RSCI: Building A Joyful Family

RSCI CEO Pierre Deplanck and Chief Joy Care Officer Avi Liran in a commitment huddle with the senior officers of RSCI

RSCI joyful managers in a playful mood during the Joy Care Workshop

By: Cher Jarales and Onheal Aguinaldo

Get it Straight from

For 3 days in February this year, senior managers of RSCI participated in an extraordinary workshop aimed to bring out a results-driven organization in a joyful caring environment. Called the Joy-Care Leadership program, Chief Joy Care Officer Avi Liran who flew all the way from Singapore, integrated fun in every session. The first day started with sessions designed to align corporate values and guiding principles with the day-to-day management of respective departments and handling of relationships with team members. By day’s end, the participants understood

and embraced the importance of being joyful and caring in realizing goals. Ready, able and willing to share their learnings on the first day, the senior managers gamely participated in the sessions and mingled with fellow employees. Combining lecture with, structured learning and experiential exercise, the next 2 days were

filled with opportunities to share insights, interact and engage with one another beyond the realms of work. With the Joy Care Leadership program, RSCI leaders learned to appreciate that positivity in the workplace is most enjoyable when shared. The challenge is to keep the

Joy-Care flame ablaze by finding that balance between the heart, the mind and the action to become better and more effective leaders and supportive, caring members of the RSCI family.

“We can’t be happy all the time and it is unhealthy to mask your feelings and pretend that you are happy. Some-times happiness is about being able to be sad or mad and be supported by your friends at home and work. When a leader truly feels that the employees are part of the extended family and derives “naches” (pride or joy) from their success, he enjoys the warmth and love, in return commits to take the extra mile.“ - Avi Liran.

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A member of the

Group

Messagefrom the CEO

Rustan’s SupermarketRockstars

Joy Care Leadership

Activities

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What’son the

Pages

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Quarter 2 Issue 2015

Rustan supeRcenteRs, Inc.c o r p o r a t e n e w s l e t t e r

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Shopwise Service Spells the Difference

Wellcome Suki

The Grapevine | Business

DAIRY FARM ACQUIRES 19.99% OF YONGHUI SUPERSTORES & SAN MIU SUPERMARKET Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited announced on 25 March that its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Dairy Farm Company, Limited, had acquired Macau-based supermarket operator – San Miu Supermarket Limited. San Miu operates 15 mass market supermarkets with an average gross store size of approximately 9,500 sq.ft. The acquisition of San Miu reinforces Dairy Farm’s retail presence in Macau, and complements its well-established convenience store and health and beauty businesses in the territory.

Meanwhile, several days later, The Group confirmed another successful acquisition at 19.99% interest of the Shanghai-listed Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd.

Today, The Group, together with its associates and joint ventures, operates 6,100 outlets, employs over 100,000 people, and had a total annual sales in 2014 exceeding US$13 billion. (Source: www. dairyfarmgroup.com)

DF SUPPORT CENTER BLESSING No less than Dairy Farm Group CEO Graham Allan graced the formal blessing of the Dairy Farm Support Center in Ortigas, Pasig City. This was also attended by the Hon. Maribel Eusebio (Mayor of Pasig City) and Congressman Mon Romulo.

Cutting the Ribbon: Group IT Shared Services Director, Mr. Mark Clifton and DF Group CEO Graham Allan

A joyful greeting to my RSCI team!

We’re well into the 2nd quarter and sooner or later, we will all be busy with preparations for Christmas with all efforts focused on our year-end targets. While we think of our own KPIs and calendars, let’s remind ourselves of the real reason why we are here.

Message of the CEO

Our CUSTOMERS.

Our customers are those who we work with – our peers and colleagues, and those for whom we work hard - our customers. Treating and serving our customers right – in our workplace, and at our stores - are what would help us to become the most preferred

place to shop or organization to work at.

This brings us then to why it is important to make our office and stores a joyful place to be.

In the RSCI Business Presentation held last February 4, Group CEO Graham Allan engaged the team to an open discussion of ideas that could help differentiate our brand from competitors. In a nutshell, he left the group with 4 key points to think about when strategizing plans to achieve targets.

1. What do I see in 2015 that I have not seen in 2014? Think assortment, from indents to exclusives. Envision displays and executions made more exciting with promotions. 2. What do we want Customers to think about us? Do we have the credibility in Fresh as the fresh food people? Do we offer a complete range everywhere, every time? Do we offer them reasons to indulge in what we provide? 3. What are the barriers to our fresh business? Are we competitive on price? Do we build our strengths or fix up our weak points according to consumer perceptions and insights? 4. What do we have to do to make customers fall in love with us? Do we address concerns and issues that affect how customers perceive and patronize us? Are we focusing on Fresh? Beyond fixing meat, are we working on being known for produce, fish and deli as well? Finally, GDA emphasized the importance of knowing the DNA of every brand, saying:

“We need to understand our consumer; in every market consumers are in charge.”

