Saturday, August 6, 2022

Forge Partnership Agreement to Strengthen Tech Startup Ties


OurCrowd General Partner & Managing Director of Australia and Asia Dan Bennett and Einhorn Resources Inc CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier sign the partnership in Tel Aviv, Israel


OurCrowd, Israel’s most active venture platform, and Einhorn Resources Inc, a Philippine investment firm, announced a partnership that will provide Einhorn clients direct access to OurCrowd’s exclusive investments and mentorships to facilitate growth of Philippine startups.

The partnership was signed in Tel Aviv, Israel, between Dan Bennett, OurCrowd’s General Partner & Managing Director of Australia and Asia, and Jean Henri Lhuillier, Einhorn Resources Inc CEO.

"This new partnership is an exciting opportunity to extend our pipeline into the vibrant investment community in the Philippines and to help nurture its startup ecosystem," said Dan Bennett. "Einhorn Resources' deep knowledge of the Philippine investment landscape will be instrumental to bringing our top-tier technology talent to that part of the world.

“Not only are we raising money for these opportunities both in Israel, the US and beyond, but this is an important opportunity for corporates and family offices to invest from the Philippines and to attract technology that will benefit their core business.”

This collaboration, the first of its kind in the Philippines, provides Einhorn clients direct access to one of the world’s leading online venture platforms. OurCrowd currently has $1.9 billion in commitments and has deployed capital to more than 347 portfolio companies and 39 funds in five continents. It also has 200,000 registered members from 195 countries which it allows to participate in vetted and early-stage firms and funds.

Currently, plans are being made to set up a regional incubator that will give growth opportunities to Philippine startups looking for Israeli tech expertise.

“We are excited to work with OurCrowd to pave the way for stronger ties for investment opportunities, traditional companies and tech solution collaborations,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier. “The partnership aims to open the funnel to a Philippine network of investors who can choose relevant companies to invest in as well as customize an online portfolio.”

Einhorn Resources Inc oversees multiple investments in agriculture, fintech, education, healthcare, real estate, and software, directly or through funds, with investments in Europe, the US, Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

For more details, visit OurCrowd website at OurCrowd.com or email us at leah@ourcrowd.com and einhornresourcesinc@gmail.com. You may also contact OurCrowd at +44 747 019 6826.

Skin Savior: Cetaphil Ultra Protect is a Cleanser That Both Intensely Hydrates and Protects Skin

How you take care of your skin matters more than you think. Nowadays, cleanliness is the name of the game, but in the rush of cleansing your body, you could be stripping your skin of natural’s moisture.

Using harsh bar soap and frequent washing leads to dry skin, which can further lead to skin irritation, roughness, and dryness. However, there is now a better solution when it comes to hygiene. Introducing the new Cetaphil Ultra Protect, an antimicrobial cleansing bar that is the right choice to care for your skin. There are no compromises: the product combines the benefits of 99.9% germ protection and moisturization. It is designed for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

The newest innovation of Cetaphil has 3D Derma-Mimic Technology that cleanses your skin at an antimicrobial level because of its dermatological tried-and-tested formulation that repairs and strengthens the skin barrier against water loss. Your skin is now instantly protected and hydrated.
To celebrate the release of the newest product in Cetaphil’s science-backed roster, the #BeUltraProtected campaign celebrates the equal importance of hygiene and care with four workouts in partnership with elite boutique studios in the Metro.

The goal is to show how Cetaphil Ultra Protect can allow you to work out, sweat, and afterward reward your skin with a deep cleanse that is gentle yet effective in cleaning and nourishing the body.
The new Cetaphil Ultra Antimicrobial Cleansing Baris now available at the official Cetaphil Philippines stores in Lazada and Shopee. You can also find Cetaphil products at Mercury Drug, Watsons’ stores, and supermarkets nationwide.

To learn more about the new Cetaphil Ultra Protect and the brand’s gentle line of products for sensitive skin, follow Cetaphil Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.cetaphil.com.ph.

Mr. Cool to Offer Dealership Package for Only PHP6,050


The challenges brought about by the pandemic have pushed many businesses around the world to innovate new ways and means to capture their market. While eCommerce continues to 
prosper in various countries where COVID-19 is getting manageable such as the Philippines, this has paved the way for some other start-up businesses to get recognized and establish a brand that caters to the new needs in this new normal.

With health and safety remaining a top priority amongst households and businesses, the local brand Mr. Cool of Mr. Zolutions, Inc. continues to grow with the expansion of its brand not only in the Philippines but also abroad, specifically in the United States of America. Since its introduction in the market in 2018, Mr. Cool Aromas has been showcasing a strong presence in the market with its in-demand products including car aromas and disinfectants.

