by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 13, 2022 | Entertainment
Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Aug. 5, 2022) — US-based Filipino producer Francis B. Lara Ho and Filipino-American actor-director Michael Copon are collaborating for the film “1521” which will depict a clandestine love story against the backdrop of the epic clash between pre-colonial Filipinos and Spanish forces of Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan, Philippines more than 500 years ago.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Copon, renowned American actor Danny Trejo, Filipino superstar Bea Alonzo, and award-winning actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.
“1521” opens with the character Didi or Diwata, who dreams of being transported to pre-colonial Philippines while exploring the ruins of an ancient Spanish fort. In her dream, she becomes a native princess who falls in love with Magellan’s handsome translator Enrique — their romance caught up in the conflict.
The events become more complicated after Didi awakens, and soon finds the line between her dream and reality blurring.
Lapu-Lapu statue in Mactan, Cebu
The film will also be told largely from the perspective of Lapu-Lapu, regarded as the first Filipino hero for leading the forces that defeated the Spaniards.
Copon, who will both direct the film and portray Lapu-Lapu, said he took on the project to highlight Filipino history and culture.
“People don’t know what happened to Magellan. Some people in America think he just died. And a lot of times, the history of the Philippines gets pushed under the rug, unnoticed, which led to the passion that we wanted to embrace those stories and embrace the culture, and say ‘Hey! Let me get this out there,'” said Copon, known for starring in “Power Rangers Time Force” and the teen drama “One Tree Hill.”
“Even more historic is, this is the first time a Hollywood director and producer are producing a movie about a Filipino story with Hollywood stars and Filipino stars in one movie,” he added.
Trejo, who starred in the “Machete” and “From Dusk till Dawn” film series, will play Magellan.
Alonzo will take on the role of Diwata while Puerto Rican actor Hector David Jr., who also appeared in “Power Rangers,” portrays her love interest, Enrique.
Copon said “1521” would not focus entirely on the Battle of Mactan, citing the romance between Diwata and Enrique, which he described as the “heart and soul” of the story.
“We didn’t want to make a movie that is just about the battle and the war,” he said.
Lara Ho said the film would be shot entirely in Palawan, which was picked for its scenic beaches and mountains.
The producer, himself a Palaweño, hoped to provide more opportunities to the people in the province through the project.
“I am actually pleasantly surprised when we did the casting that there are quite a few Palaweños who are really incredible in talent. They just need the opportunities and so that’s what we are bringing here,” Lara Ho said.
“Sad to say that Palawan is one of the richest in terms of natural resources but our poverty level is very high compared to other provinces. That’s why I’m hoping that bringing projects here would change that,” he added.
“1521” is scheduled for release on June 12, 2023, coinciding with the 125th celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 12, 2022 | Entertainment
With a powerful line-up of inspirational and Bible-based content, Pray.com launches a new series, “Heroes of the Bible: Joseph,” to grow its audio collection and offer a new perspective on heroes found in Scripture. Immersing listeners in a memorable cinematic audio experience, Filipino-Puerto Rican superstar Gary Valenciano — known by fans as Gary V “Mr. Pure Energy” — voices the story of Joseph and helps offer insight into modern-day heroes of the faith.
“Gary is a breath of fresh air with some of the best vocals we’ve ever heard. Pray.com has been working together with Gary for the past year, and nothing but magic has been produced,” said Max Bard, Pray.com VP of Content. “He has a voice that feels like he’s giving you a hug. And with the brand-new release of Joseph, you will get to experience his range and the Bible come to life.”
Inspired by the book of Genesis from the Bible, this audio series introduces listeners to the flawed hero, Joseph. This beloved son of Israel received a coat of glimmering colors from his father, showcasing his favor over his brothers. However, his father’s favor puffs him up with pride, which ultimately becomes his downfall. Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery, forever changing the trajectory of his life.