DAIRY FARM GROUP CEO GRAHAM ALLAN SHARES 4 BUSINESS POINTS TO PONDER

RSCI receives Golden POS award from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for having achieved at least 30% increase in Total Billings 2014 vs. YA.

(In photo: Lilian Villablanca (AR Manager), Amy Estanislao (AVP Treasury) and Alfie Javier(BPI R e l a t i o n s h i p Manager)

DF GROUP CFOVISITS RSCI March 19 was an extraordinary gathering for RSCI when it opened with an unexpected Happy Dance led by our CFO DSC and HR VP RRCV. This was gamely participated in by DF Group CFO Neil Galloway. With the happy mood already set, the group was updated with the latest on Dairy Farm. RSCI CFO DSC and CEO POD also presented the achievements and key objectives of each brand.

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Throughout the performances, every rock star’s pledge of allegiance was renewed with prom-ises written on records posted at the 4th floor of the Head Office. Genuine rockers were also awarded for their rock star appeal as seen in their garb and attitude, Mr. Tony Boy Aguilar of Fresh, and Ms. Jess Linga of operations. Of the rock star collaborations performed by 7 bands, 2 emerged victorious: Team Eagles’ rendition of Hotel California won first place and Team Guns ‘N Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine won second place.

Amidst the laughter, applause, and the incredible rock and roll, a great time was surely had. Rock star Steve Tyler of Aerosmith once said that anything that was worth doing is worth overdoing. This year’s tour starter is no different. Each stop is a goal achieved and a lesson learned – gaining more fans, breaking more records, and creating more music.

The stage was all set in Makati Sports Club when more than 70 rock stars from all over the country gathered for the opening of an all-star rock fest. Clad in full gear – tattoos, leather, studs, and torn jeans, you could feel that rock was, and is, truly alive on this momentous celebration. March 5, 2015 will surely be remembered. With an atmosphere oozing with attitude, and a pulsating thrill in everyone’s rockin’ heart, all that’s left is the music.

Manuel Alberto, then VP of Rustan’s started with a mellow piece, reminiscent of Rustan’s Supermarket achievements in the past years and looking forward to bigger successes. Marketing AVP Ana Punongbayan’s performance showed great promise, thrilling everyone with new beats for this year’s marketing calendar.

Fresh AVP Fred Orzes gave a new definition to showmanship as his passionate rendition of Fresh goals got everyone cheering loudly. FSD AVP Bon Torres did not disappoint with his music - contemporary melodies proven to break records. A woman with a huge following, FMCG AVP Marie Vierneza gave a heart-warming performance, fully supported by her throng of fans screaming “One team for the win!” Hit maker Operations AVP Daniel Pasumbal rallied the die-hard rock fans with the last performance, proving that a great concert is not made of big rock stars, but of breathtaking performances.

Six head-banging executives brought the house down with their awesome rendition of Queen’s classic, Bohemian Rhapsody. Rock stars collaborated

to write and produce new songs from famous hits, bringing fresh sounds to well-loved classics. Famous rock icons graced the event with the man who started it all, Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and all-time favorite, RSCI President Donnie Tantoco drawing loud applause and cheers. Rock star of today, RSCI CEO Pierre Deplanck, roused the crowd and got everyone standing as well.

2 The Grapevine | One TeamWords and Design by: RS Marketing

A happy team, is a dream team.

When we are excited every day to get to work, and return home satisfied with our daily output, we will be able to serve our customers better naturally, joyfully.

With the Joyful Care Leadership workshop that our managers participated in, I am confident that we will be able to work at building a results-driven Company where customers are the priority.

Love In Many Shades...RSCI employees expressed their love status in various shades on February 13, eve of Valentine’s Day. The office became a colourful sea of red, pink, blue and green. To spice up the fun, surprise sweet treats were given to the first bunch who clocked in early and signed up. What’s more, lucky-in-love employees got a chance to mingle in an afternoon coffee date for free, charged to RSCI with love!