Seizing Every Opportunity

“We want our products to be a part of every vehicle not only here in the Philippines, but also abroad. We believe that through this Dealership Package, we will be to help aspiring business minded Filipinos to start their journey with us while we keep to strengthen our presence in the market, and continuously providing our customers with quality products that will keep them safe and happy anytime, anywhere,” Mr. Zolutions, Inc.’s Founder and CEO Mr. Vinson Perea said.
With over half a million bottles already sold in the market since 2018, Mr. Cool is set to achieve
its vision of being a major brand offering unique, relevant, value for money, and high-quality products that have great benefits and satisfaction to customers. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines, Mr. Cool's products are currently available through different physical stores such as Unimart, FamiliyMart, Rapide Auto Service Experts, Total, Petron, and Shell, as well as in popular online channels among Filipinos, Shopee and Lazada.
Mr. Cool also partnered with public and private organizations to provide additional safety and quality scents to their daily operations. These include the Cities of Manila and San Juan, Honda Philippines, and NLEX.






Set to Grow Bigger

“We believe that our products have a great potential to capture the international market, hence this year, we are bullish that we will be able to establish our presence in the US, while our footprint in the Philippines expands through various distributorship programs,” shared Ms. Ma Concepcion Tejada, Founder, and COO of Mr. Zolutions, Inc.
To grow with its customers who have been the brand's greatest ally since its launch, Mr. Cool now offers its Distributor’s Package, which serve as an entry level to start earning through well loved Mr. Cool products. For only PHP6,050, aspiring entrepreneurs can own Mr. Cool’s Dealership Package, which includes top-selling premium items from Mr. Cool and Mr. Fresh Helmet Freshener. Aside from that, training, product knowledge, and salesmanship will also be provided to those who will avail of this package. Marketing collaterals such as testers and tarpaulin are also included to further boost its new partners to establish the brand.
Mr. Cool of Mr. Zolutions, Inc offices at #54 J. Perez St., Project 4, Quezon City, with a production facility in Cupang, Antipolo City, Philippines. To know about Mr. Cool’s Dealership Package, you may contact them at 0917-3181-715. You may also visit their Social Media Channels https://www.facebook.com/THESPAINYOURCAR/ and

Start a dream game stream with the new Galaxy A Series

 


In the past, aspiring game streamers had to spend thousands of pesos for a state-of-the-art smartphone, along with other equipment, just to play and gain an online audience. Those who couldn’t invest in high-powered devices had to deal with laggy streams, a low-quality camera, and a screen that didn’t bring out the vibrance of the game.
Thankfully, with a few hacks here and there, it’s possible to have a dream game stream. Here are a few:
Find a niche
The first step to starting a dream stream is to figure out what game to play. Some may recommend popular titles but what’s more important is for the player to select the game he or she is interested in. It doesn’t matter if it’s a niche game that not everyone knows. The goal is to grow a community that enjoys the game as much as the player does. Who knows? This might build curiosity from those who haven’t heard of the title. The important thing for gamers to remember is that a title that they genuinely like makes streams more engaging since viewers also look for their personality and their reactions to what’s happening.
Stick to a schedule
Consistency is key and this applies to streaming, too. Viewers need to know what the schedule is so they know when to return. According to Twitch, an interactive live streaming service, the best time to stream is between midnight to 9 a.m. or on weekends. Once players establish a schedule, viewers can build a habit and become solid fans.
Engage with the community
Streaming is a community where gamers and followers know each other. It’s important to engage with viewers to make them feel welcome. Reply to comments or chat with them while streaming. It’s also advisable to watch other gamers to make new friends and even pick up tips for the next stream.
Have the right device
It’s easy to think that a dream game stream needs a lot of fancy equipment and while it’ll help, a good device is enough for beginners. Consider a smartphone with a powerful processor and 5G connectivity so there won’t be any lags, and a long battery life so there’s no need to charge frequently. A screen that brings out all the colors of the game makes viewing more enticing.
Aspiring streamers can begin their dream live stream and seamlessly play games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with the new Samsung Galaxy A33, A53, and A73 5G.
The Galaxy A53 and A33 5G are powered by Exynos 1280 processor, while the Galaxy A73 5G is powered by Snapdragon 778G 5G processor. All of these new handsets have 5G connectivity, which improves performance and makes them run faster and smoother. These devices have long-lasting 5,000mAh batteries that allow gamers to stream their game all day.
The 6.7-inch 120Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O Display on the Galaxy A73 5G provides stunning images for game streamers to enjoy an immersive visual experience. Meanwhile, the 6.5-inch 120Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O display on the Galaxy A53 5G and the 6.4-inch 90Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U display on the Galaxy A33 5G both provide a silky smooth gaming experience.
The A Series has the capability to create high-quality content. The 64MPprimary lens on the Galaxy A53 5G and the 48MPprimary lens on the Galaxy A33 5G make them excellent for capturing high-definition game streams. When it comes to video, the superior VDIS technology on the Galaxy A73 5G captures smooth movies ideal for live streaming and showcasing victory moments to fans. The Galaxy A73 5G also includes a 108MP wide-angle camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that captures clear and sharp photos even in low light.
The Galaxy A53 5G is now available in Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and Authorized Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online at the following prices:
● Galaxy A53 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 25,490 SRP
● Galaxy A53 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 23,490 SRP
● Galaxy A53 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 22,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
Gamers who want a more affordable gaming phone can check the Galaxy A33 5G, which is also available at the following price points:
● Galaxy A33 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 21, 990 SRP
● Galaxy A33 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 19,990 SRP
● Galaxy A33 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 18,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
● Galaxy A33 5G (8+128GB) in Awesome White - PHP 19,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
● Galaxy A33 5G (8+256GB) in Awesome White - PHP 21,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
Both the Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G will come in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach variants.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy A73 5G comes in Awesome GrayAwesome White, and Awesome Mint, and is now available at the following prices:
● Galaxy A73 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 29, 990 SRP
● Galaxy A73 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 27,990 SRP
● Galaxy A73 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 26,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
Watch out for more exclusive Mobile Legends offers soon! Visit the official Samsung Philippines Facebook page to learn more.
To know more about the new Galaxy A Series, visit samsung.com/ph.
Safe Samsung Shopping
Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.
Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.
To find the nearest Samsung Experience Store, visit samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations.

