Event Geek

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The Ballet Center Presents Romeo and Juliet

8:16 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

One of the oldest and most active art organizations in Cebu will be celebrating the farewell performance of the International premier danseur Nicolas Pacaña. Ballet Center of Cebu, will be producing the full- length ballet masterpiece, “Romeo and Juliet” on August 24, 25, 31 and September 1 at the Onstage Cebu, Ayala Cinema One.

“Nicolas deserves his swan song,” says co-artistic director of the Ballet Center, Gregory Aaron. Having known the world for his interpretations of the lead roles in the classics: including; Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker, as well as a wealth of Balanchine, neo-classical and contemporary works, Nicolas worked with many of the world’s finest choreographers as premier danseur of The Honolulu City Ballet, the Boston Ballet and the Atlanta Ballet.

“After I knew that Romeo and Juliet was approved and that it would officially be my last dance onstage, I was really nervous.” said Nicolas. “But I will still be here, teaching and guiding the students.” Now on their 61st season, the Ballet Center and the rest of Cebu will bid adieu to decades of dancing and performing onstage by world renowned danseur Nicolas Pacana. “This is it!” says Nicolas.

The Romeo and Juliet ballet, by Sergei Prokofiev based on Shakespeare's tragic love story one of the most spectacular achievements in the history of ballet, Prokofiev composed the music in 1935 for the Kirov Ballet. The incredible ballet score has inspired many great choreographers to try their hand at Shakespeare's story is meant for all audiences to enjoy.

The demanding role of Juliet will be danced by a guest artist, Katherine Trofeo, a principal dancer, brilliant ballerina from Ballet Philippines, with a supporting cast of over 100 adults and children, multiple scenery changes and props, “Romeo and Juliet “ promises to be a real treat for everybody.

Catch this exciting treat and more only at Cebu’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Ayala Center Cebu. For more information, contact Ayala Center Cebu Concierge at (032) 516-2035 or (032) 231-5342. You can also visit the website: www.ayalamalls.com.ph or “like” the official Ayala Center Cebu on facebook (www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu) for more details on upcoming shows and events.

Tattoo offers ultimate shopping experience with Zalora

5:42 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

What do you get when the number one broadband in the Philippines partners with the leading online shopping site? Definitely the coolest and most convenient online shopping experience!

With the speed and reliability of Tattoo plus the more than 500 brands and 15,000 great finds at Zalora, online shopping is taken to a different level.

And to delight shopaholics even more, Tattoo is giving away P1500 shopping credit to subscribers of Tattoo Personalized Plan 999 from July 13-September 12, 2012! All plans activated via store, online and hotline are entitled to this promo.

The Tattoo P1,500 coupon at Zalora could translate to a trendy pair of women’s shoes, a fab cocktail outfit, a cute, comfy pair of men’s loafers, lovable baby goodies, or even nice accessories for the home.

“As the shopping landscape changes with more and more Filipinos getting hooked to online shopping, Tattoo partners with Zalora to give our subscribers the best online shopping experience. With Tattoo’s fast and reliable internet connection, browsing and shopping through the catalogs of Zalora’s international and local brands becomes a breeze,” explains Dong Ronquillo, Head of Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Services.

Tattoo Personalized Plan 999 provides unlimited browsing at speeds of up to 7.2 mbps. Subscribers may also upgrade their speeds to up to 12, 15 and 21 mbps for minimal charges.

Gather your family and friends and have a blast doing your Zalora shopping by upgrading your stick to a Superstick, Tattoo’s Wi-Fi sharing device that connects up to five devices for only P150 additional fee per month for 24 months.

Zalora is the leading online shopping site that boasts of 500 brands and 15,000 products cutting across all age and gender.

“We picked Zalora to be our partner in this promo because it is the leading online one-stop shopping site and also because of the excellent customer support that they provide, similar to what Tattoo stands for,” Ronquillo adds.

Zalora offers the best in local and international fashion brands under one roof with same day shipping, 30-day return policy andFREE delivery. Zalora is also known for its safe and secure payment methods.

Subscribe to Tattoo Personalized Plan 999 now and start your shopping spree at Zalora! Visit www.tattoo.com.ph or your nearest Globe store for more information.