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Thinking out loud

“It is uplifting to see how a Company has the genuine effort in creating an environment where joy and care are of utmost importance. RSCI has taken a big step

forward in achieving this and weaving it into its DNA.” - Carlo, Corporate Brand

Connecting with people in the team by knowing their lives outside of work builds strong relationships. Actively listening to people around you will expand the possibilities and boundaries

of what you can do. - Lot, Buying Admin

JCL is simply a testament that no work

is difficult or stressful for as long as you have

the happiest people on earth around you. Truly amazing!

- Joel, Taxes & Licenses

Training RSCI leadership was an amazing experience. What a lovely group that is energetic, playful and appreciative and smart to challenge respectfully. The suggestions and

offerings from the

participants challenged and taught

me new things that elevate the

quality of training.I treasure the genuine personal

connection with participants, the

short and private moments of sharing

feelings, ideas and hugs from the

heart.I want to thank RSCI from the bottom

of my heart. I really appreciate it.

"Joy Care Leadership, in one simple phrase, is the ability to channel joy as a medium to attain your goals. It reminds us of the simple fundamental truth that positivity, no matter the context, will always be the preferred outlook in anything we

do or encounter. “ Jeff, Legal  

“Joy Care Leadership gave us a unique new language to

communicate with and support each other .

Unbelievable!Dindo, CFO

The joyful journey

continues...Everyone needs a happy

break

This year, we set off on a mission to make RSCI a happier place to

work at. We create opportunities for our people to mingle with peers, bridge gaps and make new friends

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY March 06, Friday Working people most often get all bogged down with work that they miss out on the opportunity to appreciate the people they work with. RSCI took advantage of Employee Appreciation Day to say thank you. Some passed around pleasant notes, while others gave away sweet treats. Some groups chipped in to enjoy snacks and coffee. Appreciation need not be pricey. Sometimes, the simplest ways end up to be the most meaningful of all.

RSCI Human Resources Department : Snacking all together. A tummy-filling way to appreciate each other.

For RSCI VISMIN, Thank You is best when it comes from the heart.

RSCI : #HAPPINESS INVASION DAYMarch 20Celebrating the International Day of Happiness on March 20, a flash mob dancing to Will Pharell’s Happy invaded the Head Office and stores of RSCI. On this fun Friday morning, everyone got up from their seats, grooved to the beat and passed on the happiness tune. President Donnie Tantoco and CEO Pierre Deplanck happily welcomed the dance mob even as they were in the middle of their meeting. Surprises were available for the first 10 cheer-givers to earn at least 5 smileys! Joy transcended all barriers when everyone in the o r g a n i z a t i o n , including guests and visitors, joined the fun.

Spread Happiness.As the saying goes “no man is an island.” Focus on the good things and pass this positive energy around!

Appreciate. Make it a habit to say “thank you” sincerely and honestly. Showing your appreciation not only affects the other person’s life but it enriches yours as well.

Connect and Communicate. As good leaders, we should be able to get our message across clearly and respectfully. When frustrated, breathe and smell the flowers so you can choose the right words to say and how.

Value your team. Leadership is insignificant if there are no followers. A good leader nurtures its team and treats each one as a team player, a partner.

Everyone has a choice. We can choose to be happy or sad, afraid or undaunted. We can go hurting or healing. The power of choice is in our hands.

Take Action. Happiness should be shared, its power unleashed! As Our CEO would say, “We should do what we say, and say what we do. Alone we go faster, but together we go further.”

6 JOYFUL POINTS I LEARNED FROM THE WORKSHOP as an observerBy: Leng Navarro

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7The Grapevine | One TeamEngage. Involve. Particpate.

SERVICE SPELLS THE BIG DIFFERENCEBy: Virma Gapasin, SW Sucat - CCSD Head

Going the extra mile for our customer is a commitment that the Shopwise team keeps. The ultimate reward is to see our customers shop again and again in our stores, like Mrs. Pureza Go, a V.I.C (Very Important Customer) of Shopwise Makati. Shopwise Makati shares a special bond with Mrs. Pureza Go, a loyal SW patron for so many years now. Mrs. Go is also a retailer and has treated SW Makati as her one-stop shop for all her needs – whether for the home or for her stores.

She usually shops with family in tow, that’s why it is no longer surprising to see her treat everyone in the store, regardless of rank and stature, with motherly affection. In return, the SW team makes it a point to go beyond her needs and expectations, extending services such as product sourcing, reservation, and free delivery services to make sure that she is satisfied and happy.

Ms. Pureza Go, Mr. Keith Go(Husband),Thea Murdoch (Granddaughter) Cookie Go(Daughter),Jade Go(Daughter). The relationship has become so val-

ued that often, members of SW Maka-ti get invited to occasions meant only for fam-ily and close friends. Through the years, SW Makati and Ms. Go have built a relationship based on trust that extends beyond business. One can-not put a price tag on a bond as special as this.