Thursday, August 4, 2022

At 21, fashion designer Ellis Co breaks away from traditional runway shows

 Manila’s stylish crop witness the exclusive runway presentation, marking the launch of high-fashion streetwear brand ARCHIVES

The future meets the present as Ellis Co, 21, presented his debut collection with the idea of déjà vu in mind. Dubbed “Memoirs of the Future,” the fall 2022 collection marked the coming of his high-fashion streetwear brand ARCHIVES.
“I chose the brand name ARCHIVES because the clothes that I design are timeless and lasting pieces, and in itself, a collection of historical records,” Ellis, the brand’s founder and director of design, said. “I perceive these pieces as the remnants of me as a designer for years to come, and years after I’m gone.”
Described as a fashion presentation beyond the traditional runway, the “Memoirs of the Future” show was truly a multisensory experience envisioned by the young designer. To make this fashion time travel possible, he worked with director Frank Mamaril to bring his vision come to life. And on July 27, 2022, Whitespace Manila in Makati City was transformed into a portal where guests got a glimpse of the future of fashion through Ellis' designs, with the help of ARCHIVES’ creative director Reika Mayani.
The guiding theme of the collection is Ellis' passion for eco-brutalism, modernity, and Japanese fashion aesthetic. These themes were echoed in the many elements of the event starting with the food. Featuring the culinary works of chef Margarita Fores, Manila’s most fashionable crowd was treated to a modern gastronomic journey as the first part of the ARCHIVES experience. Upon entering the show's venue, guests were instantly transported to the future. Like a scene from a dystopian film, the space was an arena where gray angular structures were complemented with lush greens, offering the perfect set to Ellis' designs.
Opening the show were the musicians from the Manila String Machine, setting the mood as they performed Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 2, “Summer” III. Presto. The string musician’s performance didn’t end there. Throughout the show, they played melodies accompanying the contemporary beats of the music produced by Ellis, another nod to the future-meets-now theme.
As the fog began to rise, models walked the runway wearing Ellis’ designs. “Memoirs of the Future” presented a total of 44 looks, divided into segments for the show. It started with a parade of black, giving a first look at the designer’s take on unconventional proportions. Outerwear was reimagined into oversized pieces with obi belts and curved cut lapels—the designer’s signature touch. Breaking the dark and gloomy display was a white garb with a flounced hat that was so dramatic it took everyone’s breath away. Following it was Ellis’ play on neutrals and fall dressing. Classic pairings like the black dress with a trench coat and puffer coats and cargo-like pants got a new look with his exploration of structure and silhouettes. Ending the show was a display of his gray designs making it a true fashion display for the cool kids of today.
“When I design, I’m very focused on the silhouette, how the shape looks, how the piece drops on the body, especially, the minor details,” Ellis said. “Basically, I’m trying to make something that hasn’t been done yet but is still familiar. I try to find the familiarity in the unfamiliar.”
Apart from Ellis’ inspiration, what made this collection unique was his addition of boxing gloves and head gears to some of the pieces. This is another personal stamp of the designer as prior to becoming a self-taught architect, music producer, and designer, he also has a background in boxing.
Another recurring theme in the show is androgyny. Aside from the clothes, a sense of gender neutrality was also present in the models’ makeup. To achieve that, Ellis worked with makeup artist Gery Penaso. Much like future humans out of hibernation pods, the female and male models sported an elevated bedhead look—burgundy eyes, bleached brows, and raw and unpolished hair with metallic tipped nails completing the whole vibe.
“The collection is very detailed. I want to make sure that we apply it also to the beauty looks,” Gery said. “It is very rare on the runway to have nails also done. When they all come down to the runway, they look very cohesive”
Ending the fashion presentation on a high note were the electrifying performances by Jalen Davis, popularly known as MDMA or Molly (an American recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia) while DJ Patty Tiu played the coolest music for the night crowd.
“There are standards for quality, but when it comes to creativity, fashion is a medium,” Ellis said. “Whatever you create through fabric, that’s your own original design. It is just like music and painting, but your tool is the fabric. Fashion is an art form.”













