Kickstart Ventures invites local startups to participate in Singtel Innov8 Connect global business challenge

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Kickstart Ventures enjoins local startups to participate in the second installment of Singtel Innov8’s global call to create innovative solutions for real world business challenges. This follows the success and momentum of the initial Innov8 Connect programme launched in January 2016 which attracted over 120 submissions from startups across 22 countries.

“Through the second round of Innov8 Connect, Philippine startups are given another opportunity to realize their global growth aspirations. Kickstart, through Innov8 Connect, is opening doors for them to penetrate the global market as part of our mission to break down barriers and build bridges between the business community and the startup founders,” said Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart, a wholly-owned venture capital firm of Globe Telecom. 

Kickstart is a founding member of Innov8 Sparks, the Singtel Group’s network of startup support and funding initiatives across Southeast Asia. It currently has 27 portfolio companies with various products and services encompassing SaaS (Software as a Service) for financial services; Healthcare; E-commerce and Online Marketplace, Social Impact; and Digital Lifestyle, several of which have already ventured to other countries.

Once selected in the second round of Innov8 Connect, the startups that offered the best solutions will be provided with up to S$75,000 to test and validate their business solutions as proof-of-concepts inside Singtel and Optus in Australia.

Successful solutions from promising startups may then lead to further commercialization opportunities within the Singtel Group which offers startups access to an extensive customer base that includes both enterprises and over 600 million mobile subscribers across Asia, Australia and Africa. These startups will also have the opportunity to seek funding from Singtel Innov8 and tap on its network of co-investors from Innov8 Sparks and partners across the globe.

Talking about the importance of the program, Tay Soo Meng, Group Chief Technology Officer at Singtel said: “Innov8 Connect started as a win-win platform to help startups develop viable business solutions while allowing the Singtel Group to stay at the cutting-edge of innovation through continuous experimentation. We hope to uncover more innovative answers for real emerging business challenges with start-ups in this latest installment of the programme.”

In the second round, 14 new business challenges have been identified by Singtel and its Australian arm, Optus, in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality solutions and artificial intelligence.

“We look forward to working together with more start-ups on the new set of business challenges from this second installment of Innov8 Connect. Through these real challenges that businesses face, we hope to spur greater innovation while identifying and supporting viable solutions that meet the Group’s needs,” said Edgar Hardless, CEO of Singtel Innov8.

Interested start-ups may submit their proposals through the Innov8 Connect portalwww.innov8connect.com until October 31, 2016. The portal also contains detailed information on the 14 new business challenges. 

Selected start-ups will then be invited to pitch to a panel of management representatives from the Singtel Group.

As the venture arm of the Singtel Group, Singtel Innov8’s mandate is to scout for and provide the Group with insights and early access to emerging technologies, as well as to nurture the innovation ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Innov8 Connect is part of Singtel Innov8’s initiatives to create greater awareness for Singtel’s innovation agenda and engagement with startup ecosystems.

About Singtel Innov8

Singtel Innov8, the venture capital arm of the Singtel Group, invests in and partners with innovative tech startups worldwide. It has a fund size of US$250 million and its own set of decision making, approval and funding processes. Beyond funding, Singtel Innov8 is a gateway for startups to tap on the resources and expertise of the Singtel Group, while enabling the Group to gain access to emerging technologies. Singtel Innov8 focuses its investments on technologies and solutions that can lead to quantum changes in network capabilities, next generation devices, digital services and enablers to enhance customer experience. Headquartered in Singapore, Singtel Innov8 also has offices in San Francisco and Tel Aviv. For more info, visit innov8.singtel.com or follow @singtelinnov8 on Twitter.

1st Sem wins Best Feature at India filmfest; lead star Lotlot de Leon cited

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If earning Best Picture nomination nod at the 2nd CineFilipino Filmfest was any indication that indie film 1st Sem was bound for something great, it all became clear when it won Best Feature Film at a prestigious international film dubbed the biggest in South Asia.

First-time feature film directors Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibanez found directorial breakthrough right on their first try after they won the Debut Directors Competition at the All Lights India International Film Festival last September 27. They bested entries from the US, Brazil and other countries.

1st Sem is a family comedy centered on mother and child relationship and themes on schooling, separation anxiety, youth, friendship, education, and ultimately, the sanity and sense of home.

“This victory is overwhelming for us considering that we went to India not expecting anything but just to enjoy being there,” expressed Dexter who informs that the film is a comedy that does not force itself to be and a drama told with just the right light feel to it.

The movie actually delivered a double strike after its lead actress Lotlot de Leon was honored with a Sole Acting Citation for her “exceptional performance." The Indian Filmfest usually gives honorable mention to the next best film but this time around, the esteemed jury decided to give the honor to the Pinay actress. It is her first international acting recognition -- a feat she bagged by acting lead for a comedy just for the first time in her career. 

