About Rex Book Store
Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI), commonly known as REX, is one of the Philippines’ oldest and most influential educational publishers and bookstore chains. Established in 1950, the company has played a significant role in Philippine education by publishing textbooks, law books, reference materials, teacher resources, and digital learning solutions. Over more than seven decades, Rex has evolved from a small bookstore into a comprehensive education solutions provider serving learners, educators, schools, and professionals across the country. 1
Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI) |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Headquarters | Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Industry | Educational Publishing, Book Retail, Learning Solutions |
| Founders | Jovita Buhain and Juanito Fontelera |
| Key Products | Textbooks, law books, reference books, teacher’s manuals, digital learning resources |
| Parent Organization | Rex Group of Companies |
| Current Brand | Rex Education (since 2021 rebranding) |
History
Rex Book Store traces its origins to the 1950s, when booksellers Jovita Buhain and Juanito Fontelera met while operating bookstores along Azcarraga Street (now Claro M. Recto Avenue) in Manila. Their shared passion for books and education led to both marriage and the founding of Rex Book Store. 2
Initially, the company specialized in publishing law books, quickly earning a reputation for producing reliable legal references used by law students, educators, lawyers, and judges throughout the Philippines. Law publishing remains one of Rex’s strongest areas today. 2
Expansion
During the 1960s, Rex expanded beyond legal publications into textbooks for elementary and secondary education. Leadership also transitioned to the founders’ second generation, with Atty. Dominador Buhain becoming the company’s first officer-in-charge and sales agent. 2
A major setback occurred when a fire destroyed the company’s original bookstore. According to Rex’s corporate history, only one book titled “Jesus Save Me” remained undamaged, becoming a lasting symbol of the company’s resilience and faith. 2
Growth
In 1973, Rex opened its flagship bookstore in Morayta, Manila, and established Rex Printing Company, Inc., allowing the company to control the production of its educational materials while expanding its publishing capabilities. 2
Throughout the following decades, Rex expanded nationwide, publishing materials for:
- Kindergarten
- Elementary education
- High school
- College and university
- Graduate education
- Law schools
- Professional education
By the 1990s and 2000s, the company had become one of the country’s leading educational publishers, with multiple branches and a growing portfolio of educational services. 2
Rebranding to Rex Education
In 2021, Rex Book Store officially adopted the public-facing brand Rex Education. The rebranding reflects the company’s transition from a traditional bookstore and publisher into a broader education solutions provider. 2
The company introduced the concept of the “Edukampyon” (a combination of the Filipino words edukasyon and kampyon), representing its mission to champion lifelong learning and support the holistic development of Filipino learners. 2
Products and Services
Rex offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational resources, including:
- K–12 textbooks
- College and university textbooks
- Law books
- Professional and review materials
- Teacher’s manuals
- Assessment tools
- Children’s books
- Digital learning platforms
- E-books
- Online educational resources
- School learning solutions
- Professional development programs for educators
The company has published more than 10,000 educational titles, serving learners from preschool through legal and professional education. 2
Digital Transformation
Recognizing the shift toward technology-enabled learning, Rex has expanded into digital education through initiatives such as:
- Rex Digital
- Online learning platforms
- Digital textbooks
- Interactive educational resources
- Learning management support
- Assessment systems
This transformation accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools increasingly relied on remote and blended learning. 2
Rex Group of Companies
Today, Rex Book Store is part of the Rex Group of Companies, which includes organizations focused on publishing, printing, digital education, educator training, and student development. These include:
- Rex Printing Company Inc.
- Rex Digital
- Rex Crown Publications
- Rex Book Store International
- First Eduspec Inc.
- Resource for Educators and Academic Professionals (REAP)
- Rex Institute for Student Excellence (RISE)
- Philippine Outbound Educators Institute
Together, these organizations support the company’s mission of advancing education in the Philippines. 2
Brand Philosophy
Rex positions itself as an education partner rather than simply a publisher. Its philosophy emphasizes developing the “Filipino Whole Learner,” focusing on learners who are:
- Safe
- Healthy
- Engaged
- Supported
- Challenged
- Values-oriented
This framework guides the company’s educational programs, publications, and learning solutions. 2
Market Position
Rex is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of educational publishing in the Philippines. It is particularly well known for:
- Law books used by law schools and legal professionals
- Government-approved K–12 textbooks
- Teacher resources
- Academic reference materials
- Long-standing partnerships with educational institutions
With over 70 years of service, more than 10,000 published titles, and 24 retail branches nationwide, Rex remains one of the country’s most recognized educational publishing brands. 2
Mission
Rex aims to empower Filipino learners through quality education by providing innovative learning resources, supporting educators, and promoting lifelong learning. Its vision extends beyond publishing to creating educational solutions that contribute to national development and prepare learners for an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. 2
