Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 Showcases the Future of Web3 Innovation in Southeast Asia

The Philippines once again cemented its position as one of Southeast Asia’s emerging blockchain hubs as Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026 successfully gathered industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts from June 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The three-day event highlighted the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and Web3 applications, providing attendees with a comprehensive look at how decentralized technologies are reshaping industries across the region. From financial services and enterprise solutions to digital identity and public infrastructure, PBW 2026 demonstrated the growing impact of blockchain in real-world applications.

One of the major highlights of the event was the Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, which formally inaugurated the PBW 2026 Innovation Expo. The ceremony was led by prominent government officials, Web3 pioneers, and industry captains who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in accelerating digital transformation. The expo featured groundbreaking blockchain platforms, fintech solutions, tokenization projects, and next-generation digital infrastructure designed to support the future digital economy.

Another key attraction was the "Decoded: Deployed" Main Conference, where global thought leaders discussed how blockchain technology is moving beyond theoretical concepts into practical implementation. Panel discussions explored topics such as financial inclusion, decentralized finance (DeFi), digital asset adoption, and secure data ownership. Experts shared insights on how Web3 technologies are helping underserved communities gain access to financial services while enabling businesses to build more transparent and efficient systems.

The event also hosted the highly anticipated Global Creator & Influencer Summit, bringing together digital entrepreneurs, content creators, and social media personalities. Discussions centered on the future of the creator economy, exploring how blockchain-based platforms, digital ownership, and tokenized communities are empowering creators to build sustainable revenue streams. Attendees also enjoyed the vibrant Celebrity Bazaar, which added excitement and energy to the convention floor.

Complementing the conference and expo was the ALT+TAB Gaming & Music Festival, where technology, gaming, and entertainment converged. Visitors experienced immersive esports competitions, interactive Web3 gaming showcases, and live performances from popular artists including 1st One, Ameurfina III, PRIMO.ph, Donnalyn, and KAIA.

As blockchain adoption continues to accelerate across Southeast Asia, Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 served as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and education. The event showcased how the Philippines is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Web3 while fostering an ecosystem where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship can thrive.

Smart Fires up New Palawan Site, Boosts Bayanihan SIM Program

PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) recently fired up a new site in San Vicente, Palawan, in continued support of the government’s thrust to bring reliable internet access closer to more Filipinos in last-mile communities.

“By bringing fast and reliable mobile connectivity to towns like San Vicente in Palawan, we enable more Filipinos in underserved communities to access opportunities in education, livelihood, and innovation,” said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT chief operating officer and network head.

“This milestone also highlights the power of strengthened collaboration with our government partners, so that together, we can deliver meaningful connectivity solutions that accelerate inclusive development,” added Jimenez, who is also PLDT’s representative to the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

The new tower is also expected to boost the government’s Bayanihan SIM initiative, which provides free SIMs with mobile data to Filipinos in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) like San Vicente, which is located around 500 kilometers southwest of Manila.

At Old Caruray Elementary School, Smart and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) distributed about 1,500 SIM cards with prepaid load to government-identified beneficiaries, including students. Under the partnership, beneficiaries will receive 25GB of data per month for 12 months, fully subsidized by the government.

PLDT also turned over a School-in-a-Bag package courtesy of PLDT-Smart Foundation to Old Caruray Elementary School, represented by principal Alma Dalipe. A portable digital classroom, each School-in-a-Bag package includes a laptop for the teacher, 10 tablets pre-loaded with DepEd curriculum-based learning materials and interactive educational applications, a Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wi-Fi device, and expandable storage.

Also present at the tower launching ceremonies were Palawan Gov. Amy Roa Alvarez, Palawan 1st District Rep. Rosalie A. Salvame, San Vicente, Palawan Mayor Ramir R. Pablico, and Brgy Chair Bernardo M. Borja, officials from the DICT, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and Department of Education, and PLDT Enterprise executives Ruby Montoya and Euan Toralballa.

The Bayanihan SIM program is a key initiative supporting the government’s push for nationwide digital connectivity. It is enabled by Smart's mobile network and is supported by PLDT's fiber infrastructure, the country's most extensive. The PLDT Group's continued investment in enhancing its integrated fixed and wireless network is part of the Group’s broader commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience across the country.

