Victoria, Seychelles – Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has completed the burn for 30 million Bitget Tokens (BGB) as per its previously shared burn mechanism plan for the quarter. At the time of the burn, this represented a market value of around $130 million and accounts for roughly 2.5% of BGB’s total supply.
Over the past six months, Bitget has destroyed 42.5% of the total BGB supply. This reduction includes 19% from core team holdings, with the remaining 21% sourced from a combination of circulating supply and reserve allocations. The most recent burn is the first in a series of quarterly events that will use 20% of profits from exchange and wallet operations to repurchase and destroy tokens.
The decision to initiate scheduled burns is a maturing approach to tokenomics, especially in the context of BGB's rapid rise over the past year. As the best-performing centralized exchange (CEX) token over the last twelve months, BGB has shown strong market resilience and growing demand. It's growing utility across trading, and Bitget's platform strengthens its position in the top tier of exchange-native assets.
“BGB's growth brings to notice the paradigm shift in how exchange tokens are perceived,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “It is no longer just a tool for fee discounts — BGB is becoming a pillar of a new digital finance architecture. With the best performance among major CEX tokens in the past year, it is emerging as a strategic asset on its own. This burn is a step toward building an ecosystem where value flows more transparently."
In early 2025, Bitget merged its native Bitget Wallet Token (BWB) with BGB to unify functionality across centralized and decentralized platforms. This consolidation made BGB a bridge between trading infrastructure, on-chain activity, and user incentives, enabling seamless value transmission throughout the ecosystem.
Bitget continues to invest in building a token economy designed for adaptability and long-term relevance. The recent burn event addresses the token's long-term growth plans, accelerating utility, liquidity, and user empowerment that define the token's success.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – As the country faces a staggering housing backlog of over 6.5 million units, the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) celebrates its 55th year with a renewed call to action. SHDA’s 55th Anniversary Celebration will be held on May 20, 2025, at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City. This event comes at a pivotal time for both the association and the Philippine housing sector.Founded in 1970 as the Subdivision Owners Association of the Philippines (SOAP), SHDA has since evolved into the country’s foremost industry association for housing development, with 350 members nationwide and eight regional chapters. Its journey mirrors the changing landscape of the Philippine housing sector, from lot-only developments targeting middle- to high-income buyers to integrated housing solutions catering to the needs of Filipino families from all income segments.
“Our history is rooted in advocacy,” said SHDA President Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas. “But at 55, we are not just looking back, we’re looking ahead. The housing crisis is growing, and it requires an organized, data-driven, and inclusive response. SHDA remains committed to leading that effort.”
The association continues to play a central role in shaping housing policy, streamlining regulations, and promoting sustainable, affordable housing development across the country. The housing backlog, which was estimated at just under 700,000 units in 1970, has since multiplied nearly tenfold, fueled by rapid urbanization, limited access to affordable financing, and a patchwork of local government permitting systems that have slowed the delivery of homes.
SHDA Chairman, Ar. Leonardo B. Dayao Jr. emphasized the urgency of removing structural barriers to housing production. "When we began, it was simpler; developers worked with a centralized housing office. Today, while there are multiple checkpoints, from local government approvals to zoning and environmental permits, these processes are crucial for sustainable development. However, to close the housing gap, we need streamlined systems, political will, and stronger public-private collaboration to navigate the challenges we face together," said Dayao.
A key milestone in SHDA’s ongoing advocacy efforts was the unveiling of the Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap 2025–2040 during last year’s National Developers Convention. This annual event, held in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), academic institutions like the University of Asia and the Pacific, and fellow housing organizations including OSHDP, NREA, and CREBA, introduced the roadmap. It identifies critical bottlenecks in housing delivery and outlines long-term strategies to meet the growing demand while aligning with broader economic goals.
“The roadmap isn’t just a wish list, it’s a plan of action,” Villegas noted. “It offers practical solutions to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive, especially in the provinces. We want this to be a living document, guiding government and developers alike.”
At the heart of SHDA’s current efforts is regional empowerment. With eight regional chapters, the association is working to address grassroots concerns and bring services closer to local developers. It continues to champion the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) and has successfully lobbied for policies that ease the burden on developers and buyers alike, including the recent adjustment of the price ceiling for socialized and low-cost housing under DHSUD-NEDA Joint Memorandum Circular 2024-001.