Globe asserts broadband leadership with sustained double-digit revenue growth

7:03 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom continues to assert its leadership in the Philippine broadband industry with sustained double-digit revenue expansion driven by rising internet usage stemming from the popularity of social networking sites and the growing affordability of access devices such as tablets, PCs, and laptops.

Broadband revenues were up 13% year-on-year to P4.1 billion with the continued strong demand for Tattoo-On-The-Go offerings which comprise the bulk of the company's quarterly acquisitions. This led to the overall growth in Globe broadband subscriber base to nearly 1.6 million by June 30, higher by 22% from almost 1.3 million subscribers in the same period last year.

From 2007 to 2011, Globe broadband service has grown by an average of 99% per year in number of subscribers, and 84% per year in service revenues.

At present, Globe offers Tattoo@Home and Tattoo On-The-Go services across various technologies and connectivity speeds for its residential and business customers.

Tattoo@Home consists of wired or DSL broadband packages bundled with voice, or broadband data-only services which are available at download speeds ranging from 1 mbps up to 15 mbps. In selected areas where DSL is not yet available, Globe offers Tattoo WiMAX, a fixed wireless broadband service using its WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network.

Meanwhile, for consumers who require a fully mobile, internet-on-the-go broadband connection, Tattoo On-the-Go allows subscribers to access the internet using 4G, 3G, or Wi-Fi at various hotspots nationwide using a plug-and-play USB modem. In addition, consumers in selected urban areas who want blazing speed connection have the option to subscribe to Tattoo Torque broadband plans using leading edge GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology with speeds of up to 100 mbps. This is the same technology that Globe provided in the recently concluded ADB's 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors held in Manila last May.

"While we expect competitive and market pressures to persist and even intensify, we are confident that we can build further on our momentum as we head into the second half of the year. Over the years, Tattoo has proven itself as the broadband with superior performance in terms of speed, reliability, and value-for-money plans. And with the ongoing network transformation, we expect to deliver on our promise of creating the happiest customers by providing them with the best internet experience," said Ernest L. Cu, Globe President and CEO.

Part of the massive $700-million network modernization program of Globe is a wider coverage of 3G and 4G services, a ten-fold increase in data capacity, and the rollout of an additional 12,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables to enhance internet speeds and service reliability.

Aside from performance, Globe also continuously reinvents itself by coming up with various innovative marketing and promotional strategies to create the most personalized and tailor-fit services for its internet-loving subscribers to further solidify its position as the number one broadband provider in the Philippines.

For instance, Globe broadband combines the services from mobile Globe Postpaid and Tattoo Postpaid broadband to come up with My Ultimate Super Plan, a bundled offer that provides subscribers calls, texts, mobile browsing, and broadband surfing under one plan for as low as P999 a month. Each plan comes with a free handset and a free Tattoo SuperStick which enables Wi-Fi sharing up to five other devices at the same time. With just a single account, subscribers get the most value for their money compared to subscribing separately to mobile Globe postpaid and broadband Tattoo postpaid plans.

Empowering students to get the most of their campus life, Globe introduced the Tattoo University Sticks (U-Stick) in time for the start of the school year. Available in either Tattoo 3G Stick or Tattoo 4G SuperStick, each device comes with one-year free unlimited access to the subscriber's school website, Yahoo!Mail, Google Mail as well as free 10-day unlimited access to Facebook and Twitter. In addition, the Tattoo U-Stick offers a special surfing rate of P25 for three hours valid for one day and a 2 GB micro-SD card that will enable the dual functionality of the Tattoo U-Stick as a mobile broadband stick and a USB device.

Globe cash dividend payments to reach P8.6 billion by 3Q 2012

6:31 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Total cash dividend payments of leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom will reach P8.6 billion by September this year, representing about 86% of its 2011 core net income.

Globe Telecom’s Board of Directors recently approved the declaration of the second semi-annual cash dividend of P32.50 per common share payable on September 18, 2012 to shareholders on record as of August 28, 2012.

Last March 16, Globe also issued a cash dividend of P32.50, bringing total cash dividend payments this year to P65 per common share.