The triumphant film, with screenwriting icon Ricky Lee as creative consultant, was cited by the All Lights jury as “containing courage and cinematic storytelling.” The jury was composed of Hassan Nazer whose film Utopia was Afghanistan’s Best Foreign Film entry to this year’s Oscars, Pan Nalin who directed the globally distributed Samsara, and Rajesh Touchriver who was nominated best debut director at Cannes. 

In 1st Sem, Lotlot stars as single mom of three Precy Marasigan, a probinsyana who sends his son Maru, played by Darwin Yu, to a Manila university to attend collegiate education. The incoming freshman apparently cannot cope with the transition to dorm life that he quickly returns home. From there, the story, describes by film critic Oggs Cruz as “a tender coming-of-age tale that has its heart in the right place” smoothly takes off.

Allan, who as writer has collaborated with Dexter, ventured to film directing with an eye for what’s honest and courageous. He related, “We crafted a story that will appeal to the youth, especially high school and college students, and to mothers like Precy. We intend to inspire and this win is for us, inspiring.”

Supporting Lotlot is a cast loaded with newbies taking her lead well, led by boyish-looking Darwin who honed his acting chops from Star Magic workshop. He plays the academically brilliant son who heads back home ahead of the batallion that sends him to the big city. That description alone from the duo director solicits laughter without them trying at all.

Allan Paule is no newbie, but him playing “that” cool uncle, makes way for a good balance opposite rising young actors Miguel Bagtas and Sebastian Vargas who are seen here as Maru’s brothers. Others in the cast are tried and tested thespians, including Teri Lacayanga, Maddie Martinez, and Karen Romualdez who had her acting training in Toronto, Canada.

Rounding up the 1st Sem cast are film and TV actor Simon Ibarra, model Marc Paloma, and fresh-faced Sachie Yu who plays Maru’s loyal bestfriend Michelle.

“On my first taping day, I was told by Tita Lotlot to just be natural on camera. She really helped me loosen up,” shared Darwin who played lead role Hercules in a high school production. 

Last July 7, 1st Sem’s DP (Director of Photography) Neil Daza received recognition for his cinematography, given by Cinema World Fest Awards in Ottawa, Canada.

The movie is set to participate at the Nazioarteko Zinetxiki Children and Youth International Film Festival to be held in Bilbao, Spain from November 14 to 27, 2016. The Hemedez-Ibanez tandem is bound to make a wave at the New Directors Section.

The Kids First! Film and Video Festival in New Mexico, USA likewise shortlisted 1st Sem in its selection and raved that “it offers a very realistic depiction of a Philippine single mother dealing with her son’s misadventures."

Part of 1st Sem's quick success is the brilliant camera work termed by the directors as "tuhog scenes" shown without the usual cut intervals --- for as long as five minutes. The background music is anchored on a couple of songs from seminal alternative rock band Siakol titled "Inihaw" and "Sige Na Tuloy Pa." Yes, the movie is very Pinoy and universal. 

(For further information on Ist Sem, check 1st SEM’s official Facebook page.)

Bossing Vic Sotto is now the Chooks-to-Go Endorser

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Vic Sotto

Well known and veteran actor and TV show host, “Bossing” Vic Sotto, has stood as an icon for countless brands. From homecare supplies to local beverage products, Vic’s charismatic appeal and conviction has propelled corporations, as well as himself, into a level of unmatched reliability.

Vic has consistently lived-up to his “Bossing” moniker, as an authority and someone whom Filipinos trust for everyday products. This time, the comedian partners with Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI)—the second largest poultry integrator locally—as the newest brand endorser of Chooks-to-Go, the country’s leading and fastest-growing oven-roasted chicken chain with more than a thousand storess nationwide.

Like a Bossing, Vic Sotto chooses Chooks-to-Go as his take-home ulam. With its “Hindi ka Nag-Uuwi ng Ulam na Basta-basta Lang” campaign, built on the premise of being “Masarap Kahit Walang Sauce”, Chooks-to-Go and Bossing brings ready-to-go, oven-roasted quality chicken closer to Filipino moms as their take-home ulam of choice that will surely delight the family.

During the Chooks-to-Go  conversation with new Ambassador, Vic shared to us that his wife, Pauleen introduced the chooks-to-go chicken before as her one of the favorite ulam. He wanted it event without sauce, so he really chooses the chook-to-go as their food at the table always. 

“When you say ‘ready-to-go’ and ‘quality food’, it should come with a great serving, taste, and nutrition. Importante ‘yun kasi hindi puwedeng basta-basta lang ang maiuwing pagkain para sa pamilya,” said Vic. “Kung gusto mo ng manok, there’s Chooks-to-Go. Malaman ang manok nila, hindi basta-basta. And the best part—‘pag hinain mo na, ‘yun na ‘yun, hindi mo na kailangan ng sauce.”