SHDA is also embracing innovation as a tool to modernize the industry. From advocating for green building practices and indigenous materials to exploring artificial intelligence to streamline construction processes, the organization aims to position the housing sector at the forefront of smart and sustainable development. Study tours in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are also being organized to help local developers learn from other countries’ best practices.
“This anniversary is not just about longevity, it’s about leadership,” Dayao said. “SHDA has been a steady voice through every housing crisis, every economic downturn, every regulatory shift. As we look to the next 15 years, our role is to ensure that the dream of homeownership remains alive and achievable for every Filipino.”
Manila, Philippines — As the Philippines experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, Filipinos turned to sari-sari stores for relief.
Tech startup Packworks released key findings through its mobile sari-sari store app and business intelligence tool, Sari IQ, which analyzes over 1 million sales transactions per month from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide. The report revealed consumption trends that highlight the crucial role neighborhood stores play in meeting immediate needs during extreme weather.According to its 2024 data, well-known energy drink brand Sting recorded a whopping 83% sales increase, with a PHP 34 million gross merchandise value (GMV) compared to the previous year, up from PHP 18 million.
The sari-sari store staple saw notable sales margins, with Region IV-A (CALABARZON) leading at PHP 7 million in GMV, followed by Region II (Cagayan Valley) at PHP 6.6 million and Region III (Central Luzon) at PHP 6.1 million.
While these regions had strong margins, Mindanao experienced the largest sales increases. Specifically, BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) (+1,810%), Region XIII (CARAGA) (+575%), and Region X (Northern Mindanao) (+554%) recorded over PHP 650,000 in combined GMV. The sales spikes in Mindanao coincided with the all-time temperature records posted, particularly in Butuan City and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Meanwhile, popular powdered iced tea brand Nestea saw a significant 76% spike in sales, recording PHP 30 million worth of GMV compared to PHP 17 million in 2023. Top regions with the highest sales in terms of GMV include Region IV-A (PHP 5.5 million), Region VII (Central Visayas) (PHP 3.1 million), and Region I (Ilocos Region) (PHP 3 million). Meanwhile, Region V (Bicol region) saw the highest sales increase, at +254%, followed by BARMM at +160% and Region VI (Western Visayas) at +138%.
Both Sting and Nestea saw their sales peak in March 2024, coinciding with PAGASA’s declaration of the start of the dry season in the country. Sting saw a 43% sales increase over the previous month, while Nestea saw a 24% increase.
"Our data underscores the critical role sari-sari stores play in providing immediate relief and meeting the ongoing demand for essential refreshment, especially during the hotter months. As forecasts predict continued warm periods this year, it solidifies the sari-sari stores' role as a crucial touchpoint for consumers nationwide, especially for regions that are sweltering through warmer conditions,” Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record in the country since monitoring began in 1951. With prolonged periods of warm weather and all-time temperature spikes recorded last year, consumers nationwide found ways to cope with the record-breaking heat at their neighborhood stores.
"The sales trends we recorded not only quantify the remarkable growth but also pinpoint regional nuances in both sales volume and growth. These consumption patterns offer valuable insights for businesses looking to serve this vital market effectively," said Packworks CEO Bing Tan.
Packworks’ Sari IQ is an advanced data analytics tool that processes data from sari-sari stores nationwide to help address the growing needs of store owners and its suppliers to serve its communities with greater efficiency.
For more info about Sari IQ and to uncover more in-depth data trends in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.
Manila, Philippines — The Pod Network, the leading podcast network in the Philippines, has strengthened its long-running partnership with global audio platform Spotify, launching a co-branded state-of-the-art studio designed to further support the growth of podcasting in the country.Located in Mandaluyong City, the studio is designed to create a space for local creators to launch high-quality video and audio podcasts, in addition to its regular on-platform programming on Spotify.
The facility is equipped with three professional-grade recording studios, complete video podcast setups with multi-camera options, dedicated event and community activation areas, and integrated data and production workflows, strategically established to cater to the evolving needs of both seasoned and emerging podcasters and creators, while also offering advertisers a premium, brand-safe environment for immersive content experiences.
"This new studio isn’t just about space, but it’s also about scale," said Alan Fontanilla, CEO, The Pod Network. "We're combining creative power, analytics, and distribution to give brands a high-impact way to connect with engaged audiences. With Spotify’s support, we’re creating an ecosystem where Filipino podcasters can thrive, and where advertisers can measure real return on investment."