The Pambansang Litson Manok Is Finally Back on Foodpanda

MANILA, Philippines — Some Filipino cravings never go out of style, and Andok's is one of them.

After years of anticipation from customers, Andok's officially relaunched on foodpanda, making its signature litson manok, liempo, Dokito meals, and other crowd favorites available through the everyday app Filipinos already know and use.

The relaunch followed years of strong consumer demand. Despite not being available on the platform for eight years, Andok's consistently remained one of the most searched merchants on foodpanda. Customers continued looking for the brand on the app, turning the search bar into an unofficial wish list and proving just how much Filipinos wanted easier access to their favorite meals.

Excitement surrounding the partnership grew even before launch day. Teasers released by both brands sparked widespread conversation online, generating thousands of reactions, shares, and comments from eager fans who quickly speculated about a possible collaboration.

The anticipation culminated in Pista ng Sarap, a celebration that marked the official launch of Andok's on foodpanda. Inspired by the Filipino tradition of gathering around good food, the campaign highlighted the role both brands play in bringing convenience and enjoyment to everyday moments, family celebrations, and spontaneous salo-salo occasions.

"At foodpanda, we're always looking for ways to bring customers closer to the brands and meals they love. The excitement surrounding Andok's launch reflects the strong connection Filipinos have with familiar food favorites, and we're happy to make those everyday cravings more accessible through the platform," said Patricia Jacinto, Marketing and Growth Director of foodpanda Philippines.

For Andok's, the collaboration is about meeting customers where they are while continuing to deliver the familiar flavors they know and love. “As modern lifestyles keep Filipinos busier than ever, the partnership bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort and modern convenience,” said Maverick Leonardo T. Javier, President of Andok's Litson Corporation. “By integrating a beloved household name into foodpanda’s nationwide network, satisfying a sudden craving for familiar favorites is now just a few taps away.”

The partnership reinforces foodpanda's strategy of broadening its merchant network to better serve evolving customer preferences. By bringing more household-name brands onto the platform, foodpanda continues to deliver greater value, variety, and convenience to Filipinos nationwide.

To keep the celebration going, foodpanda users can enjoy special offers on their Andok's favorites for a limited time. Just in time for Father's Day, customers can get 50% off Andok's signature Litson Manok, with discounts of up to ₱250 from June 20 to 21. The festivities continue until June 30 with 30% off selected bestsellers, including the Spicy Dokito Burger, BBQ Liempo Meal, Dokibab Rice Meal, BBQ Liempo Stick, and Litson Manok, with discounts of up to ₱150. Both have no minimum order value.

Hungry for Andok's? Open the foodpanda app today and order your favorite litson manok, liempo, and Dokito meals. With more branches continuously going live nationwide, enjoying the Pambansang Litson Manok has never been easier.

COLORFUL Launches Limited-Edition Chitu MAG-60 Magnetic Keyboard Inspired by the Year of the Horse

Shenzhen, China — COLORFUL Technology Company Limited, a globally recognized brand in gaming PC components, gaming laptops, and HiFi audio products, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Chitu MAG-60 Magnetic Switch Keyboard, a limited-edition mechanical keyboard inspired by the Chinese zodiac sign of 2026—the Year of the Horse.

Limited to only 300 units worldwide, the COLORFUL Chitu MAG-60 combines traditional Chinese craftsmanship, premium materials, and next-generation magnetic switch technology to deliver a unique experience for gamers, keyboard enthusiasts, and collectors alike.

Named after the legendary Red Hare (Chitu) horse from Chinese history, the keyboard pays tribute to Eastern culture through intricate design elements, including Han Dynasty horse carvings, auspicious cloud motifs, and a striking vermilion-red finish inspired by traditional Chinese seal art. The keyboard's luxurious appearance is further enhanced by an imported Alcantara suede top cover, handcrafted leather side accents, and finely embossed decorative patterns.

Built for exclusivity, the Chitu MAG-60 features a CNC-machined T6 aluminum chassis with a multi-layer anodized finish and custom artwork integrated into the bottom case. Each unit includes laser-engraved serial numbering and two exclusive metal artisan keycaps featuring horse-inspired engravings, making it a true collector's item.

Performance is equally impressive. At the heart of the keyboard are the exclusive TTC Year of the Horse "White Horse" Magnetic Switches, featuring the industry's first triple-layer customized acoustic module. These switches offer a smooth keystroke feel, enhanced sound profile, up to 100 million keystrokes durability, and superior RGB lighting visibility through transparent housings.