This year’s payout is also higher by P400 million compared to P8.2 billion dividends in 2011 which was equivalent to 84% of prior year’s net income.

“We at Globe take pride in the company’s consistent performance over the years and in increasing shareholder value. It has always been our aim to provide superior returns to our shareholders and these cash dividends show our commitment to achieving this vision,” said Ernest L. Cu, President and CEO.

Earlier, data from Thomson Reuters StarMine showed that Globe was able to offer the highest dividend yield of 8.3 among 39 stocks in the Philippines.

Under the amended Globe dividend policy, shareholders will receive 75% to 90% of prior year’s core net income instead of reported net income. Core net income excludes all foreign exchange and mark-to-market charges, as well as non-recurring items such as accelerated depreciation charges arising from its IT transformation and network modernization programs. The policy change ensures that dividends and yields remain competitive.

Over the years, Globe continues to provide one of the highest dividend yields in the local market and among telecom companies in the region, thereby, earning it the top spot in the Most Consistent Dividend Policy award of Alpha Southeast Asia and Commitment to a Strong Dividend Policy award of FinanceAsia last June 2012.

PlantsVs.Zombies Live in Cebu

4:01 PM

Vernon Joseph Go

AYALA Center BRINGS JAPAN TO CEBU THIS WEEKEND!

3:58 PM

Vernon Joseph Go

Kon nichi wa

Ayala Center would like to invite you to come witness and celebrate the Japanese Festival this August in a series of events, shows and a buffet of Japanese treats this weekend. Nothing says Taberu! better than this!

From August 11 and 12, a whole new unique epicurean experience awaits the sophisticated diner who has a taste for Japanese culinary delights.

Come experience and explore the cuisine and culture that is uniquely Japanese as various restaurants in Cebu showcase their Japanese specialties at the Ayala Terraces. From 12pm to 9pm, visit the two day-long Japanese gourmet festival that will feature some of the best Japanese cuisine in the city.

Complementing the Japan Food Festival at the Terraces will be a selection of 8 Japanese restaurants that will be offering special set lunches and dinners exclusively for the weekend. Grab a taste of Joed’s Lutong Hapon, Hotel Asia’s Han-Nya Restaurant, Red Kimono, Rai Rai Ken, Tokyo Joe, Sumo Sam, Mochiko and more as they set up pop up stalls all over The Terraces while activities such as the Ramen Eating Contest will delight and entertain the diners.

The agreement or harmony of different elements--mood, taste, and appearance--is the key to truly enjoying Japanese food. With so many Japanese cuisines to choose from, Japanese food lovers in Cebu can certainly explore new food products and sample Japanese cuisine like never before.

Other highlights of the Japan Festival will be 6-day film fiesta that will delight moviegoers to ten specially-selected contemporary films from respected Japanese film makers to be screened in this year's most awaited EigaSai, or Movie festival from August 7-12. The Consular Office of Japan in Cebu, Japan Foundation and Embassy of Japan also conjured a two-day affair that will feature the best of Japanese music, film and the arts. From August 11-12, don’t miss the Wakodaiko (Japanese Traditional Drum), Awaodori (Japanese Traditional Folk Dance), Karate, Nihonbuyou (Japanese Traditional Dance) and Cosplay Competition at the Ayala Activity Center. Kanpai!

This exciting treat is only at Cebu’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Ayala Center Cebu. For more information, contact Ayala Center Cebu Concierge at (032) 516-2035 or (032) 231-5342. You can also visit the website: www.ayalamalls.com.ph or “like” the official Ayala Center Cebu on facebook (www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu) for more details on upcoming shows and events.

Mata Sugu Aimashou!

The new Nokia Asha Touch: affordability and entertainment at its finest

8:12 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Nowadays, owning a mobile phone is already a necessity rather than a luxury. While they are mainly used as a communication tool, mobile phones have also become a source of entertainment and a preferred way of connecting to the Internet.

However, even in the Philippines, a nation generally regarded as tech-savvy, not everyone gets to enjoy such privileges. This is mostly because smartphones that contain all these features are oftentimes beyond the means of most Filipinos.

