PH iGaming Streamers Unite to Promote Responsible Gaming Amid Crackdown on Creators Promoting Illegal iGaming

Manila, Philippines – Philippine Esports pioneer Julius “Banoobs” Mariano today announced the launch of YGS Live (Your Game Simulator Live), a next-generation livestream platform built to empower iGaming streamers, creators, and fans through responsible entertainment with PAGCOR-license games. Alongside its debut, YGS Live introduces Battle of the Streamers, a major international iGaming competition featuring an 11-million-peso prize pool that will run every Saturday starting November 15 and culminate in a grand battle event in January 2026 at City of Dreams, Manila.

A veteran of the Philippine esports community, Banoobs has spent over a decade shaping the industry from the ground up. From his early work with Mineski Events Team in 2007, to his leadership as Twitch Country Manager for the Philippines, and senior roles with Ampverse (Minana) and Blacklist International, Banoobs has continuously championed Filipino talent and esports innovation both locally and globally.

“YGS Live is built for creators who want to grow, collaborate, and elevate the iGaming space responsibly,” said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live. Beyond competition, YGS Live promotes responsible iGaming as a core mission. “Influence comes with responsibility,” Mariano shared. “We want YGS Live to be a platform that doesn’t just entertain but also educates, helping shape a healthier iGaming culture for players and viewers alike.”

Battle of the Streamers marks YGS Live’s flagship program, bringing together some of the country’s most influential iGaming streamers and content creators, including ChooxTV, Hypebits, Foreigngerms, AD BEAT, BULLDOG, AkosiDogie, and Beatmaster. All participating influencers exclusively support PAGCOR-licensed iGaming platforms, reflecting YGS Live’s advocacy to discourage and curb the promotion of content creators involved with illegal or scam iGaming sites, upholding ethical and responsible content creation.

The weekly competition will feature friendly yet high-stakes matchups among the Philippines’ most-followed iGaming personalities, paired with interactive segments for online fans.. To further engage its community, YGS Live will reward viewers throughout the tournament, giving away 3 million pesos in total community prizes, with 300,000 pesos distributed per livestream to participating fans and viewers.

YGS Live operates as a broadcast network dedicated to iGaming and entertainment-based content. It provides a collaborative, brand-safe environment where creators, partners, and fans can engage openly while upholding ethical standards in streaming and gameplay.

Through YGS Live, Banoobs envisions a future where Filipino streamers and creators are recognized as global leaders in iGaming and online entertainment. The platform is positioned to become a creative hub for responsible, community-driven, and inclusive iGaming, what Mariano calls “the GMA or Netflix of iGaming entertainment.”

For more details and updates, visit the official YGS Live Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YGSLive.

Quezon City Awards Seven Startups with Php 1 Million each at the Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day

Quezon City, Philippines - The Quezon City Government recognized seven outstanding startups with Php 1 million equity-free grants each during the Startup QC Cohort 4 Demo Day.

In collaboration with startup accelerator Launchgarage, the event gathered founders, investors, and policymakers in celebration of the city’s growing reputation as the country’s innovation and startup capital. Out of nine (9) finalists, seven (7) startups were chosen for their innovative, scalable, and socially attuned solutions.

Launched under the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Startup QC Program empowers early-stage startups through funding, mentorship, and access to a vibrant innovation network — driving inclusive economic growth, sustainability, and digital transformation across the city.

“Innovation is not just about technology — it is about empathy, service, and equity,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “Through Startup QC, we are proving that governance and innovation can work hand in hand, that a local government can be both visionary and inclusive.”

To further strengthen its innovation ecosystem, the City is also finalizing the Business Investment and Trade Incentives for Startups (BITIS) Ordinance, which will provide fiscal incentives and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to scale and succeed. The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) will spearhead its official launch under the Invest with QC campaign.

Empowering Startups that Reflect the Nation’s Needs

This year’s Cohort 4 grantees represent key industries that mirror the evolving needs of Filipino communities — from clean energy and human resource development to recreation, health innovation, and digital transformation.