** Pureza Go is a Wise Club Member since 2003 and operates a can-teen and convenience stores in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 airport; shops 2-3 times a week with an average spend of P100,000 per visit.

INTEGRITY IS AT THE HEART OF THE WAY RAMPZEL LIVES.

KERWIN L. LEGARDE (KLL) VP of Mass Market Working as a True Pioneer

Rampzel Laxa, rehired part-time bagger at Shopwise Sucat, lives in Tondo and is the breadwinner to a diabetic mother and youngest sister. Life is not as easy for Rampzel but he hardly complains. Last January 18, while collecting pushcarts at the store’s parking area, Rampzel chanced upon a wallet. Without even thinking of keeping it for himself, Rampzel immediately turned it over to the Customer Service area

and was immediately returned to owner Ms. Anabel Narce, a regular Shopwise customer. Mrs. Narce was pleasantly surprised to not only have her wallet back, but everything else in it which included over P20k cash, HK$2,000.00, among others. Ms. Narce said that if it was in Shopwise she left her wallet, she was confident she’d get it back. And she was right, thanking Rampzel and commending him for his integrity. SW Sucat can only be proud to have Rampzel

on the team. Truly, a pioneer who lives with integrity in his heart.

In RSCI, integrity plays a vital role – both at work and in our personal lives. We share with you Rampzel’s story for inspiration.

A wise investment for the Filipino Shopper. AIG Philippines and Shopwise has signed an agreement to promote and market AIG’s various insurance products to the Shopwise customer. This was made possible through Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) Asia, the market leader in insurance. In photo (From L-R) AIG President & CEO, Mr. Mark Lwin; VP for Shopwise & Wellcome, Mr. Kerwin Legarde; CEO of Rustan Supercenters, Inc., Mr. Pierre Deplanck; JLT Philippines President and CEO, Mr. Graham Edwards and Managing Director of Thistle Insurance Services Asia at JLT Asia Pte Ltd, Mr. David Chan

PROFILE

“Retail is dynamic enough to make my everyday a continuous learning process,” says Kerwin when asked why he has chosen to be with the retail industry for 15 years now.

Kerwin has been with RSCI for a decade now, turning 11 in July, simply because he loves to work with people who share the same passion for learning. Apart from this, KLL – as he is known to many – believes in the Company, the core values it keeps and the relationship that binds the team.

The challenges of reviving Shopwise to market dominance and o f building a strong brand in Wellcome are not at all easy. But the achiever in KLL helps him to stay focused on the goals. Kerwin describes his journey with RSCI as “tough, but definitely fulfilling.”

Despite the demands of his work, Kerwin makes it a point to keep himself fit and healthy. He engages in sports and other activities that he can enjoy with his family, including triathlon events whenever possible. He believes that maintaining a work-life balance is critical in this industry.

Learning from Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, who believes that the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart, Kerwin reminds his team to stay true to what their brands represent. “Keep working from the heart so we may deliver results, sustain growth and achieve set goals for our consumers,” he adds.

“I want to see my team succeed and become future leaders of this Company,” says Kerwin, dreaming, aspiring and working as a true pioneer – motivating people and harnessing teamwork, to make customers happy.

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Prioritizing our customers’ needs, Wellcome now offers meat and poultry in its range of fresh products to make for a complete shopping experience.

Bringing the wet market convenience to a comfortable neighbourhood supermarket environment, Wellcome shoppers expressed their appreciation for the new concept and embraced the refreshing experience. Here’s what our suki say.

WELLCOME SUKI.

“Bilang isang ina, gusto kong yung best para sa aking mga anak. Si bunso mahilig sa fried chicken. Buti na lang may chicken na sa Wellcome. Malapit na, sigurado pa akong malinis at sariwa.” Estrella Siagan, WC Lagro Customer

“Now I don’t need to go to the talipapa, everything I need is here.“ -Karen T. Abejuela,

WC Lancaster Customer

With power shortages expected to happen this summer, Shopwise has heeded the government’s call to participate in the Interruptible Load Program or ILP as part of its commitment to serve the Filipino community.

According to Shopwise Vice President Kerwin Legarde, “The ILP is one of the many ways we, as a business, can further contribute to the welfare of our consumers. Shopwise believes that our participation in the ILP allows us to ensure that Filipino families continue to enjoy the good life despite the looming electricity shortage,” Legarde says.