The new partnership paves the way for more creators in the podcast scene to reach highly engaged Filipino listeners. With over 17 million Filipinos tuning in weekly, podcasting in the Philippines has grown in popularity and shows further growth and evolution. According to the "Beyond the Headphones" study, in collaboration with socio-cultural research firm The Fourth Wall, audiences are not only growing but also shifting toward more dynamic formats, including video podcasts. The study also stated that podcasts surpassed other media platforms, such as online streaming sites, online news portals, and TV, as a preferred source of information for Filipinos.
"At Spotify, we’re committed to empowering Filipino creatives and helping them thrive," said Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios, Spotify Southeast Asia. "Our partnership with The Pod Network creates a space where creators can push creative boundaries, grow their audiences, and shape culture in the Philippines and beyond. We want creators to see Spotify as a partner in building lasting, meaningful connections with their audiences."
Since 2019, Spotify has been home to The Pod Network's chart-topping favorites like “The KoolPals,” “Lecheng Pag-ibig ‘To with Sam YG and DJ Chacha,” and “Book of Bad Ideas” — each drawing in millions of monthly listeners. The leading podcast network also boasts other popular podcast shows, including “Paano Kung...with Joelle,” “Intellectwalwal with Victor Anastacio,” and “Kwentong Callroom Podcast."
With the studio launch, The Pod Network continues to lead the country’s podcasting movement, balancing entertainment, insight, and community-building while reaffirming its mission to empower Filipino podcasters by providing access to world-class production capabilities and the tools to turn creative passion into sustainable content brands.
The Pod Network announces that it is open for creator bookings, brand campaigns, and collaborative projects. It invites brands, agencies, and creators to shape the next wave of Filipino digital storytelling together.
For more information about The Pod Network, you may visit www.thepodnetwork.com or their Facebook page.
In a move to once again transform the way Filipinos experience cashless transactions, GCash, the leading finance super app in the Philippines, and global technology company Mastercard have teamed up to introduce Tap n’ Pay – a contactless payment solution designed to make everyday transactions faster and more convenient.
As digital payments continue to shape modern lifestyles, consumers seek seamless and hassle-free ways to transact. Tap n’ Pay meets this demand by enabling users to make purchases effortlessly—simply by tapping their NFC-enabled Android phone on a compatible point-of-sale (POS) terminal that accepts card payments. With every tap, consumers take a step toward greater convenience, security, and efficiency, transforming daily transactions into an empowering experience tailored to their evolving needs.
This collaboration between GCash and Mastercard enhances the digital payment landscape nationwide. By integrating GCash’s accessibility with Mastercard’s extensive, trusted payments network, Tap n’ Pay provides Filipinos a smooth and secure payment experience for both users and merchants, allowing the users to make contactless purchases via the GCash app with just a tap – wherever Mastercard is accepted in the Philippines.
“This collaboration further solidifies our commitment to offering Filipinos convenient and secure cashless payment solutions, making everyday transactions easier and more seamless,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-XChange, Inc. the mobile wallet operator of GCash.
Currently, Tap n’ Pay is available for local transactions, with plans for international availability soon. This initiative is part of GCash’s ongoing efforts to improve financial access and convenience for Filipinos, whether at home or abroad. With Mastercard, users can tap to pay at merchants nationwide that accept contactless payments. This enhanced feature simplifies payments, delivering a faster and more convenient cashless payment experience.
Simon Calasanz, country manager, Philippines, Mastercard, added, “Mastercard is thrilled to collaborate with GCash, powering Tap n’ Pay with NFC technology to introduce a new avenue for contactless digital payments in the Philippines. The collaboration advances Mastercard's commitment to providing greater choice for cardholders and enabling a more frictionless payment experience. Now, all GCash Wallet app users can simply activate Tap n’ Pay in their GCash app and pay by just tapping their phones wherever Mastercard is accepted — making transactions faster, easier, and secure.”
At the core of this seamless and secure payment experience is OpenFabric, GCash’s trusted partner for digital payments. OpenFabric plays a crucial role in enabling the provisioning of Mastercard’s tokens and managing the transaction gateway between GCash and Mastercard merchants. This technology ensures that GCash users enjoy a smooth, secure, and effortless Tap n’ Pay experience at Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals across the Philippines.
Users must have an active internet or cellular data connection to ensure secure and uninterrupted transactions with every tap.
With an extensive range of digital payment solutions, GCash and its partners remain committed to driving financial inclusion and innovation in the country, providing millions of Filipinos with convenient financial services.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
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