Designed for competitive gaming, the Chitu MAG-60 utilizes advanced Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensing technology, offering significant improvements over traditional Hall-effect keyboards. Key gaming features include an ultra-fast 8,000Hz polling rate, 0.125ms latency, 0.005mm Rapid Trigger precision, intelligent anti-mistouch protection, and up to 90% lower power consumption.

Customization is another major highlight. Users can access COLORFUL's browser-based driver platform to adjust actuation points, Rapid Trigger settings, macros, RGB lighting effects, and firmware updates without installing additional software. The keyboard also supports 22 lighting effects and 16.8 million RGB color combinations.

Featuring a compact 60% layout and compatibility with both Windows and macOS, the COLORFUL Chitu MAG-60 is ideal for gaming, productivity, and content creation.

The limited-edition COLORFUL Chitu MAG-60 Magnetic Keyboard launches on June 30, 2026, with a retail price of RMB 2,399. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a blend of cultural artistry and cutting-edge technology, this keyboard stands out as one of the most distinctive releases of the year.

FEU Tech Moves to Become an Ai-Native University Through OpenAI Collaboration

The Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU Tech) is taking a major step toward becoming an AI-native university through a landmark collaboration with OpenAI, positioning the institution among the country’s early movers in the responsible and large-scale adoption of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Through the collaboration, FEU Tech will roll out OpenAI’s enterprise-grade platform, including ChatGPT Edu and Codex, across its academic and administrative ecosystem. More than 14,000 students, faculty members, and staff will gain access to advanced AI tools designed to support learning, research, student services, institutional productivity, and workforce preparation.

For FEU Tech, the initiative is not simply a technology upgrade. It is part of a broader effort to redesign how a university teaches, operates, supports students, and prepares graduates for an economy increasingly shaped by AI.

“AI is no longer an optional skill for students or faculty. The opportunity here is leadership,” said FEU Tech Senior Executive Director Benson Tan. “We are not reacting to AI. We are defining how AI is used responsibly in Philippine higher education. By working closely with OpenAI, this collaboration allows us to provide institution-wide access to ChatGPT Edu, a secure, managed version designed for universities. That means students, faculty, leadership, and staff can use it responsibly within guardrails aligned to our policies.”

The collaboration builds on FEU Tech’s identity as the School of Innovation and its long-standing focus on technology-enabled education. With OpenAI’s tools, the university aims to embed AI across the full student journey, from onboarding and classroom learning to academic advising, campus engagement, career development, internships, graduation, and lifelong learning.

In the classroom, students will be able to use AI in secure educational environments guided by academic standards, data safeguards, and faculty oversight. The goal is to help them prototype ideas more rapidly, explore alternative approaches, strengthen technical and engineering fundamentals, and develop the judgment needed to use AI responsibly in professional settings.

OpenAI’s tools will be progressively integrated into FEU Tech’s programs in engineering, computing, and multimedia. Among the initiatives in development are an AI Tutor grounded in faculty-created course materials, an AI Classroom for interactive and AI-facilitated instruction, an AI Skills Assessment platform to identify learning and development gaps, and AI-assisted student success insights to help faculty, advisers, and support teams identify academic challenges earlier.

Beyond the classroom, FEU Tech also plans to deploy specialized AI agents across administrative and operational functions, including curriculum development, admissions, enrollment services, records management, human resources, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration. These systems are intended to automate routine tasks, surface actionable insights, and allow faculty and staff to devote more time to teaching, mentoring, innovation, and student success.

“FEU Tech is taking an ambitious and forward-looking step by embedding AI across learning, campus operations, and student outcomes,” said Oliver Jay, Managing Director for OpenAI. “Education plays a critical role in closing that gap and preparing people for the jobs and opportunities ahead.”

Students will also have opportunities to join workshops, training sessions, hackathons, and build days organized in collaboration with OpenAI, giving them exposure to AI-native prototyping, emerging industry workflows, and possible career pathways in the broader AI innovation ecosystem.

As AI continues to reshape industries and the future of work, FEU Tech’s collaboration with OpenAI signals a decisive move to prepare graduates who are not only users of technology but also responsible builders and leaders of the next generation of intelligent systems.