To stay updated about “Memoirs of the Future,” visit Archives’ official Instagram page @archives.galerie.

Transition smartly and level up your face-to-face classes with Rex Education’s Schoology


The education landscape has been forever changed by the pandemic. As we continue to champion education and believe that it evolves and transforms lives, we can expect more and better changes in the future.

Being in the now new normal, going back completely to the way we were does not encourage evolution nor transformation. We have explored so much, stretched our capabilities, challenged old norms, and persevered and persisted. We are moving forward. We take with us the learnings, technology, and innovation of the significant last 2 years and integrate them into an evolved version of an education continuity template, our shield, for the 21st century.
With schools getting ready to transition back to face-to-face classes, Rex Education reminds educators that there are many tools and best practices from their distance learning setup that can help them level up students’ learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Schoology is one useful and impactful tool.
Schoology is one of the very first learning management systems (LMS) made available to teachers and students to continue their teaching and learning from home when schools were forced to close temporarily in 2020. Because of the demand for LMS during that period, REX expanded the reach of Schoology and the wealth of resources available on the platform. Thousands of teachers and students are now using Schoology as part of their online and distance teaching and learning modalities.
“When we introduced Schoology to the Philippines in 2015, we had an idea in mind that the digital classroom is the classroom of the future. That’s why when the pandemic broke out, we were ready. Schoology created an avenue for seamless learning, without compromising our learners, and playing to the advantage of our learners being digital natives. Today, the digital classroom is the classroom of the now normal.” said Rex Education CEO, Don Timothy Buhain.


Schoology is the digital classroom of today
Returning to face-to-face classes does not mean leaving behind the best practices we have learned from online and distance learning. Schoology was originally designed to augment and enhance the traditional learning setup, not completely replace it, making it the perfect platform to provide 21st-century learning experiences needed to transition students in the now new normal.
Technology cannot be an add-on; it’s a necessity. Flexible learning is not a privilege or an advantage; it’s also a necessity. Certainly, future-proofing our classrooms, although it cannot be perfected, is a reality.
To date, the transition is ongoing and many schools are in different stages in their choice of learning modalities that will fit their learners’ needs. Some may still be designing or experimenting, and some others are already strengthening what they have. Having a trusted partner grounded in sustainability, flexibility, and technology is key in making the transition as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Backed by more than 70 years of expertise, Rex Education and with Schoology could be every school’s ideal partner for the 21st-century classroom.
Schoology makes synchronization seamless. Since many schools have been employing a hybrid learning setup where students go to school in schedules or batches, using Schoology as the primary LMS for each class ensures that all students—both on-site and off-site—are on the same page.
In addition, assessment is made easier with the automated test scoring and consolidation of results through Schoology’s Grade Book. Analytics are readily available for teachers so they may adjust their materials based on the class performance, while parents are able to monitor their children's progress throughout the quarter and the academic year.
Moreover, classroom management and communication are centralized in the platform. Students, teachers, and parents can also monitor the student workload through Workload Planning, and they can be reminded of deadlines using the platform’s Calendar function.
Schoology can be accessed via browser on PC and laptops, or on mobile phones and tablets via the app. As an all-in-one learning platform, it comes packed with features like Personalized Courses, Calendar, Messages, Dropbox, Online Tests, Integrated Apps, Groups, and Grade Book.
“Our partnership with Schoology is just one of REX’s many efforts to fulfill our promise that we go where the learner goes. Our learners’ needs and circumstances are always changing, always evolving; and it is our duty as Edukampyons to be on the cutting-edge of educational innovation so our products and services are always relevant to the 21st-century learner,” revealed Buhain.
Stay updated with Rex Education’s latest releases. Be part of the REX Basic Education Community by registering here. For more information about REX’s Basic Education programs, Schoology and Rex Academy, visit rex.com.ph or contact cicsupport@rex.com.ph.