• Briyo – Builds modular, bamboo-based wind and hydro turbines for off-grid communities (Sustainable Energy)
• Hireable – AI-powered freelance hiring and KPI matching platform (Human Resource Technology)
• Kazam On-Demand Services – Flexible online marketplace for part-time household help (Human Resource Technology)
• Laro – Sports and recreation booking and community app (Sports and Recreation Technology)
• Agap.ai – AI-powered developmental screening tool for parents (Health Technology)
• Soolok – Streamlines foreclosure data and home acquisition within 45 days (Property Technology)
• Xamun.AI – an AI platform that converts business requirements into applications in weeks (Information Technology)

Emerging Themes: Startups that Address Real Needs

This year’s Cohort 4 grantees show how startups in Quezon City are responding to real challenges faced by Filipinos.

Hireable and Kazam On-Demand Services reflect changes in work today, from hybrid jobs to the gig economy, providing flexible income opportunities and fair access to employment for freelancers and informal workers.

Agapai, a health-focused AI tool, supports parents in monitoring their children’s developmental milestones, promoting early intervention even outside formal healthcare settings. While it is not a diagnostic tool, it aligns with Quezon City’s goal of inclusive support for all children, including those with disabilities.

Together, these startups show that innovation in Quezon City is practical, socially aware, and designed to improve lives while contributing to broader conversations on sustainability and technology.

Fostering an Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem

Beyond financial support, the Startup QC Program provides capacity-building, mentorship, and access to investors and potential clients. Each cohort strengthens Quezon City’s role as an active enabler of entrepreneurship, bridging startups with industries and creating a sustainable innovation pipeline that benefits the wider economy.

By investing in its innovation ecosystem, Quezon City ensures that startups not only survive but thrive, becoming vital contributors to national development and social progress.

Vivo X300 Series is coming to PH this November 26

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The wait is finally over. Vivo is officially bringing its highly anticipated flagship smartphones, the X300 Pro and X300, to the Philippines on November 26 at 6 PM. The launch will stream live on the Vivo Philippines Facebook page, giving fans a first look at the brand’s newest breakthroughs in mobile imaging and design.

The excitement surrounding the Vivo X300 Pro has already captured national attention, especially after celebrity Anne Curtis showcased breathtaking travel photos from Seoul using the upcoming device. Her shots highlight the phone’s remarkable capabilities, proving it is a powerful companion for creators, travelers, and everyday users alike.

At the core of the Vivo X300 Pro is its headline feature: the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. Considered the pinnacle of mobile photography, this advanced lens system delivers extraordinary clarity, depth, and detail. Paired with CIPA 5.5-rated image stabilization, ZEISS T* Coating, and an Ultra-Sensing Sensor HPB for optimized image tuning, every photo taken with the X300 Pro is crafted with precision. The jointly customized DX5 Tiny NPU enhances focus tracking and motion-freeze capabilities, ensuring users can capture fast action and fleeting moments sharply and effortlessly.

Design is another area where the X300 Series shines. The X300 Pro features a 6.78-inch flat display with ultra-slim bezels and a sleek 7.9mm profile. Its refined Dune Brown colorway gives it a luxurious aesthetic that complements its premium build. The Vivo X300, on the other hand, offers a more compact 6.31-inch flat screen and is available in eye-catching Halo Pink and classic Phantom Black.

Both devices are enveloped in Vivo’s Coral Velvet Glass—a unique material that blends a soft frosted effect with a silky, skin-friendly texture. It resists fingerprints while providing a comfortable grip, elevating both durability and style.

For photographers seeking even more creative control, the Vivo X300 Pro Photographer Kit will also be offered. This professional-grade accessory set unlocks the full potential of the phone’s advanced imaging hardware, making it a powerful tool for visual storytellers.

Filipinos are encouraged to mark their calendars and join the official launch on November 26 at 6 PM via the Vivo Philippines Facebook page. Be sure to click “Going” to stay updated on all announcements, promos, and availability details. For more information, follow Vivo Philippines on social media or visit the official Vivo website.

New Pldt and Smart Privacy Program Sets Benchmark for Data Protection in Southeast Asia

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are putting Filipinos in charge of their own data, selecting OneTrust, the AI-ready governance platform, to help PLDT give customers unprecedented control over how their information is used, while setting a new regional benchmark for privacy and trust.