Not anymore. Nokia has found an affordable way to help keep Filipinos connected as it introduces the Asha Touch family. Featuring three exciting smartphones that are perfect for young and urban Filipino consumers, the Nokia Asha Touch range, which consists of Nokia Asha 305, Nokia Asha 306, and Nokia Asha 311, offer unique features that promise several ways of entertainment.

“The new Nokia Asha range will bring the most popular smartphone features within the reach of many. We believe that it is not only important to make the phones affordable, but you also have to be able to really make the most of the features they have. It’s part of our global commitment to connect the next billion to the Internet. These are some of the compelling reasons why we came up with the Nokia Asha Touch family, and we hope that just like other Nokia devices, these smartphones will also become fundamental in our consumers’ daily lives,” said Saulo Passos, Nokia’s communication director for mobile phones.

True enough, the Nokia Asha Touch range of smartphones are packed with qualities that will surely give users their money’s worth. Through their design as well as their exciting feature s, you will discover that these phones let you explore endless possibilities.

With one look, one will immediately notice the stylish designs of the Nokia Asha Touch smartphones. Following Nokia’s legacy of having a superb design, Nokia Asha 305, Asha 306 and Asha 311 are beautifully crafted using high-quality materials. They feature a bright, colorful and intuitive touch screen that allows users to experience fun and adventure right at their fingertips. These phones are also available in colors that match your personality or your lifestyle.

But more important than a smartphone’s exterior are its features that tell us what it’s really capable of. Nokia Asha 305, Asha 306 and Asha 311 all have a visually entertaining user interface that’s fun to use. They also come with Nokia’s exclusive offer where you can download 40 EA games for free. This includes all-time favorite titles like Tetris, Bejeweled, Need for Speed and The Run. And if you are done with these games, there are also around 35,000 other apps waiting to be explored.

Nokia Asha Touch smartphones also allow you to keep in touch with your loved ones through email and chat on the most popular instant messaging providers. You can also stay social by accessing your Facebook and Twitter from the preloaded application. Each smartphone is also equipped with Nokia Maps, which helps you discover and get to your new adventures.

All Nokia Asha Touch smartphones also come with the new Nokia Browser, which makes mobile browsing a better experience for all users. With this improved feature, you can now surf the Internet up to three times faster. Nokia Browser also helps you have a cheaper mobile experience as it reduces your data costs by up to 90 percent.

But although they come from the same family, each of the three smartphones has its unique feature. Nokia Asha 305 is the only one among the three which has the Easy Swap Dual SIM technology, which makes it easier for users to manage several SIM cards without the hassle of turning off the device. It is reasonably priced at P3,890 and is available in Red, Mid Blue, Dark Grey and Silver White.

Meanwhile, its sister device, the Nokia Asha 306 provides WLAN, enabling users to say connected even while they’re on the move. Valued at P4,250, it is also Nokia’s most affordable WIFI handset. It also comes in Red, Mid Blue, Dark Grey and Silver White.

The third smartphone, Nokia Asha 311, boasts of a scratch resistant, capacitive glass screen that’s suitable for a fun and easy mobile experience. Aside from being a 3G device, it is also powered by a 1GHz processor which is handy for a greater and even faster Internet experience. It will be available in two colors: Rose Red and Dark Grey.

To know more about each of the three Nokia Asha Touch smartphones, you may also click on the following links: Asha 305 (http://youtu.be/cBjgWdrE8uc); Asha 306(http://youtu.be/gInzItyjbX0); Asha 311 (http://youtu.be/cz3iEKnyE7w).

Please visit www.nokia.com/press for hi-res photos and detailed product information.

Globe completes first phase of Cebu network modernization

8:08 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Globe Telecom said it has completed the swap-out of its cell sites and other network facilities in Cebu as part of the company’s massive $700-million modernization program across the Philippines.

The cell site cluster swap-out in Cebu ushers in improved coverage, reduced drop call rates as well as better call set-up and quality in the entire province and the Central Visayas region. The area has also been primed for switching-on of 4G HSPA+ (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access) technology and is also ready to upgrade to 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology.