Shopwise joins government’s energy saving initiative

ACTIVITIESDF FINANCE FORUM March 14-17

RSCI proudly hosted this year's Dairy Farm Finance Forum at the scenic Club Balai Isabel right by Taal Lake in Talisay, Batangas. The forum brings together the top finance leaders of the Dairy Farm Group from the head office and operating

companies in the markets to share ideas and best practices, networking through team building and social activities. This year's forum not only covered important finance and business topics relevant to the company but also provided team building opportunities and social functions inspired

by our country’s tourism campaign: It's more fun the Philippines!

“Always fresh, good price. Very accomodating employees/staff”-

Delly S. Velasco, WC Boni Customer

“Now, I buy my fresh food daily,saves me time and space in my ref.”- Sonia Budiit, WC Stamford Customer

Happy 50th Birthday POD!EMPLOYEE COUNCIL INDUCTS NEW MEMBERSComing from the nomi-nations and elections in January, newly-elected EC members had their oath-taking and formal induction as members of the RSCI Employee Council. Sitting as EC members for a term of 2 years, this batch commits to represent the RSCI employees, to bridge the gap and to become effective conduits to both management and customers.

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More than a hundred employees gathered at the Metropolitan Club Center, eager to

listen to RSCI’s goals for 2015. The audience got more than its share of business updates led by our CEO POD, CFO DSC and Brand VPs, MCA and KLL. The first RSCI Forum for the year also became the rightful venue to kick-off the Dairy Farm Vision, Mission, and Principles (VMP) dubbed PIONEERS.

Practical Category Management workshop was a 2-day information-filled activity that provided an overview of the current market environment and how category management can bring additional value to the business. Attended by selected store managers and merchandising managers from all brands including RDFS, the workshop engaged everyone on how to collaborate with trade partners and identify growth opportunities altogether.

RSCI FORUM

Practical Category Management March 10 - 11

10-FEBRUARY, METROPILITAN CLUB CENTER

Warding off negativity and inviting everything positive, a traditional Dragon and Lion Dance ushered in good luck and sunny vibes on February 19. Celebrating the Chinese New Year, ang pao envelopes hung everywhere in the office – a manifestation of hope from among the RSCI people and a reflection of positivity towards the future.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

ACTIVITIESDuring this session, the pioneering principles were explained thoroughly with an engaging workshop where personalities were matched with the 6 pioneering principles. By noon, the group came up with a list of the traits that embody a pioneer. Motivated and guided, everyone returned to work with a mission to think, work, behave and live and inspire as a Pioneer.

SHOPPER PSYCHOLOGY WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 24Organized by P&G, the Shopper Psychology workshop provided sets of framework to help RSCI understand shopper behaviour and preferences. Guided by the P.A.T.H. principle, participants are able to base action plans and strategies on consumer preferences and insights.

HR BUSINESS PARTNERING WORKSHOPMARCH 5-6Our HR Business partners in the branch proudly pres-ents their certificates as they completed the two-days workshop designed to further enhance their skills on Interviewing Skills, Competency Assessment, Taxes Computation, Compensation Basics, HRIS and ER/LR.

Lenten Journey: Finding My Way Back Home

Rustan’s Supermarket opens new branch in Antipolo City

Located at the Mille Luce Village Center, Rustan’s Supermarket opened on March 27 its 22nd store signaling the arrival of the freshest, top-quality food finds in Antipolo City. Rustan’s Mille Luce brings with it an exciting shopping experience for families to enjoy extensive selection of Rustan’s Su-permarket’s products from all over the world, along with its excellent customer service

NIELSEN CATEGORY REVIEWS•May 21 - Dietetics •June 23 – RTD Milk MOTHER’S DAY – May 10FATHER’S DAY – June 21 Watch out for the RSCI Family Fun Run!!!

With Rev. Fr. Richard Diaz (CCM) leading the group, 50 RSCI employees took time away from work for introspection and spiritual renewal.

THE CONFIDENT FILIPINO CONSUMER As more stores open and new players come in, competition in food retail becomes tougher. The key to having the edge and gaining a bigger share of the market is simple: know and understand your consumer. Nielsen shares the lastest findings on the Filipino consumer.

1. The Filipino middle class has grown to 74% vs LY and is expected to double by 2020. 2. The working class is positive about career, personal finances and the ability to spend for their needs. 3. There will be higher disposable incomes starting 2015 as the working population increases. 4. More Filipinos are mobile and on the road hence will visit food res-tos and buy quick meals in convenience stores more often.

As our CEO would always put it: “Give your shoppers what they REALLY want, not what WE THINK they want.” That’s building our retail world around consumers. That’s being a pioneer.