Latest news with #PhilippineBlockchainWeek
Coin Geek
4 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
PH Blockchain Week 2025 highlights growth and well-being in Web3
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Philippine Blockchain Week is back to tackle initiatives in a serious manner with industry movers and the government on Day 2 of the iconic blockchain event at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Global and local experts in the tech space engaged in a day filled with regulatory, innovative, and action-packed discussions. Leading Day 2 was a cultural dance performance by the Philippines Tourism Promotion Board themed on loving the Philippines, which ignited the day before moving forward with an opening spiel from the event hosts: Aya De Quiroz, Maria Saab, and Muneer Al Busaidi. (Left to Right): Maria Saab, Muneer Al Busaidi, and Aya De Quiroz. What really kicked started the conversation was the short but meaningful opening remarks from Janelle Barretto, co-founder of the Philippine Blockchain Week. Baretto recapped the highlights of Day 1 and reminded the audience of their journey in bringing blockchain into the Philippines. This was followed by keynote speeches about blockchain's financial infrastructure from Venom's Christopher Tsu and the 'humannness' in the age of AI from World Foundation's Fabian Bodensteiner. 'The Philippine Blockchain Week is an event; it is a platform, but we have a huge responsibility on our shoulders. We took this on [despite being] normal people who have visions, who have passion, and dedication of pushing the agenda to the Philippines and take it to the next level,' Baretto said in her speech. 'We are a great country with a 20 million population, tech-savvy, energetic, talented, and we're just right to be the hub of everything. We just wanted the world to take notice… we've seen how far we've come… and in such a short time, we've come a long way, yet we still have a lot of potential. That's what all these are all about: unlocking the potential of blockchain in the Philippines and bringing it to the masses.' Philippine Blockchain Week's Co-Founder Janelle Barretto. The PH's digital ecosystem voiced by Filipino exchanges shaping Web3 The day's first panel discussion was moderated by Benjamin Finnigan of B3C Capital, joined by the three representatives of the country's most prominent Web3 players: GCash, Maya, and In this discussion, titled 'The Homegrown Hustle: Filipino Exchanges Shaping Web3,' Country Manager, Jen Bilango; Maya's Head of Growth and Product Strategy/Head of Invest Alvin Wong; and GCash Head of Cryptocurrencies, Luis Buenaventura, touched on the measures and challenges each platforms are taking to cater digital currencies safely and securely to the Filipinos. Delving into security and transparency issues post the FTX dilemma and the crypto winter, Buenaventura says that GCash—as the new kid in the block—maintains a safety protocol and is regulatory compliant. Still, despite this, he reiterated the importance of vigilance and users' due diligence in the space, which was agreed upon by Wong. Meanwhile, Bilango focused on their users' education (Left to Right): Benjamin Finnigan, Alvin Wong, Jen Bilango, and Luis Buenaventura. 'One of the things that we're really big on is education. Do not trust people [who ask you] to give them your OTP,' she noted. Bilango also mentioned setting up a threshold that allows users to specify a daily transaction amount. On the question of investment and blockchain adoption, however, Buenaventura claimed that the Philippines is leapfrogging to mobile wallet adoption amid the failed credit card penetration in the country. The GCash head of cryptocurrencies believes wallets are 'way more robust' in terms of financial inclusion and bringing digital currencies closer to Filipinos. As for Bilango and Wong, education and financial literacy must be the top priority before moving forward with investing and adoption. 'The job is mostly to figure out what kind of blockchain projects are out there that would be a good fit in the local market [and] the culture,' Buenaventura remarked. Remembering well-being and mental wealth in this Web3 world Still lingering around the issues of adopting digital currencies, Day 2 touched on an important aspect and probably a controversial issue in the industry: customers' mental well-being. In this discussion, also moderated by Finnigan, Dr. Neeta Bhushan of Dharma Coaching Institute, Erwin Valencia of Mastery, and transformational speaker and coach Sanaiyah Gurnamal viewed the human aspect of Web3 and how users can avoid the FOMO culture in a volatile space like cryptocurrencies. (Left to Right): Erwin Valencia, Sanaiyah Gurnamal, Dr. Neeta Bhushan, and Benjamin Finnigan. Their collective conclusion is most popular digital currency firms capitalize on the vulnerability and peer pressure of delving into the digital currency space, so despite the trend, the three experts reminded everyone of the following: – Regulate your mental health and nervous system in dealing with the space – Have enough bandwidth for research before diving into Cryptocurrencies 'You should always focus on the 'Why am I doing this?' When you get lost, when the FOMO kicks in, when it gets too busy, or when you're high on all of these things happening, remember the reason why you are doing this, and remind yourself why you would stay on course,' Gurnamal said. Dissecting the CASP: A discussion in regulatory compliance On a more serious note, the PBW 2025 also looked into the new guidelines and what's under the thematic sandbox for CASP or crypto-asset service providers. Attorney Mark Gorriceta and Attorney Paolo Ong had a one-on-one discussion dissecting what it is and how it can affect the local digital asset economy in the long run. (Left & Right): Attorney Mark Gorriceta and Attorney Paolo Ong. CASP is an initiative by the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the SEC Memorandum Circulars Nos. 4 and 5. This new rule defines digital assets like cryptocurrencies as a 'digitally secured form of value' running on the blockchain. Atty. Ong noted that not all assets are classified as securities; some are considered financial products that fall under the regulation of the SEC. He explained that the SEC concentrates on three key areas: market conduct, training activities, and marketing. 'We intend the rules to be frictionless to current VASP licensees,' Ong said. Some requirements he shared for obtaining a CASP license include: – Proper registration in the Philippines– Minimal capital requirement – Segregation of customers from exchange funds