Close to 7 million Filipinos living in the island and its environs now enjoy superior signal strength, demonstrated by impeccable call connections and clarity, instantaneous text message transmissions and richer web browsing experience, among other services that now redefine their new mobile experience.

Robert Tan, Chief Technical Adviser of Globe Telecom, said that the total change of its network elements in Cebu was rolled-out in seamless precision, maintaining continuous cellular signal in the Cebu area without compromising network integrity and mobile quality performance.

“We consider this a major achievement as our local network engineering team, together with our foreign partners Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei, achieved the Cebu swap-out in record time. The province of Cebu was divided into six network clusters, with teams simultaneously working on changing the cell sites. The total project was completed in 24 hours,” said Tan, “This strengthens our capacity to expediently implement the replacement of the network infrastructure with minimal disruption on our services.”

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, for his part, hailed this positive development as a “major win” for Globe subscribers in Cebu, its adjacent provinces and the larger mobile community at the heart of the archipelago.

“Most definitely, our customers in Cebu and nearby provinces will benefit from their new Globe network, giving them unparalleled mobile experience: they can text and call with more ease, plus surf the Web at improved speeds previously unheard of. Unlike other modernization efforts which claim completion, ours in Globe is a more deliberate and authentic change for core migration and facility upgrade, making Cebu and its environs ready for new technologies down the road and experience mobile services at par with that of Manila and other key cities,” Cu said.

The Cebu network change-out comes in the heels of the highly-successful rollout phases this month in Southern Philippines, particularly in the Davao region, Zamboanga provinces and key areas of Mindanao, parts of Northern and Southern Luzon, as well as in the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela in the National Capital Region.

Representative Teddy Casiño to grace the 8th Regional NAO Congress and 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards

7:20 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Representative Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño, Jr. of Bayan Muna Partylist would serve as Guest of Honor during the 8^th Regional Nutrition Action Officers’ (NAO) Congress and 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards (GNA) on 03 August 2012 at the City Sports Club Cebu, Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

1. Congressman Casiño, a progressive legislator and advocate for new politics will deliver his inspirational message to about 400 NAOs from Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor who are expected to attend this annual event in the region. Casiño is the proponent of House Bill 6311 which seeks to institutionalize “meatless Monday” and promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyle among Filipinos. Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet. Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic non-communicable and preventable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Dr. Parolita A. Mission, Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council 7 (NNC 7) said that this Regional NAO Congress which is now on its 8^th year is held back to back with the regional nutrition awarding ceremony. This year’s event is organized by NNC 7 and the Regional Nutrition Committee in partnership with the Nutrition Action Officers of the Philippines Association – Central Visayas (NAOPA – CV). The activity aims to convene all the nutrition action officers from the provincial, city, municipal down to the barangay level. It also seeks to impart useable information to the attending Nutrition Action Officers with regards to better management and understanding of themselves and the nutrition program.

Newly-elected NAOPA-CV President and Tanjay CNAO, Dr. Ma. Elizabeth Sedillo will give the opening remarks. RNC Chair and DOH-CHD7 Regional Director Asuncion M. Anden will deliver the Keynote Address. Topics that would be discussed would include “How Tall are We? Appreciating height measurement”, to be given by Ms. Melinda D. Cañares, Nutritionist – Dietitian III of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 and Chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee – Technical Working Group, would tackle the importance of height taking under the new World Health Organization – Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS). The second topic, “Environmental Green Living towards a Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle”, to be given by Engineer Nestor D. Archival, Owner of the Eco-House would tackle on the issue of organic gardening and lessening carbon footprint and its correlation to our present and to our children future.

Another topic would be “Anger Management: Leading a Happy and Peaceful Life” would focus on better coping up with anger and mastering it so that we could lessen its effects on ourselves and unto others. This would be given by Mr. Juanito “June” B. Luna, President of Prosel Pharmaceuticals. Mr. William O. Chavez, OIC, OAVP for South Luzon and Visayas, PhilHealth Insurance Corporation, would talk about “PhilHealth, Are We Protected?”. This talk aims to inform the attendees of the extent of the PhilHealth coverage and the inclusions and exclusions especially among sponsored clients.