“Joseph was a hero who went through a lot, and you’ll hear all of that when you get to listen to his story in ‘Heroes of the Bible,’” Valenciano said. “I have so enjoyed working with Pray.com on this content, as they’re not just professionals, the PRAY team is also passionate about putting the Word of God across in a manner that caters to everyone. This Joseph story is written in a way that can really be accepted and appreciated by people today. It’s slightly reimagined, and I tried to put in what I personally felt would have been the drama going on between Joseph, his brothers, his father, the coat, the dreams, Pharaoh, and all the other characters that played a role, the butler, the baker.”
Valenciano is no stranger to the story of Joseph or the unbelievable events that characterize his life. In fact, Valenciano secured a role acting as Joseph’s father, Jacob, in the 2022 production of “Joseph the Dreamer,” taking place at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in the Philippines.
He previously portrayed Joseph in the 1999 run of the musical. “At the time when I was asked to do ‘Heroes of the Bible’ content featuring Joseph — his story and everything that he went through — I had no idea that its release would fall right alongside the timeline of the musical,” Valenciano added.
As Valenciano guides listeners to discover and experience how God eventually redeems Joseph’s unfortunate circumstances, he invites people on a journey of excitement and entertainment. The biblical story of Joseph provides an example of a historic hero who trusted God. This modern adaptation should be able to offer valuable takeaways for people to do the same in their own lives today.
“Gary’s content has been so impactful for us to listen to, and we can’t wait to share such an engaging and inspiring story with our listeners,” said Bard. “This new version freshens up the language to meet people where they are, while still holding true to the holy Word of God.”
This and other prayer and Bible-based audio content can be explored at www.pray.com/discover.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched PRAY TEAM, the first community for Christians in Crypto, involving leaders who can teach members about the future of finance, Web3, and how NFTs are changing the world. Reaching more than 10 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck, and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 5, 2022 | Technology
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 64MP primary lens on the Galaxy A53 5G and the 48MP primary 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 on 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 Gray, Awesome 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.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2022 | Business
For GCash, the leading fintech company, employee wellness, and culture-building are as important as its business operations. Along with the growth of the company as an organization is the rise of its employee engagement, an aspect of the company that GCash takes seriously.
While every company is challenged to drive better performance, especially amidst the pandemic, GCash has great faith in its people and vice versa. This mutual trust is not only manifested in the business achievements of GCash but also in the recent employee engagement survey results as the organization reached a high of 91 points. This is above the global norm score of 89 based on the Willis Towers Watson surveys of companies across the globe and a huge increase compared to the company’s employee engagement score in 2020 which was 83.
Chief People Officer (CPO) Robert Gonzales explained what this increase means to the G Nation and what it means for the company. “It says a lot about how supportive and caring the leadership team of GCash is and how connected the G Nation is. This is a display and proof of how our purpose of making Filipino lives better does not only apply to our customers but, most importantly, to our employees as well,” Gonzales shared.
Along with the increase in GCash’s employee engagement rating is the organization’s growth in terms of the employee population. From 756 employees in 2020, GCash recorded an additional 393 new hires in 2021. To date, the fintech company employs more than a thousand employees.
The growth in employee headcount is a sign of the expansion of GCash’s financial services. And even if the company expands and grows, employee well-being will still and will always be a top priority in GCash’s people agenda.
The nation has seen the iconic rise of the GCash brand in the last two years. Amidst the pandemic, GCash has grown exponentially. Its current registered users are 60 million, or 70% of the Filipino adult population. It has evolved from an e-wallet to a super financial and lifestyle app, allowing customers to more than just pay bills and transfer money. They can also secure loans, pay in installments, invest, save, get health insurance, and purchase from a vast array of merchants.
From the latest financial reports released to the public, GCash has now attained profitability way ahead of its target date. The company has achieved all these while remaining faithful to its vision of financial inclusion, and its purpose of making Filipinos’ everyday lives better.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,400k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at 232k partner agent network; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).
GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 60 million Filipinos in the country today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2022 | Fashion
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 the 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 before 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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 30, 2022 | Business
OurCrowd, Israel’s most active venture platform, and Einhorn Resources Inc, a Philippine investment firm, today announced a partnership that will provide Einhorn clients direct access to OurCrowd’s exclusive investments and mentorships to facilitate the growth of Philippine start-ups.
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, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines.
For more details, visit the OurCrowd website at OurCrowd.com or email us at le**@******wd.com and ei*****************@***il.com. You may also contact OurCrowd at +44 747 019 6826.
About OurCrowd:
OurCrowd is the online global venture investing platform that empowers institutions and individual accredited investors to invest and engage in emerging technology companies at an early stage. Acclaimed by PitchBook as the most active venture investor in Israel, OurCrowd vets and selects companies across all sectors and stages, invests its own capital, and provides its global platform of over 215,000 registered members from 195 countries.
Founded by CEO Jon Medved in 2013 with the vision of democratizing world-class venture capital investing, OurCrowd has grown rapidly into the world’s leading online venture investing platform and as of 2021 has received over $1.9 billion in commitments, and deployed capital into more than 347 portfolio companies and 39 funds across five continents.
To date, OurCrowd’s startups have recorded 59 exits including several stock market listings: Beyond Meat, Lemonade, Innoviz, Hub Security; and numerous high-profile acquisitions: JUMP by Uber, BriefCam by Canon, Argus by Continental, Crosswise by Oracle, Replay by Intel, Corephotonics by Samsung, CyberX by Microsoft, and Kenna Security by Cisco. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds, and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships.
About Einhorn Resources Inc:
Einhorn Resources Inc. is a management company that oversees investments in companies of diversified industries in its portfolio. Investments in companies such as DailyPay, World Chef, FutureBank, Kennemer Foods Inc, Xepto Education, Kini, Crowded, KITA, Carbon6, ReWire, and SaNOtize to name a few.
Aside from investment recommendations and management, the group is in constant search of solutions to help improve growth in transactions, revenue, and valuation of companies within their network.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 28, 2022 | Business
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 start their journey with us while we keep strengthening 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, FamilyMart, Rapide Auto Service Experts, Total, Petron, and Shell, as well as in popular online channels among Filipinos such as 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 serves 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.’s corporate office is located at #54 J. Perez St., Project 4, Quezon City while the production facility is in Cupang, Antipolo City, Philippines.
For more information about Mr. Cool’s Dealership package, they can be reached at:
They can also be reached on their international social media accounts:
Reach out now and be a part of the Mr. Cool family.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 27, 2022 | Business
There is a global call from environment advocates to urge multinational companies and leading consumer goods brands to lessen the use of plastics in their product packaging by refilling. It is yet to happen.
However, a local brand called SABON EXPRESS. has joined the global reuse and refill revolution to spur a transition to a plastic-free future. Its founder and Chairman, Mellany Zambrano, believes it is time to shift consumer behavior and habits when buying household products.
SABON EXPRESS, an innovative consumer goods brand and franchisable store chain, is paving the way for locally manufactured liquid soaps and detergents to have a strong foothold in the market with its first-of-its-kind mechanized and automated ‘sabon’ refilling stations that allow consumers to have a refill of highly essential and consumable household products like dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, liquid hand soap, car shampoo, reusing their own bottles and containers – in a hygienic way.
SABON EXPRESS dubbed as The Refill Authority is trailblazing a more appropriate way of sabon refilling – one that does not require the ‘tindera” to use “tabo” or dipper to fetch products from the drum to manually refill bottles, which is a current practice of most local sabon refilling stores in the country. Said manual process potentially contaminates products and makes refilling messy and unhygienic. Sabon Express launched its liquid soap dispensing unit at the Zero Waste Bazaar in Uptown Mall BGC Taguig last July 18-21 – as the first and only automated and hygienic sabon refilling station in the country.
