Philippine Crypto Community Welcomes Tighter Bsp Rules, Calls for Industry-Wide Literacy

Manila, Philippines — The Philippine crypto trading community has welcomed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) proposed freeze on new payment system operator registrations and its tighter controls on virtual asset service providers (VASPs) as a sign that the local digital asset market is maturing, with Global Miranda Miner Group (GMMG) supporting stronger accountability and traceability while emphasizing that regulatory oversight does not mean risk-free investing. With users projected to reach nearly 12.8 million this year, the community warns that rules alone will not protect new market entrants unless the whole industry also improves market literacy.

Arlone Abello, CEO of GMMG and Founding Chairman of the Innovative Movement of the Philippine Association of Crypto Traders (IMPACT), set out the position at The Crypto Roundtable. He was joined on the panel by John Garcia, Head of Strategic and Market Education Ventures at GCash; Alden Yburan, Head of GCrypto; and Patrick Lao, Head of Retail at PDAX.

"A pause on new licenses and closer controls on virtual asset service providers are not a step back for crypto. They are what happens when an industry grows up," Abello said. "When every payment can be traced to a real business, users, banks and partners can deal with crypto platforms with the same confidence they have in any other financial service. That is how the industry earns its place in mainstream finance. Our job now is to make sure users mature at the same pace."

The BSP's draft circular, released for consultation earlier in September, would suspend new registrations of Operators of Payment Systems (OPS) for 12 months while the central bank reviews its licensing framework. It would also require payment firms to deal with regulated VASPs only through direct arrangements, with enhanced due diligence, monitoring, and transaction and settlement limits.

Abello noted that regulation can strengthen safeguards, but it cannot by itself make people better investors. Without stronger financial literacy, market participants may still face losses even in a regulated market, making education an important complement to regulatory oversight.

About 10% of Filipinos now use cryptocurrency. Much of this adoption comes from demand for digital-first financial services in a country where about 76% of the population is unbanked or underbanked. For many new users, crypto is one of their first experiences of investing, which makes understanding risk all the more important.

“Reaching this level of participation shows that crypto is no longer just a niche interest. As the ecosystem grows, users also need to become more disciplined in how they understand risks, manage exposure, and make decisions in the market,” Abello said.

Abello added that the kind of people taking part has changed markedly since the play-to-earn boom that drove early adoption. According to him, the market now draws traders moving across from gold and equities, professionals applying familiar investment approaches to digital assets, and younger Filipinos building crypto into their wider financial plans.

He expects more Filipinos to enter the market as global crypto markets regain momentum. Total crypto market value recently climbed back above US$3 trillion, driven by Bitcoin reaching around US$86,000, its highest level since late January. Open interest in perpetual futures also neared US$160 billion, a sign that traders are taking on more leverage as activity picks up. With more newcomers likely to arrive during the upswing, Abello said this is the right time for the industry to invest in education.

GMMG said it will continue working with industry partners and regulators to expand education in technical analysis, risk management, market behavior, and disciplined trading. It will hold the next edition of The Crypto Roundtable in November 2026. Interested participants may visit globalmirandaminer.com for upcoming announcements.

AdSpark and Netopia Launch Predikta, a Filipino-Focused Behavioral AI Platform Developed via 917Ventures

AdSpark and Netopia AI have formalized a commercial partnership for the AI-powered behavioral intelligence platform Predikta, following an initial engagement through 917Ventures’ Velocity program. Under the program, the companies tested the technology on actual marketing use cases to see how Predikta could complement AdSpark’s existing capabilities. With the partnership now formalized, Predikta will move beyond initial validation into broader use within AdSpark, including client analytics work where behavioral intelligence can provide additional insight.

Vince Yamat, CEO and Managing Director of 917Ventures, said the partnership is an outcome of the startup-to-enterprise Velocity program. “Through Velocity, we can open up Globe’s ecosystem to promising startups, connect them with real business needs, and help create a path toward commercial opportunities. A good solution needs the right opportunity to prove its value.”

Predikta uses AI-powered behavioral simulation grounded in Filipino audience data and context. It allows marketers to explore how defined audiences may respond to different creative, messaging, and audience strategies before campaigns go live. This brings behavioral intelligence earlier into the planning process, giving teams another perspective as they develop and evaluate ideas before taking them to market.

Manny Fernando, CEO of AdSpark, said Predikta brings another perspective to the agency’s understanding of Filipino audiences. “We already have strong capabilities across data, creatives, media, and technology. What Predikta adds is a behavioral perspective grounded in Filipino audience context. It gives us another way to look at the people behind the data and bring that perspective into the work we do with clients.”

