Bacsilog at 20: Rica Peñalosa Reflects on Legacy, Purpose, and People

For many businesses, reaching two decades is already a remarkable achievement. But for founder Maricar ‘Ate Rica’ Peñalosa, the 20th anniversary of Ate Rica’s Bacsilog represents something far deeper than longevity or expansion. It is a celebration of faith, family, hard work, and the people and customers who helped shape the brand through the years.

Bacsilog at 20 celebrated not only a milestone, but two decades of family, faith, hard work, and shared success at Patio Victoria. Surrounded by the people who became part of the journey — loyal staff, partners, and loved ones

As the company marks its milestone year, Rica looks back with gratitude on a journey that began with humble beginnings and a dream built on grit and perseverance. More than the growth of a business, she reflects on the values that became the foundation of the brand — values inspired largely by her father, whom she continues to honor through the company’s culture and leadership.

According to Rica, much of what she knows about discipline, resilience, and treating people with compassion came from her father’s guidance. Those lessons eventually became embedded in the way the company operates today.

Maricar ‘Ate Rica’ Peñalosa and her father Ricardo T. Peñalosa

“This milestone is not only for me,” she shared. “It is also a tribute to my father and the values he taught me. Everything we built came from hard work, faith, and believing in people.”

Over the years, Bacsilog evolved from a growing food cart business into a franchise brand that created opportunities for many Filipinos nationwide. The company became a source of livelihood and stability for employees who remained loyal throughout the journey.

“For every customer who keeps coming back to Ate Rica Bacsilog, they help sustain the lives of our trusted and dedicated employees. And this inspires our employees to keep making our customers happy as well.”

Rica emphasized that one of the greatest blessings behind the success of the business is the dedication of the employees who continuously work with passion and commitment.

Joined by Leon G. Flores III, Bishop Bacani and Carlo Martin B. Enriquez

“They are people who never get tired of giving their best because they genuinely love what they do,” she said. “Hindi man kami magkadugo, nagkaroon ako ng extended na pamilya sa kompanya.”

As the company’s founder, Rica values the personal realizations and relationships gained as the company hits its 20th year. Entering her 30s when she started what was then a small, sidewalk food cart business, she has since redefined what success truly means to her. While expansion once served as primary goal, she now believes the true value of business lies in the lives it impacts.

According to her, God blessed her not only with a successful brand, but with an opportunity to help others through meaningful employment, mentorship, and creating a workplace where people feel valued.

What started as a sidewalk food cart serving delicious on-the-go silog meals with its popular cheese sauce, this eventually became a community built on trust, loyalty, and shared purpose.

Industry observers note that brands that survive for two decades often do so because of strong leadership and authentic connection with people — something clearly reflected in Rica’s relationship with her team and customers.

Today, as Bacsilog celebrates its 20th anniversary, the milestone serves not only as a testament to business success, but also as a reminder that lasting brands are built through heart, humanity, and purpose.

Looking back, Rica says the journey was never easy, but every challenge became meaningful because of the people who stayed, believed, and grew with the brand.