The Zero Waste Bazaar is celebrating Plastic-Free July, a collaborative event of Ecowaste Coalition of the Philippines, Greenpeace Philippines, Mother Earth Foundation, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Health Care Without Harm together with Break Free from Plastic, Oceana Philippines International, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. It showcased a photo exhibit and bazaar featuring art and eco-friendly stores to make plastic-free Pilipinas a reality.
Sabon Express founder and Chairman, Mellany Zambrano
SABON EXPRESS strongly advocates for “a world with less plastic” by promoting the reuse of plastic containers for household products via its conceptual and innovative hygienic ‘sabon’ refill dispensing unit in all its stores which comes in both manual and automated machines – a game changer in the local ‘sabon’ refilling industry.
With a vision to serve the country’s increasingly demanding market at scale, Sabon Express is committed to continuous research and development. It is being assisted by the Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) for further product development, technical advancement, and good manufacturing technology and processes.
“At Sabon Express, we are always looking for ways to innovate in order to serve our consumers better and to help save the environment in our own little way because our business is advocacy-driven”, says Mellany Zambrano.
Open for Franchise, Distribution, And Reselling
Sabon Express Refilling Station
Among the signature products of Sabon Express are the Deesh dishwashing liquid, Lanza fabric conditioner, Hush hand soap, Savonex multipurpose cleaner, SoFresh washing machine tub cleaner, Glim glass cleaner, Switch liquid detergent, Vorox toilet care, and CarZ car care.
Sabon Express ALL-IN franchise+ package is worth P388,000 which includes a Sabon refill dispensing machine, store fabrication and installation, display racks and counter table, store signages, and P50,000 worth of initial product inventory, product marketing/sales training, and more.
For franchise, distribution, and reselling inquiries, call Sabon Express hotlines: 0919-0967602/0970-5614670/0965-6912553 or visit their office at 1023 10th Floor, City & Land Mega Plaza, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig City.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 20, 2022 | Book Reviews
Spin the Bottle by Effie Greene is a story in the young adult/teen category in Goodnovel. I immediately checked if it was on Amazon as well, and when I found it I bought the book. To be quite frank, it is cheaper to buy a book on Amazon than pay per chapter on reading apps.
I really loved reading this story. The story is light, romantic, and (to a certain extent) innocent … certainly nowhere near the steaminess of other books I have read, which is exactly why I love it!
I like reading YA books every now and then as a palette cleanser and this book is worth the coin. Kudos, author Effie Greene! I also like the fact that the author didn’t push too hard for steamy scenes when it wasn’t necessary.
If you want to give this book a try you can find it on Goodnovel and on Amazon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 14, 2022 | Fashion
GUESS Originals is proud to welcome back global music superstar and fashion icon, J Balvin, for the GUESS Originals x J Balvin Amor Collection. Inspired by Balvin’s documentary “The Boy from Medellin”, the collection ties into the GUESS DNA of iconic graphics and elevated fabrics while incorporating a deeper emphasis on who Balvin is beyond the fame, and his journey with mental health. The collection will be available on Friday, July 15, 2022, on guess.com.ph and in GUESS Glorietta, Trinoma, Robinsons Ermita, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia.
Balvin notes, “We’ve been collaborating for a couple of years now. The chemistry is great. We have more than a business partnership, it’s a friendship – it’s like my family working with Nicolai and GUESS. This newest collab is all about peace and love – that’s what we need right now.”
Imprinting the universal message of “amor y paz” or “peace and love”, the GUESS Originals x J Balvin Amor collection is a revival of happiness and positivity. Nicolai Marciano, Director of Brand Partnerships for GUESS Originals highlights, “Our partnership with Jose continues to give fans a deeper connection to what he cares about while honoring GUESS’ heritage of provoking a sense of celebration. The collection features a universal design language rooted in bright colors, peace, and love – especially self-love.”
Colin Tilley, director of the campaign video, shares that “Collaborating with GUESS was a Dream, collaborating with Jose is always something special and combining them both for this epic campaign is one for the books! We wanted to celebrate togetherness.”