PLDT and Smart have unveiled their unified consent program, leveraging the OneTrust Universal Consent and Preference Management (UCPM) solution. With Smart serving over 59 million wireless subscribers and PLDT Home connecting 3 million fixed-line customers, the PLDT Group’s integration of OneTrust's robust consent and preferences capabilities empowers more individuals than any other telco in the SEA region––offering them greater control and visibility of their data. The OneTrust UCPM solution centralizes how customer privacy choices are collected and managed, highlighting the telcos’ commitment to data protection and customer empowerment.

OneTrust’s UCPM solution brings significant benefits to PLDT, Smart, and their millions of customers. The OneTrust UCPM solution empowers PLDT and Smart to streamline compliance with consent rules and make direct marketing more efficient and targeted. It also enables deeper customer insights, helping companies deliver relevant content and services and drive personalization while following privacy standards.

OneTrust’s UCPM solution enables PLDT and Smart to offer customers greater control over personal data. PLDT and Smart customers can easily manage their privacy settings and ensure that data sharing within PLDT’s ecosystem happens only with their explicit consent. This leads to smarter recommendations, curated content, and a safer, more personalized digital experience.

“Our commitment to privacy by design is reinforced through UCPM. It empowers our customers by giving them control over their data while positioning us to enable responsible data monetization in the future,” said Leah Jimenez, Chief Data Privacy Officer of PLDT and Smart.

“The PLDT Group’s implementation of OneTrust’s UCPM solution sets a new standard for consent management in Southeast Asia,” said Ojas Rege, SVP & General Manager at OneTrust. “Consent drives personalization and, therefore, value for customers, enabling long-term connection and loyalty. This shows companies can prioritize customer trust and ensure responsible data use while accelerating innovation.” OneTrust is a leading entity in the privacy technology sector, offering out-of-the-box solutions that automate privacy operations to scale compliance and reduce regulatory risk.

With OneTrust’s UCPM solution, PLDT and Smart are strengthening data privacy while setting a regional benchmark for responsible innovation. This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader program to reinforce cybersecurity and data privacy across the organization, underscoring their commitment to elevating the quality of customer experience.

Media Partners and Sponsors Unite for the 17th PHILSME Business Expo Media Launch

Makati City, Philippines — The 17th Philippine SME Business Expo: Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition officially gathered its media partners and corporate sponsors for a successful Media Launch held at SPACES Century Diamond Tower in Makati City. This marks the lead-up to the highly anticipated expo happening on November 28–29, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

Led by PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, the media launch emphasized the expo’s commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. In her opening message, Esguerra-Abrenilla expressed gratitude to the media for amplifying MSME stories and reiterated PHILSME’s mission as a platform where opportunities, collaboration, and innovation converge. “Every edition of PHILSME represents collaboration in action — from sponsors who innovate, to media who tell the stories, to entrepreneurs who drive our economy forward,” she said. She added that the upcoming expo will further highlight how strong partnerships unlock possibilities for small and medium enterprises.

Joining the media panel were major sponsors who shared their initiatives in support of Philippine SMEs: Renz Patrick Diaz, Manager at Toyota Motors Philippines, who discussed mobility solutions designed for business owners; Martin Kristopher Limgenco II, GCash B2B Commercial Head, who highlighted digital finance and financial inclusion; and Jude Paul Espinas, Chairman and Co-Founder of Taho Story, who talked about transforming a traditional Filipino favorite into a modernized, scalable brand.

A central topic during the press conference was the role of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in local entrepreneurship. Organizers underscored how OFW families can explore franchise options through the Expo’s Franchising Village, potentially enabling OFWs to return home while maintaining sustainable business income.

Journalists and industry partners also engaged in discussions about SME competitiveness, this year’s expo highlights, and the increasing participation of both regional and international exhibitors. A short networking session followed.

The 17th PHILSME Expo is expected to host 130+ exhibitors, 180 brands, and over 10,000 attendees from across the Philippines and abroad. The event will also feature PHILSME Business Talks with confirmed speakers Myrna Natividad (Mommy Negosyo), Dr. Francisco “Dean Pax” Lapid, Jonathan Yabut, and Boss RDR (Reymond Delos Reyes).

Another major announcement was the strategic alliance between PHILSME and NakakaLocal of the PhilStar Media Group. The partnership aims to strengthen nationwide support for MSMEs, aligning both organizations’ advocacies for Filipino entrepreneurship.

Registration is now open, with free tickets available at www.philsme.com/ticket. Walk-in attendees during the expo will be subject to an entrance fee.