The 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards would cap the whole day event. This awarding activity aims to recognize exemplary performing local government units with regards to nutrition program implementation, distinguish good nutrition projects/practices by LGUs in the region and bestows the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars trophy and honor the unsung heroes of nutrition.

This 8^th Regional NAO Congress and 2012 Grand Nutrition Awards would also serve as the culminating events of the month-long observance of the 38^th Nutrition Month this July 2012.

Globe gears up for CURE 3G spectrum bidding

7:16 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Kickstart Partners with U.S Embassy to Host Fil-Am Startup Founder Garrett Gee

7:13 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

ncubator-accelerator Kickstart Ventures, Inc. has partnered with the United States Embassy in Manila to host a startup founders’ meet-up with American technopreneur Garrett Gee, who is visiting the Philippines on a U.S. State Department sponsored speaker program.

Garrett Gee’s program in the Philippines is focused on startups in the information technology sector. Gee, who founded a web design and software company called Scan, Inc., is expected to meet with technopreneurs, IT professionals, bloggers, web designers, students, government officials, among others to share his knowledge and inspire young people with his experiences. As part of the speaker tour, Kickstart will host a Startup Mixer, creating a forum for Gee to meet with the local startup community, share experiences and insights and find common ground.

“We’re glad to support the U.S. Embassy to host Garrett Gee’s talk. We’re launching the Kickstart Startup Mixers for the local startup community to get together, and this meet-up with Garrett makes for a cool first Startup Mixer,” said Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart.

Kickstart, Inc., is a fully-owned subsidiary of leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom, that works with startup founders to co-create a community where collaboration and mutual support are the natural instinct. “Each startup journey is unique, but there is still much common ground among technopreneurs and developers, that it makes sense to help each other out, and build bridges rather than walls.”

Gee may very well find quite a bit of that common ground here: he was born in the U.S. but his mother was born and raised in Manila. The young IT entrepreneur and software designer is founder and chief executive officer of Provo, Utah-based Scan, Inc., which received US$1.7 million in seed funding when it started in early 2011. Scan creates web and mobile tools to enable enterprises and individuals to benefit from mobile transaction technologies such as Quick Response (QR) Code, Near Field Communication (NFC), among others.

Since the release of the Scan app last year, it has received more than 10 million downloads in the App Store and Android Marketplace and is currently being used in more than 77 countries. Scan’s “disruptive apps” connect the real world with the digital universe in fun and innovative ways. By using QR code, NFC, and other technologies, Scan Inc. is able to bring social media, lead generation, and mobile commerce to life through real world "like," "follow," and even "buy" buttons.

“I was born with that unexplainable but very real ability to understand human tendencies, design, and trends. Similar to those whom I look up to and admire such as Steve Jobs (of Apple) and Jack Dorsey (of Twitter),” he said. Gee was the youngest-ever inductee in the list of Top 100 Utah Entrepreneurs in 2011. The year before, he was honored as one of the top 25 Utah Student-Owned Business Founders.

Gee’s arrival in the Philippines comes at an opportune time with the growing interest of technopreneurs to build their own startup businesses.

Kickstart has committed to help develop a dynamic community of technopreneurs in the country. Through its incubator-accelerator model, it supports selected startups who are building innovative businesses by providing funding, facilities, mentorship, and market access.

“We have a Php100Million fund for the first year of investments: funding is a great way to help startups move from talking about their ideas to actually making them happen,” said Navarrete. She is quick to add that funding is just one part of the Kickstart formula. “Funding is a start; and to follow through, we need to create a viable ecosystem for early-stage companies – putting our assets, business relationships and talent base to work supporting startups. It’s about helping startups get off to a faster start, and a better trajectory,” she concluded.

Navarrete said that Gee’s experience illustrates one path to success and that perhaps, with the current interest in the startup scene, some of the founders in the Kickstart Startup Mixer event will be telling their own success stories in the not-too distant future.

The U.S. Embassy’s Speaker Program brings American experts from a wide variety of professional backgrounds to countries around the world to engage public audiences through talks, workshops, and seminars, either in person or digitally. The program was designed to promote understanding of U.S. culture, society, policies and institutions, and the political, economic, social and cultural fabric context out of which they arise.