The collection offers a mix of vibrant and pastel colors in a variety of uplifting hues. Expressive graphics such as swirl stripes, hearts, and clovers are seen throughout the collection, adding to the playful vibe of the capsule. While staying true to the brand’s DNA, the men’s collection features a new take on the GUESS Originals cargo pant with a relaxed profile and elevated twill fabric, as well as an eco rayon camp.
The women’s collection offers an array of easy-to-wear crop tops. Summer-y pieces such as the dresses and bright-colored accessories round out the line and lend to the laid-back, vibrant lifestyle of both GUESS Originals and J Balvin.
This collection pushes the importance of mental health for all. The 15-piece collection ranges from P1,698 – P4,898. Look for the campaign and other GUESS x J Balvin content at www.GUESS.com.ph, on GUESS’ Facebook page, and in GUESS retail stores.
About GUESS?, Inc.
Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes, and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear, and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company directly operated 1,068 retail stores in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The Company’s partners and distributors operated 563 additional retail stores worldwide.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide. For more information about the Company, please visit www.guess.com.
About J Balvin
Global superstar, entrepreneur, and committed mental health advocate, J Balvin, is a highly-decorated music icon with wins across Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMYs, and many others. As a Latinx artist, he has steadfastly broken cultural barriers and become one of the Top 10 most streamed artists globally developing legions of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading the second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace that transcends genres.
2017 chart-topping, “Mi Gente” with Willy William, and subsequently a remix with Beyonce, reached global success serving as a nod to cultural pride. His 2020 surprise performance as part of the Super Bowl halftime show with JLO and Shakira was history-making with an all-Latinx lineup.
His latest album, JOSE, arrived on the heels of an eventful summer, following the release of chart-dominating singles “Qué Más Pues?” featuring Argentinian singer María Becerra, “Que Locura,” and “In Da Getto” featuring Skrillex. His collaboration with Ed Sheeran in March 2022 on “Sigue” and “Forever My Love” landed him his 34th and 35th #1 on Latin Airplay, more than any other artist in history, cementing him as Latinx music’s biggest success story of the decade.
In addition to his many successes in music, J Balvin has been one of the first Latinx to forge partnerships with notable brands across lucrative categories. In 2019, he became the first male Latinx lead with a GUESS campaign, followed by the 2020 announcement of his highly-anticipated and successful J Balvin x Air Jordan 1, which marked him as the first Latinx artist to have an official collaboration with the iconic Jordan Brand.
The second of his collaborations with Jordan Brand was announced in late 2021 with details on the launch to come. An avid gamer, Balvin also created skins with Fortnite as part of their “Icon Series.” His knack for personal style and pioneer trends also finds him frequenting front rows of fashion shows across New York and Paris with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior. He also made his coveted Met Gala debut in 2021 with Moschino. J Balvin’s latest passion is raising awareness of the importance of mental health and mental health resources. He has been outspoken on his own grapple with depression and anxiety and hopes to destigmatize the topic and misinformation.
Looking to mentors who went from artists turned moguls like Jay-Z and Pharrell, J Balvin’s goal is to inspire other Latinos to dream big and work hard to uplift themselves and their communities.
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The collection offers a mix of vibrant and pastel colors in a variety of uplifting hues. Expressive graphics such as swirl stripes, hearts, and clovers are seen throughout the collection, adding to the playful vibe of the capsule. While staying true to the brand’s DNA, the men’s collection features a new take on the GUESS Originals cargo pant with a relaxed profile and elevated twill fabric, as well as an eco rayon camp.
Global superstar, entrepreneur, and committed mental health advocate, J Balvin, is a highly-decorated music icon with wins across Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMYs, and many others. As a Latinx artist, he has steadfastly broken cultural barriers and become one of the Top 10 most streamed artists globally developing legions of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading the second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace that transcends genres.
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