "We were used to operating inside the bus terminals. This is the first time that we operate outside of the terminal. Hopefully, with the partnership with Gaisano, the trust that is given to us, we should be working hand in hand for the success of this endeavor."
Rubino said Ceres Pasalubong has a partnership with Gaisano for the operation of its stores all over Western Visayas, as well as in Eastern Visayas.
“This is the first outlet that we have opened. Actually, we have finished the construction of the store at the new mall in Bacolod downtown, and to be followed by the construction next month of the store in Singcang Gaisano City, and soon in Kabankalan, Rubino added.
“With God’s grace and the prayers of all, we hope all of these will be realized soon so that we can bring back the success that we have been experiencing before. Thank you to the team who believed in our vision and our thrust to really relive the glory of Ceres Pasalubong,” he further said.
Rubino narrated that when he started with the company in 2018, Ceres Pasaluboong was located just inside the Ceres bus terminal. He introduced them to the concept of operating in supermarkets and the general trade because that’s where the people are and they should bring the stores closer to the consumers.
The company also has outlets along Lacson Street in Bacolod City and the Bredco port.
“We should not rely too much on the outlets inside the terminal. If we did not go outside the terminal, we would have closed already,” explained Rubino.
The company has diversified its market, exporting its products, supplying Landers Superstore and other outlets in Metro Manila, and providing the burger buns requirements of hamburger outlets.
Ceres Pasalubong offers freshly-baked bread and most of the famous delicacies of Negros, all baked at the company’s new high-tech commissary in Vista Alegre, Bacolod.
Its product line includes classic treats like Piaya, Butter-Glazed Biscocho, Sweet and Flaky Onion Hopia, Toasted Mamon, Raisin Cookies, and Lengua de Gato. It also boasts of a mouth-watering cookie collection, consisting of Pacencia Cookies, Butter Cookies, Sesame Cookies, Peanut Cookies, and Eggnog Cookies.