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Jackson.io's "The Sharkz Night" Attracts Over 800 NFT Holders, with OKX Airdrop
the decentralized gaming protocol built on the SUI blockchain, made waves during Philippine Blockchain Week on June 10-11 with its headline after-party event, 'The Sharkz Night.' Held on the evening of June 11, the Sharkz-themed gathering drew over 800 participants—far surpassing the original limit of 500 Sharkz NFT holders—marking it as one of the largest unofficial offline events in the SUI NFT ecosystem to date. 800 Sharkz NFT Holders in Attendance Held at XYLO at the Palace, Manila's one of the most iconic nightclubs, the lively atmosphere brought together not only Sharkz community members but also local blockchain influencers and KOLs, elevating the event's energy and reach. Launched just three months ago, the Jackson Sharkz NFT community has quickly gained traction in the Sui ecosystem. This successful gathering brought together holders from around the world and injected new vitality into the Sui NFT space. The event featured an interactive experience presented by OKX Wallet, which attracted a large number of participants to engage and explore. As the event approached its conclusion, the organizer announced that OKX would distribute a special airdrop. Following this announcement, event staff handed out OKX Giveaway cards to each attendee, each printed with a scannable QR code. Sharkz NFT holders simply needed to scan the QR code using the OKX app to claim a $5 USDT airdrop, which was directly credited to their OKX wallet accounts. The announcement was met with an enthusiastic response, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with cheers and excitement, marking the climax of the evening's event. Adding to the significance of the occasion, the entire OKX Philippine Team, along with some SEA OKX Leaders, participated and celebrated with the Sharkz NFT holders, making the event even more special. Announces Future Plans During the event, shared major updates, including: Round 3 of the Points Competition launches on June 16 A car giveaway event is scheduled in the Philippines in Q4 A goal to surpass $100 million in total trading volume by the end of the year Over the two-day Philippine Blockchain Week, the booth drew thousands of visitors and hosted live Sharkz NFT raffles, generating buzz and widespread attention. Committed to Growing the Sui Ecosystem Since its inception, has been dedicated to advancing the SUI ecosystem. The team expresses sincere gratitude to every Sharkz community member for their ongoing support. will continue to organize offline events in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more, building stronger bonds with Sharkz holders around the world. is a decentralized gaming protocol built on the SUI blockchain, aiming to create a player-driven Web3 gaming ecosystem. Through a points system, NFT integration, and transparent on-chain gameplay, offers a highly engaging and innovative blockchain gaming experience. Contact Marketing Manager Jayden Smith
Coin Geek
03-06-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
Beyond Web3: PH Blockchain Week 2025 set to raise standards for innovation
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Mark your calendars as we prepare to light up the stage for the return of the Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City, from June 10 to 11. Witness a bigger and bolder PBW 2025 with the participation of hundreds of speakers, industry pioneers, influencers, and community partners working to drive the Philippines' blockchain revolution. Carrying the theme 'DECODED,' the third installment of the PBW will focus on breaking down blockchain's complexities and its synergy with other emerging technologies in promoting innovation in diverse industries as the country maps its digital future. The two-day event will also feature immersive activities that will give participants a glimpse of the future fueled by blockchain. Be prepared to engage in in-depth discussions on the future of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and market trends, and get insights on how the government is working with public and private institutions in adopting blockchain and the initiatives being laid out in support of the Philippines' digital transformation. The panel discussions are not the only ones to look forward to, as numerous exhibits from leading tech companies—both local and international—will be set up on the floor, bringing attendees an opportunity to explore advanced technologies and state-of-the-art solutions. Similar to previous years, PBW 2025 will be a chance for participants to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts and industry leaders, hear from members of the academe, and learn how they're rallying for the youths' involvement in blockchain adoption. Organizers of PBW 2025 will also spotlight the growing local startup ecosystem and how innovative technologies are creeping into Filipino culture while honoring the tech scene's movers and shakers. Who's leading the charge? Master the art of blockchain and Web3 with hosts crypto thought leader Aya Dequiroz, investor and entrepreneur Chantel Elloway, and seasoned corporate trainer Muneer Al Busaidi, together with some of the most influential figures in the emerging technology sector, including PBW regulars Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Director Emmy Lou Delfin, Women in Blockchain Philippines Founder Gail Macapagal, $KIKI CEO Ian Utile, Datagram CEO Jason Brink, and W3GG Ida Mok. Find out the full list of speakers here. Be part of the story In recent years, we've witnessed how the Philippines ride the wave of innovation, from crafting policies following the massive popularity of digital currencies to rediscovering gamers and the youths' potential in the country's digitalization drive during the era of play-to-earn (P2E) gaming and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). But the movement does not stop there. This year's PBW will serve as a testament to the Philippines' vigor in propelling the country into a blockchain hub and how collaborative efforts could spark a massive transformation. Seize this chance to become part of this momentum and get your tickets here. See you there! Watch: Web3 is natural progression of technology title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Coin Geek