As an admirer of hardworking Filipinos, especially moms, Bossing Vic recognizes the efforts made in order to provide food on the table. “Basta hardworking, ako’y saludo, especially for moms because they exert double effort,” the actor said. “That’s why for the times when they can’t cook and kids want delicious food, dumaan ka lang ng Chooks-to Go, okay ka na.”

Practical, affordable, and delicious food to-go, Chooks-to-Go’s superior-quality, oven-roasted chicken goodness brings a fresh and healthy ulam fix to many Filipino households, which, even Vic could not escape. 

“Personally, I didn’t think twice about promoting this product because Chooks-to-Go is also my wife’s favorite. Aside from the taste, the price of one whole chicken for the family is reasonable—kayang-kaya eh. Ayos ka na, nag-enjoy ka na, nasarapan ka pa, at nakatipid ka pa!” Sotto admitted. 

Endorsing is one thing, but attesting to a product as a part of one’s daily life is a different story. And with Vic’s proven and reliable track record of promoting a product or brand he uses and trusts, families are in for a treat as moms are set to bring home hindi lang basta-basta take-home ulam, but Chooks-to-Go’s oven-roasted chicken that’s always masarap kahit walang sauce.

“We are very excited to have Vic as our endorser because he really believes in the products he promotes,” said BAVI president Ronald Mascariñas. 

“With Chooks-to-Go and Bossing together, we have a great opportunity to support hardworking moms with a go-to take-home ulam of choice that’s affordable, healthy, and delicious.”

SM’s Fiesta Mexicana: a promotion of Philippine-Mexican cultural ties

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SM Supermalls recently honored the National Day of Mexico with music and fun at SM Aura Premier and SM Megamall, in celebration of the long relationship between SM Supermalls and the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines in promoting the two countries’ rich cultural bond.

HE Ambassador of Mexico to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villaseñor led the SM Aura celebrations that featured a performance by the world-renowned Mariachi ACHAI, rich Mexican cuisine, and its premier drink tequila.

The Mariachi Achai Ensemble, a group of musicians from the northwestern state of Sinaloa, shared Mexican traditional music and dance with Filipino audiences through performances at SM Aura Premier and SM Megamall.

The Ambassador mentioned that one of Mexico’s greatest cultural contributions to the world is its traditional gastronomical fare, which had been declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity – a title shared only by four other countries in the world.

“Perhaps it is within this richness where Mexico and the Philippines became closer. From the Filipinos, Mexico received the buko (coconut) and mango that we call ‘mango de Manila’. An important evangelizing wave converted the Philippines to Catholicism,” Ambassador Villaseñor shared. “Today, the new dynamic of our long and strong ties offers the promise that the historic commercial and cultural relations that make Mexico and the Philippines not only friends, but sister countries, will be renewed and mean for each country the natural bridge to enter their respective geographic region.”

The Ambassador also cited SM’s Acapulco-Manila Galleon Museum as a way of continuously promoting this affiliation. “Through SM’s Galleon Museum, we can have people know more about Mexico and its influence in the Philippines and Asia,” he said.

Vice Consul Luis Gerardo Regalado affirmed the Ambassador’s view. “We are similar in so many ways, yet so different in many cultural aspects. It’s the perfect scenario for investments and business,” the Vice Consul added.

Enjoy exciting Pokemon battles with your Jolly Kiddie Meal

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Jollibee offers Pokemon fans an added reason to get excited with its latest Jolly Kiddie Meal offering – the Pokemon Battle Gear!

Featuring your favorite and rare Pokemon characters - Pikachu, Tepig and Oshawott, kids of all ages can enjoy playing with these loveable pocket monsters, along with their favorite Jollibee meals.

Unleash the powers of Pikachu Electro Launcher by attaching the electroball on its tail. Push it down to release Pikachu’s high voltage ball of lightning! You can also catch rare Pokemons Tepig Fireball Blaster and Oshawott Water Cannon. To ignite Tepig, insert the fireball in Tepig’s body and press the tail to fire away. The Oshawott Water Cannon makes a splash in the battle ground with its water squirting feature. Just detach the cap found at its back, pour water inside the body then press the button and squirt with water from Oshawott’s mouth.

So hurry and get your favorite Pokemons in a Jollibee store near you with every purchase of Jolly Kiddie Meal: Jolly Spaghetti Meal at P95, Yum Burger Meal at P96 or Chickenjoy Meal at P122. Each kiddie meal package comes with its own Jolly Joy Box. 

The Pokemon Battle Gear is available from October 15 to November 12 only.