For 917Ventures, the AdSpark-Predikta partnership shows how Velocity can help bridge the gap between a working startup solution and enterprise adoption.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Four Modes, Countless Student Moments: HUAWEI and UST Tiger Media Network Bring the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 Experience to Campus

Manila, Philippines — University life extends far beyond the classroom. Today's students balance coursework and organizational activities with content creation and other responsibilities that require them to shift seamlessly between roles. HUAWEI partnered with the University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) official broadcasting arm, Tiger Media Network, during Onboarding Week to help power students’ evolving lifestyles.

The collaboration highlights how the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 can support students across different aspects of campus life, bringing together productivity, creativity, and collaboration in a versatile 4-in-1 setup.

Powering the Next Generation of Professionals with the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 fits into the heart of their student life, highlighting how its 4-in-1 setup can support students as they move between academic responsibilities and creative pursuits.

The partnership showcased the different ways Thomasians use the MatePad throughout their day, from taking notes and organizing coursework to creating content, collaborating on group projects, and preparing presentations. In doing so, the collaboration reflected the increasingly multifaceted role of today’s students, who balance learning with creative and extracurricular pursuits.

More than a technology showcase, the collaboration demonstrated how the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 fits into the realities of modern student life, bridging classwork and creative work in one versatile device.

Beat Screen Fatigue and Academic Overload with an AI-Powered 4-in-1 Mobile Workstation

Built for the many demands of student life, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 gives students a versatile 4-in-1 setup that can be used for everything from classwork to creative projects. With the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, Bluetooth mouse, and HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Gen), students can draft reports in PC-Level WPS Office, create graphics, sketch storyboards, and work on visual projects, all from one device.

This comfortable experience extends directly to study marathons and creative workflows. The innovative PaperMatte Display features advanced anti-glare technology that eliminates harsh reflections and reduces eye strain even during long reading hours or reviewing modules. Beyond protecting vision, it provides a tactile, paper-like surface for drawing and note-taking. Combined with the GoPaint app, students can effortlessly sketch character designs, paint vibrant illustrations, and render complex graphics for hours without straining their eyes, thanks to the paper-like display empowering their creative work.

For heavier academic workloads, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 brings AI-powered productivity tools that help students work smarter, not harder. With WPS AI on PC-Level WPS Office, students can use AI-powered tools to condense lengthy PDF research papers into digestible insights, generate structured PowerPoint presentations, and create Excel charts to jumpstart their deliverables. Meanwhile, HUAWEI Notes’ Speech-to-Text feature captures lectures in real time, helping students keep track of key details. When reviewing for exams, the built-in AI Tutor helps clarify confusing topics directly from their study materials.

Back-to-School with More Power, More Value, and More Possibilities

During the ongoing Back-to-School promotional period, the HUAWEI MatePad Family starts at PHP 33,999 and includes up to PHP 33,886 worth of freebies depending on the model. Each purchase has a complimentary one-year WPS AI Membership, a Bluetooth Mouse, premium hardware accessories such as the HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, HUAWEI M-Pencil, and more. Customers can also enjoy 0% interest installment plans for up to 24 months, subject to participating banks and terms.

With the versatile HUAWEI MatePad Family, students finally have the digital tools they need to study, create, and present with ease.

Make the smart switch today! The Back-to-School promo period is valid until September 30 only, and the freebie bundles are available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the HUAWEI Online Store now to lock in your ultimate 4-in-1 PC-Like campus setup.

Eastern Communications Deepens Visayas Presence, Supporting Businesses in a Digital-First Economy

As businesses across the Visayas accelerate digital transformation, Eastern Communications is deepening its presence in the region, engaging businesses and industry communities on the connectivity, technology, and digital solutions needed to support growth and resilience.

Throughout 2026, the telco company has engaged businesses and industry stakeholders across Cebu, Iloilo, and Boracay, with conversations spanning network resilience, AI and cloud adoption, and the evolving technology needs of businesses outside Metro Manila.

“Being present in these communities allows us to listen more closely to our customers and understand what matters to their businesses. Every interaction is an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create memorable experiences that go beyond the usual business engagement,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer of Eastern Communications

Strengthening connections across industries

These engagements reflect the diverse needs of the Visayas business community and its deliberate push into the region. At Gear Up Cebu in May, Eastern brought together businesses, industry leaders, and partners to exchange insights on building more resilient and adaptive organizations in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. The initiative is designed to foster meaningful conversations around the challenges, opportunities, and developments shaping the way businesses operate and grow.

Eastern also participated in the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference, held from May 13 to 15, 2026, in Bacolod City and hosted by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI). The conference brought together business leaders and stakeholders to discuss a plan of action for supporting the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Visayas.

“Supporting the growth of SMEs in the Visayas requires meaningful collaboration among businesses, industry stakeholders, and partners. By coming together and sharing insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by regional enterprises, we can help create a more supportive business environment where SMEs can adapt, grow, and stay competitive,” said Suzel Lim, SME and Consumer Segment Marketing Head at Eastern Communications.