07-05-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 and its mission to debunk crypto myths and spotlight real-world innovation
Homepage > News > Business > Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 and its mission to debunk crypto myths and spotlight real-world innovation Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... April 22, 2025, Manila, Philippines – The global conversation around blockchain and cryptocurrencies continues to evolve. An industry challenged by myths and misconceptions, Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2025 hacks the discourse on blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity in an engaging and intensive week-long event from June 10 to 11, 2025, at SMX Convention Center. Knowing that Philippines is an emerging player in the global Web3 space, PBW 2025 brings together global thought leaders, developers, regulators, investors, and innovators to provide clarity, credibility, and herald the future of blockchain in Southeast Asia and beyond—setting the stage not just for progress but for meaningful understanding. While headlines often highlight volatility, scams, and speculation, Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 seeks to shift the conversation, showcasing blockchain's real-world applications such as financial inclusion, transparent governance, supply chain integrity, and digital identity. It even explores how blockchain can be applied to everyday experiences, like buying fishballs. Key Themes of the Conference PBW 2025 welcomes educators, students, and curious newcomers to join in and experience blockchain technology firsthand through demos, exhibits, and interactive sessions, showing access points to blockchain and web3 through Arts, Music, Gaming, and Tech. Here are the key themes of the conference: Demystifying Crypto: Panels and keynotes that break down blockchain fundamentals and separate hype from reality. Regulation with Impact: Dialogues between government agencies and Web3 leaders to shape balanced policies that protect users without stifling innovation. Blockchain for Good: Case studies on how blockchain is already helping address real issues from remittance costs to disaster relief. Why is the Philippines built for Blockchain? (Photo provided by Philippine Blockchain Week) The Philippines offers a uniquely fertile environment for blockchain adoption, driven by several key factors: Digital-First Population: Over 117.4 million active mobile cellular users, high mobile penetration, and a young, tech-savvy population. Remittance Powerhouse: As one of the top recipients of overseas remittances, the country stands to benefit from blockchain's ability to reduce fees and improve access. A Thriving Creator Economy: Filipino creators, gamers, and developers are early Web3 adopters from NFT art to play-to-earn platforms. Community-Driven Culture: Grassroots adoption, community education, and online collaboration come naturally to Filipinos. Government Openness: Ongoing dialogues with regulators and industry leaders are creating balanced, innovation-friendly blockchain policies. Blockchain Is More Than Just Crypto Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 puts a spotlight on how blockchain technology goes beyond financial speculation, serving as a transformative tool across multiple sectors. It's being used to: Improve financial inclusion by providing the unbanked with access to digital wallets and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms Secure land titles and medical records with tamper-proof digital documentation Streamline government services using transparent and auditable data systems Empower creators and entrepreneurs with NFT ownership, smart contracts, and access to global digital marketplaces Enable new models of community ownership, from cooperatives to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) About Philippine Blockchain Week Philippine Blockchain Week is the country's flagship blockchain event, uniting global and local ecosystems in one platform to drive education, innovation, and inclusion through Web3. Now in its fourth spectacular year, PBW remains the Philippines' premier event where global visionaries converge to explore emerging trends, share insights, and drive meaningful collaborations that shape the future of blockchain. Bridging Tech and Culture: Web2 Adoption to Web3 Through Music, Gaming, and the Arts One of the most exciting elements of Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 is its approach to demystifying blockchain through music, gaming, arts, and entertainment as accessible entry points to Web3. The event will feature live performances, meme coin trend showcases, and immersive experiences that make blockchain feel familiar, fun, and inspiring. As one of the most active Web3 markets in the world, the Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead this cultural shift. PBW 2025 is not just a tech conference, it's a national movement for digital empowerment. For more information, check the highlights page at the official PBW 2025 website: One-of-a-kind 'Fishblock' is available from May 2 to June 11, 2024 Marvin Agustin and Fishblock during the PBW Press Launch last March 31, 2025. One of the initiatives that PBW started to make blockchain more accessible and relatable, Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) is the creation of Fishblock, a limited-edition fishball experience crafted by celebrity chef and restaurateur Marvin Agustin. These limited-edition Fishblocks are available for purchase exclusively through crypto payments at Cochi and Kondwi. Each Fishblock order comes with a free NFT (non-fungible token) minted on Bayanichain, the Philippines' homegrown blockchain platform. Designed by emerging Filipino artists, the NFT serves as a digital certificate authenticating each Fishblock as a blockchain-backed limited edition, effectively turning a beloved street snack into a digital collectible. While eating fishballs is an everyday Filipino experience, Fishblock blends food, art, and technology to make blockchain tangible, enjoyable, and less intimidating for newcomers.
