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The Life of
Rex B. Banggawan:
From Humble Beginnings to Real Excellence

Rex B. Banggawan, CPA, MBA, is more than a name in the world of accountancy and education. His story of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief that one’s background does not dictate one’s future. From his humble beginnings in the mountains of Kalinga to becoming one of the country’s most respected authors, educators, and the CEO of Real Excellence Online (REO) Philippines, Rex’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams fueled by hard work and faith.

Growing up in a simple farming family, Rex experienced life without electricity and endured long walks just to reach school. His weekends were spent working on the farm, and he took odd jobs, even in construction, just to earn enough money to buy textbooks. Yet, instead of letting hardship define him, he used it as motivation to strive harder. It is this grit that eventually led him to place 6th in the October 2006 CPA Licensure Examination, an achievement that marked the beginning of his journey to transform not only his own life but also the lives of countless aspiring professionals.

Hardship fuels greatness. It builds resilience, sharpens focus, and reveals your true strength. Your limits are yours to break—because even the toughest adversity bows to relentless effort.
Rex B. Banggawan

Rex’s career is deeply intertwined with his passion for teaching and authorship. Through REO Philippines, he has guided and mentored thousands of CPA candidates nationwide, sharing not just lessons in taxation and accounting but also the values of integrity, consistency, and perseverance. His published works, such as his well-known taxation textbooks, have become indispensable companions for students and reviewees nationwide.

But Rex’s story is not without challenges. He has ventured into businesses outside education, like mining and livestock, only to face setbacks caused by unforeseen crises. Instead of allowing failures to break him, he embraced them as stepping stones, strengthening his vision for REO and deepening his commitment to his mission of building a legacy through education. For Rex, true success is not just measured by financial gains but by the positive impact one leaves on others.

Today, as President, CEO, and Lead Author of REO Philippines, Rex Banggawan continues to embody the values of Real Excellence: hard work, service, excellence, innovation, and integrity. He is a living inspiration that with determination, resilience, and a heart for others, anyone, regardless of background, can rise above adversity and achieve greatness.

His life reminds every REO student that while exams may be difficult and challenges unending, excellence is always within reach for those who choose to persevere. Rex Banggawan’s journey is more than a personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for generations of dreamers who dare to believe that education can change lives.

Today, as President, CEO, and Lead Author of REO Philippines, Rex Banggawan continues to embody the values of Real Excellence: hard work, service, excellence, innovation, and integrity. In 2025, he spearheaded the establishment of Real Excellence Online Educational Services, Inc. (REOESI), a bold step that restructured REO’s programs and operations to expand its reach and impact. This milestone represents not just growth but a clear vision to go beyond traditional review programs, building new opportunities, new directions, and stronger platforms for future generations of learners. He is a living inspiration that with determination, resilience, and a heart for others, anyone, regardless of background, can rise above adversity and achieve greatness.

REO's Humble Beginnings

REO CPA Review was built on a simple but powerful vision: to guide aspiring accountants on their journey to becoming Certified Public Accountants. What started as a small team with big dreams quickly grew into a supportive community that is dedicated to helping students achieve success.

In the early days, REO CPA Review had limited resources. The lectures were pre-recorded, the team was small, and every step required hard work and sacrifice. But what they lacked in resources, they made up for with dedication and heart. From these humble beginnings grew an institution that continues to inspire and empower students across the country. That belief continues to guide REO CPA Review today

Mission

By 2030, REO envisions to be the premier Review Center in Philippines for local and International Certification, by empowering students to achieve real academic excellence, developing knowledge and skills to ensure their success in both exams and future endeavors

Vision

Here at REO, we transform a dream of every Filipino into reality of becoming a licensed and internationally certified professional through our excellence, Integrity and innovative approach.

Core Values

  • Excellence –Excellence in delivering Services.
  • Integrity – Honest and straightforward in dealing with stakeholders.
  • Innovation – Innovative approach in making professionals

Founding Directors and Employees

  • Rex Banggawan - President/CEO/Overall Academics Officer/Tax Reviewer
  • Donald Balganion - Chief IT Officer
  • Rachel Ann Angco - Balganion - App Access
  • Wency Medina Giron - Chief Admin & Marketing Officer, Technical Support Group Member & Undergrad Review Director
  • Samantha Andrea Alvaro - Giron - Customer Service Head, Page Operator, Payment Confirmation Officer and Enrollment Verification as Registrar
  • Gheldine Villaflor and Cherr Riaza - Logistics & Hardcopy Handouts
  • Vhinson Jay Garcia - Academics Officer & Technical Support Group Member
  • Khim Añonuevo - Finance Officer, Virtual Editor/Graphic Designer & Technical Support Group Member
  • Lorvina Francia Batao-ey, Bernadette Punsalan, Cyreel Amaine Liwag- Page Operator
  • Angelyn Manalo - Graphic Designer

Founding Reviewers

  • Rex Banggawan - Taxation
  • Rhad Vic Estoque - MAS
  • Karim Abitago - FAR
  • Mark Alyson Ngina - AFAR
  • Darrell Joe Asuncion - Auditing Problems
  • Atty Cesar Nickolai Soriano Jr. - RFBT
  • Raymund Francis Escala - Auditing Theory

Founding App Developers & IT Officers

  • Donald Balganion, Rachelle Balganion, Jeremy Ponce, William Windel Cabaruan, Reynald Mabatan, Algie Duldulao, Sherry Mae Cabrera, Krisha Ulep, Edilyn Orpilla & Johndel Quinagoran

Moving Forward

Today, REO CPA Review is proud to be recognized as one of the top producers of CPAs in the Philippines. Yet, despite its growth and success, the mission has never changed. It remains committed to guiding students with the same passion, integrity, and personal care that started it all.

