Empowering Filipino Excellence: Team Rebel Sports

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of the global financial services leader, has appointed Victor Tanjuakio as its new Chief Corporate Solutions and Alternative Distribution Officer.

Bringing over 35 years of extensive experience from the country’s top insurance firms, Tanjuakio is set to spearhead the growth and development of Manulife Philippines’ corporate solutions business. In his new role, he will focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable growth by expanding innovative offerings and strengthening partnerships.

“Victor has an impressive track record of delivering exceptional results for leading financial services companies in the Philippines. We’re thrilled to welcome his expertise to our senior leadership team,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines. “As a seasoned actuary, he brings extensive skills in financial reporting, underwriting, risk management, marketing, sales, and talent development.”

Hora added, “With Victor’s leadership, we aim to provide our group insurance clients with cutting-edge financial solutions tailored to their organizations and employees’ unique protection needs.”

In his role, Tanjuakio will oversee a team managing multi-channel sales, group pricing, account management, group operations, and digital transformation initiatives. His mandate includes enhancing the customer and distributor experience for corporate clients while driving business growth through strategic partnerships with financial institutions and emerging digital platforms.

Under Tanjuakio’s leadership, Manulife Philippines is poised to strengthen its position in the corporate insurance market, delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Expanding Globally with a Trusted Partner

Team Rebel Sports has grown into a recognized name in the global sportswear industry, exporting high-performance products to markets like Australia, Europe, and the U.S., with vital support from FedEx.

“The local sports industry is highly competitive, so it made sense for us to explore international opportunities,” shared Cu. “Partnering with FedEx allowed us to streamline logistics and strengthen our global presence, letting us focus on what we do best—creating innovative, high-quality sports apparel and gear for our discerning customers.”

Their first international order, valued at just $15, marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership with FedEx. Leveraging FedEx’s expertise in cross-border logistics, Team Rebel successfully expanded to international markets, offering customized jerseys for sports such as wrestling and hockey.

As the business grew, so did its logistical needs. From shipping 5 kilos to handling 40 tons of jerseys annually, FedEx proved essential in meeting the demands of Team Rebel’s global customers by ensuring timely deliveries and consistent service quality—critical factors in building trust and loyalty.

“Expanding internationally meant navigating complex customs regulations and shipping requirements—challenging for a growing brand with limited resources,” Cu explained. “FedEx provided tailored shipping solutions, valuable insights into customs clearance, and a dedicated team always ready to assist. They simplified international logistics, minimized delays, and ensured compliance with shipping standards, making us feel fully supported.”

Empowering Leadership for a Thriving Team

With a global clientele to serve, Team Rebel Sports relies on a dedicated workforce of over 200 individuals to deliver high-quality apparel on tight deadlines. For Cu, effective leadership is key to maintaining this level of excellence.

“To be a good leader, you need to motivate, encourage, and empower your team,” said Cu. “We’re committed to developing leaders in every department, equipping them with the skills to manage people respectfully and oversee operations efficiently.”

Innovation and Sustainability in Every Thread

One of Team Rebel’s standout achievements was introducing sublimated jerseys to the PBA. Sublimation printing, now an industry standard, uses heat to integrate ink into fabric, creating designs that last for years while keeping the material durable, breathable, and lightweight.

In addition to innovation, sustainability is at the core of Team Rebel’s values. The company incorporates recyclable fabrics, including polyester made from PET bottles, into its products. This sustainable approach has resonated with markets like Europe, where eco-conscious manufacturing is highly valued.

“We’re proud to contribute to environmental protection by using recycled materials,” said Cu. “Sustainability is an integral part of our brand and helps us stand out in the global market.”

Entrepreneurial Wisdom and Future Plans

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Cu shares valuable advice for aspiring business owners: “Be patient. Running a business is like running a marathon. Stay focused, understand your business and customers, invest in your team, and seek guidance from God.”

Looking ahead, Cu is set to launch an online fan store where creators can design and sell merchandise seamlessly. Team Rebel will oversee production, while FedEx will manage global logistics. “Imagine a popular rapper launching a fan store for custom gear, without worrying about inventory or upfront costs,” Cu explained. “Our mission is to empower creators by managing their production and shipping needs, with FedEx ensuring we bring this vision to life.”

With FedEx’s support, Team Rebel Sports has not only tackled the complexities of international expansion but also established itself as a formidable player in the global sports apparel market. Their journey underscores how strategic partnerships can transform homegrown brands into global competitors, proving that with the right collaboration, any vision can become a reality.

Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and how FedEx supports SMEs at FedEx Business Insights.