Kickstart Ventures, Inc. to manage new $150M venture capital fund of Ayala Corp.

                     

Kickstart Ventures, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, was chosen by Ayala Corporation (AC)  to manage its new $150 million venture capital fund to support startups pursuing innovations along key technology areas in data and analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, automation, real estate, retail, transport, energy, water, health and wellness, and food.

The Ayala Corporation Technology Innovation Venture (ACTIVE) Fund is looking at a range of investments in Series A to Series C or early- to mid-growth stage across four key investment themes - (1) ‘A Frictionless Future;’ (2) ‘From Automation to Augmentation;’ (3) ‘Innovations in Real Estate;’ and (4) ‘A World of Plenty’.

As sole manager of ACTIVE Fund, Kickstart is responsible for seeking companies that offer innovative, scalable, sustainable solutions for the seamless integration of digital and traditional channels such as On-Demand Services, IoT, FinTech, Blockchain, E-Commerce and Omni-Channel as well as the automation and augmentation applications for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Big Data and Analytics, and Cloud Computing. 

Japanese “Netsuke” Exhibition opens at Manila and Bacolod

Unique and precious miniature Japanese carvings to be presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls

MANILA and BACOLOD  - The Japan Foundation, Manila, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Malls, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, present “Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke”, a traveling exhibition to open at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City from May 1 to 26, 2019 and at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 5 from July 1 to 21, 2019. Viewing is free.

As kimono culture flourished during the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), netsuke, small carvings, were created as toggles to secure the small personal items such as money pouches, inrō (medicine containers), or tobacco containers worn suspended on cords from the obi (a sash worn with kimono). What began as functional pieces to prevent those little containers from falling to the ground evolved into small but highly creative carvings. Today, classic netsuke have gained international acclaim and regard as remarkably detailed carvings. In Japan, meanwhile, some netsuke enthusiasts and carvers have managed to keep the tradition alive.

“Netsuke is unique in that daily commodities have evolved into art form in the course of time. I believe viewers can enjoy and appreciate the delicate work of art created by Japanese craftsmanship." shares Hiroaki Uesugi, Director of The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke, our new traveling exhibition, is an innovative contemporary crafts exhibition presenting 65 works by contemporary Japanese netsuke carvers and artists.

A series of special events are also lined up to complement the Netsuke exhibition. To celebrate Philippine-Japan Friendship Month in July, we have also invited two renowned netsuke artists and experts from Japan, Mr. Tadamine Nakagawa and Ms. Asuka Kajiura to give a lecture and demonstration about this distinct and historical art form.

Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke Exhibition

May 1 – 26, 2019

1st Floor, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City

Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 10 AM to 9 PM; Fri-Sun 10 AM to 10 PM

July 1 – 21, 2019

3rd Level, Greenbelt 5 Phase 1, Makati City

Mall hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 AM to 9 PM; Fri-Sun 11 AM to 10 PM

Special Events:

Japanese Yukata Demonstration and Workshop

5 pm, May 1, Activity Center, Ayala Capitol Central Bacolod

Netsuke Talk and Demonstration

With Tadamine Nakagawa and Asuka Kajiura

Phase 1, Greenbelt 5

*More information to be announced

For more information and updates visit facebook.com/jfmanila or www.jfmo.org.ph

The Mind Museum’s Dino Play opens at Ayala Malls Capitol Central

Young children can explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs at The Mind Museum’s Dino Play Traveling Exhibition which opens today until April 5, 2019 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

Nothing probably charms more our young children than dinosaurs. Let’s satisfy their curiosity for these prehistoric creatures that roamed Earth 65 million years ago by allowing them the opportunity to visit The Mind Museum’s travelling exhibition.

The adventure begins by introducing guests as to what dinosaurs are and how they are related to more familiar, modern animals. One then follows the massive Dino footprints representing the impressions left when dinosaurs used to roam the Earth.