REO CPA Review Journey

From the first meeting of the founding directors to nationwide expansion, every milestone reflects a passion to serve and a drive to improve.

  • The Beginning
    2017

    The vision of REO CPA Review began in 2017 with the initial development of its first Learning Management System (LMS). Even before online education became a norm, the idea was clear: to make review materials accessible anytime and anywhere through a digital platform. This early initiative laid the groundwork for what would later become one of the most innovative review systems in the Philippines.

  • Registration and Setback
    2018

    In 2018, REO CPA Review was formally registered as a sole proprietorship. The initial LMS was completed, marking an important milestone. However, after testing, it was found to be insufficient for the purpose of a full online review program. The project was deemed a failure and resulted in a major financial setback. The online review initiative was temporarily shelved, but the experience became a valuable lesson that shaped the next stage of REO’s growth.

  • Redevelopment Phase
    2019

    Determined to improve, REO began the redevelopment of a new LMS in 2019, this time focusing on a mobile app format. Working closely with developer Donald Balganion, the team built a more user-friendly and stable system that addressed the shortcomings of the first version. This step marked a critical shift toward a more flexible, accessible, and modern review experience for students.

  • Early Years
    2020

    The year 2020 became a defining moment for REO CPA Review. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the team pressed forward by hiring its first skeletal staff and appointing Wency Giron as Director for Marketing & Sales. Together, they completed the first seven mobile apps, each dedicated to a specific subject area and community function. REO also onboarded its founding reviewers and officially launched its first review batch.

    In 2020, REO pioneered the Nine-Month Review Program, giving students ample time to prepare for the CPA Licensure Exam. The REO App was also introduced, initially as seven separate apps (one for each subject and one for the REO Accountancy Community). Despite the challenges of the pandemic, REO launched its single review program with pre-recorded lectures and became the first to offer door-to-door shipping of hardcopy handouts to students nationwide.

  • A Year of Firsts
    2021

    In 2021, the seven apps were merged into one single REO App, making it easier for students to access all review resources in one place. This year also marked the introduction of the Double Review Program, made possible through in-app livestreaming of lectures. It is alongside the launch of live consultations with REO reviewers, the download feature for offline viewing, and free guidance and psychological counseling to support students’ overall well being.

  • Building and Blending
    2022

    The year 2022 was a turning point. REO CPA Review established the REO Manila facility, providing students with a dedicated space to study, learn, and collaborate. It is also the first to offer the Hybrid Review Program, a model that combines onsite and online learning for maximum flexibility.

    The REO App continued to improve, with new functions that complemented the hybrid model. Students were now able to access their materials and review sessions seamlessly whether they were online or onsite.

  • Expansion Across the Nation
    2023

    In 2023, REO expanded to seven branches nationwide, including the Manila branch. This expansion brought REO closer to students across the Philippines, making quality review programs more accessible than ever. To strengthen the review experience, REO also welcomed more high-caliber reviewers, ensuring students received expert guidance no matter where they were located.

    Reviewers began traveling to different locations to ensure that students could receive the same quality of instruction wherever they were.

  • Innovation in Review Tools
    2024 - Today

    In 2024, we introduced QuickVids and Flashcards, tools designed to help students review more efficiently. QuickVids offered short, focused video explanations of key concepts, while Flashcards made memorization and recall more effective.

    The Triple Review Program was also launched. This innovation was widely praised by reviewees online, with many testimonials shared across social media platforms such as Twitter (now X) about the effectiveness of QuickVids and the new review structure.

    The reviewer lineup continued to grow, with more experts joining to share their knowledge and guidance.

    This year also marked REO’s achievement of ISO Certification, a recognition of the organization’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Hardships and Growth

REO’s journey has not been without challenges. From the beginning, there were doubts, criticisms, and even harsh bashing. Yet, the team remained focused on what they knew was best for reviewees. Constructive feedback, especially those that highlighted lapses, was taken seriously and transformed into opportunities for improvement. Every obstacle became a stepping stone toward growth, proving that resilience and openness to change are at the heart of REO’s success.

Today and Beyond

Today, REO CPA Review is recognized as one of the top producers of CPAs in the Philippines. With hundreds of passers, a growing number of topnotchers, and an impressive passing percentage in every CPA Licensure Examination, REO continues to prove its place as a trusted leader in review education.

Looking ahead, REO CPA Review remains dedicated to improving its methods, expanding its reach, and strengthening its support for every student. The journey is far from over, and the mission remains the same: to guide and inspire the next generation of Certified Public Accountants.

REO Philippines: Where Real Excellence Leads to a National Review University

For decades, licensure review in the Philippines followed a traditional model in which aspiring professionals had to travel to Metro Manila to access the country’s most trusted reviewers, quality materials, and top-tier review centers. While effective for some, this system often proved costly, exhausting, and inaccessible for many students, particularly those outside the National Capital Region.

It was within this context that Real Excellence Online (REO) Philippines was born. The vision came from Mr. Rex B. Banggawan, CPA, MBA, a seasoned national reviewer who spent years teaching Taxation and Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting (AFAR) across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Through these experiences, he witnessed the struggles of students firsthand—overwhelmed by stacks of review books, given limited conceptual guidance, and subjected to a process that often prioritized memorization over genuine understanding.

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