In August, the company joined AI Fest in Iloilo, where Segment Marketing Manager Richmond Bayocot highlighted how the right technology infrastructure can help businesses build more agile, connected, and adaptable operations.

“AI adoption is not simply about having access to new tools. Businesses also need reliable infrastructure that can support how these technologies are integrated into everyday operations,” Bayocot said.

Eastern Communications’ engagement with Cebu’s manufacturing sector likewise continued through Mactan Economic Processing Zone Purchasing Management Association’s (MEPZ-PMA) 10th Suppliers’ Expo 2026, where manufacturers, procurement teams, and business leaders explored AI and emerging technologies. The company shared how digital solutions and reliable network infrastructure can support AI adoption, streamline processes, and help businesses keep pace with evolving technology.

The telco provider’s regional engagement also extends to hospitality and tourism. From its CXO Night gathering with clients and hospitality partners in Boracay to the VisMin Hospitality Summit and Cebu Hotel Connect, Eastern continues to engage industry stakeholders on the role of technology in supporting hospitality operations and growth.

Eastern Communications also took part in the Cebu Business Month 2026 Technology & Innovation Forum, held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, where Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, shared insights on how organizations can embrace innovation with purpose, turn bold ideas into practical solutions, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly digital landscape.

“Innovation is most meaningful when it goes beyond ideas and translates into solutions that address real business needs. As organizations navigate an increasingly digital landscape, the ability to embrace innovation with purpose and turn bold ideas into practical solutions will be key to building sustainable growth,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer at Eastern Communications.

Building trust beyond the transaction

Beyond its participation in regional business conversations, Eastern Communications also brings its High Tech, High Touch commitment to life through its Dare To Discover docuseries. In its Dumaguete episode, Eastern highlights how technology and meaningful connections can help support local tourism, businesses, and communities, showcasing the people and stories that make the region unique.

The Dare To Discover: Dumaguete episode offers a closer look at how connectivity can help local businesses and communities create opportunities, reach wider audiences, and share their stories with more people.

Watch the full episode of Dare To Discover: Dumaguete on YouTube.

The company’s growing presence in Visayas reflects its commitment to bringing its High Tech, High Touch approach closer to businesses beyond Metro Manila through collaboration, shared knowledge, and relationships built on the ground.

The throughline remained consistent across every engagement: connectivity works best as an enabler rather than simply being a service. It supports continuity, helps companies adopt new technologies, and gives regional enterprises the operational footing to grow.

As digital transformation reaches more regions, Eastern Communications is helping ensure businesses there have the connectivity and support to keep up.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and its upcoming partnerships, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.easterm.com.ph.

Vivo V80 Lite Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title With 32-Hour Livestream

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Vivo V80 Lite has achieved a new milestone after completing a 32-hour and 37-minute continuous livestream, earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for “The Longest Electronic Product Live Stream.”

The record-setting livestream took place on August 11, 2026, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, putting the upcoming smartphone through an extended endurance challenge. The Vivo V80 Lite remained operational throughout the livestream without interruption, demonstrating its ability to sustain an intensive activity for more than a full day.

The attempt was independently observed in accordance with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS guidelines, with the 32-hour, 37-minute livestream providing a measurable test of the device’s endurance.

Southeast Asian Creators Join the Challenge

The livestream featured creators from across Southeast Asia who took turns using and showcasing the Vivo V80 Lite throughout the record attempt.

Representing four markets were Tang Makkaporn, a content creator and doctor from Thailand; Aedy Ashraf, an actor from Malaysia; Vince Domingo, founder and host of Philippine technology channel Unbox Diaries; and Tuấn Ngọc, a technology creator from Vietnam.

The creators also used the smartphone during various activities around Chiang Mai, including navigation, photography, gaming, and calls. Their participation added a regional dimension to the challenge while demonstrating how the device could be used across different everyday scenarios.

More Than 32 Hours of Continuous Performance

The challenge continued through both day and night as the Vivo V80 Lite maintained the livestream for 32 hours and 37 minutes before completing the record attempt.

The achievement comes ahead of the smartphone’s official launch in the Philippines, where the Vivo V80 Lite will introduce the company’s 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery, described by Vivo as the largest battery capacity it has offered globally.

“Setting a world record is ultimately about the test itself — how long the device can keep going and whether it can complete the challenge without interruption,” said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of Vivo Philippines.

The Vivo V80 Lite is scheduled to officially launch in the Philippines on October 4 at Market! Market! by Ayala Malls.

Filipino consumers can follow Vivo Philippines on its social media channels or visit the Vivo website and Vivo Store app for updates on the V80 Lite, including launch information and availability.