Vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge Year 4 Crowns New Champions at SM Mall of Asia

MANILA, Philippines – After months of intense competition across multiple tournament legs, the Vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge Year 4 concluded on July 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, celebrating the country's top 3x3 basketball teams. Queenpin Basketball claimed the Women's Division title, while Montero Hoops emerged victorious in the Men's Division after an exciting championship showdown.

Now in its fourth year, the Vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge continues to promote grassroots basketball in the Philippines by providing both aspiring and experienced athletes with a competitive platform to showcase their talent, gain valuable exposure, and compete at a national level.

The tournament's grand finals featured action-packed matchups, with champions receiving trophies, medals, cash prizes of up to Php 30,000, and the latest Vivo smartphones, including the newly launched Vivo V70.

Queenpin Basketball Dominates Women's Division

Queenpin Basketball delivered an impressive performance in the Women's Division Finals, defeating QP 3x3 with a commanding 21-10 victory to secure the championship.

The winning team took home Php 30,000 in cash along with brand-new Vivo V70 smartphones. QP 3x3 finished as first runner-up, earning Php 20,000 and Vivo V70 FE units. Uratex Dream claimed second runner-up honors with Php 15,000 and Vivo Y31d smartphones, while Kengs Basketball Team rounded out the top four with Php 10,000 and Vivo Y05 devices.

Queenpin veteran Nic Cancio expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing that the tournament's greatest achievement was giving women's basketball the recognition it deserves. She also shared how competing challenged her both physically and mentally, inspiring her to trust her teammates and help them succeed throughout the tournament.

Montero Hoops Finally Reaches the Summit

The Men's Division Finals delivered one of the tournament's most memorable games as Montero Hoops edged Taho Story MFTG Corporation, 20-19, in a thrilling championship match.

Montero Hoops received Php 30,000 and the latest Vivo V70 smartphones, while Taho Story MFTG Corporation earned Php 20,000 and Vivo V70 FE units as first runner-up. Taho Story secured second runner-up honors with Php 15,000 and Vivo Y31d smartphones, while SMG Kings completed the winners' podium with Php 10,000 and Vivo Y05 devices.

For Montero Hoops player Jerick Fabian, winning the championship marked the fulfillment of years of dedication and perseverance. Having participated in the tournament annually, Fabian credited their success to consistent training, teamwork, and unwavering belief despite entering as underdogs.

Beyond crowning champions, the Vivo 3x3 Basketball Challenge Year 4 once again demonstrated Vivo's commitment to supporting Philippine basketball and nurturing local talent. By creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete and grow, the tournament continues to inspire the next generation of Filipino basketball players to pursue excellence both on and off the court. Fans who missed the action can still relive the excitement by watching the tournament's Semi-Finals and Grand Finals replay through Vivo Philippines' official social media channels.

Future of Trust Forum Highlights Growing Government Support for Trusted Digital Innovation

Building trust in the digital age requires more than adopting new technologies. It requires collaboration among government, industry, and policymakers to ensure innovation is supported by strong governance and public confidence.

This was the central message at Future of Trust: A Leaders Forum on Technology and Governance, the opening event of Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, where government leaders, legislators, regulators, and private sector executives explored how blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital governance can shape the country's digital future.

Among the strongest signals of support came from Senator Bam Aquino, who reaffirmed the importance of enabling legislation that allows emerging technologies to flourish responsibly.

“When we leverage technologies like blockchain and AI, we have a rare opportunity to leapfrog our nation's progress and development," Senator Aquino said.

He also thanked the Blockchain Council of the Philippines for its support of the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, which seeks to institutionalize blockchain-based budget transparency, expressing hope that government and industry can continue working together to advance the measure.

Panel discussions also demonstrated how government agencies were beginning to explore practical applications of emerging technologies.

For Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre, technology adoption must ultimately serve the public. “We're studying whether blockchain has applications within MMDA's operations," he said.

While noting that the agency already relies heavily on artificial intelligence to improve traffic monitoring and frontline services, Torre said emerging technologies continue to be evaluated based on how they can strengthen operational efficiency while protecting data privacy.

The forum gathered leaders from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Budget and Management, MMDA, and major private sector organizations to discuss the future of digital identity, AI governance, blockchain infrastructure, cybersecurity, and trusted digital services.

Offering a global perspective, Dr. Kamal Anand, Founder and CEO of Bigod Group, said: “The Philippines is far ahead on the blockchain adoption curve.”

“We work with many countries around the world, and I believe the level of adoption here is remarkable, especially in Southeast Asia,” he said. “The key now is trust. When trust is supported by clear regulations and strong collaboration between government and industry, innovation can move forward much faster. The market is already growing, blockchain adoption is booming, and I believe the Philippines is well positioned to lead in this space."

Discussions on trust also extended into traditional industries where blockchain and AI are beginning to unlock new opportunities. During a panel on the future of real estate, valuation, and emerging technologies, Josemari Cuervo, President & Managing Director of Cuervo Appraisers, highlighted the potential of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization to broaden access to investment opportunities while underscoring the importance of trusted information as the foundation of any digital asset ecosystem.

"Tokenization could open real estate investment to more Filipinos across different income levels. But before we can unlock that opportunity, we need trusted data and trusted valuations. That's the foundation that allows investors to participate with confidence," he said.

The discussion reflected a recurring theme throughout the forum: whether in government services, financial systems, artificial intelligence, or real estate markets, technology can only scale when trust exists in the data, institutions, and frameworks that support it.

As the opening event of Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, Future of Trust underscored a common realization among both public and private sector leaders: the next phase of digital transformation will not be defined by technology alone, but by the ability to build trusted systems that are transparent, secure, and accountable—laying the foundation for sustainable innovation and economic growth.

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 is made possible through the strategic support of our sponsors and partners: Bigod Token, Binance by Blockshoals, Vaulnox, Smashpay, Predict Protocol, Creatachain, and many more.

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 Marks the Shift from Decoding to Deployment

MANILA, Philippines — More than 12,000 local and international delegates gathered at the SMX Convention Center Manila for Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026, transforming the venue into a hub for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, gaming, entertainment, and public policy.

Held over three days under the theme Decoded: Deployed, the fourth edition marked a turning point in the country's digital transformation. Rather than explaining what blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital assets can do, PBW 2026 demonstrated how these technologies are already being deployed across government, finance, business, and everyday life.

The event featured over 150 speakers from around the world, with more than half representing international markets, sharing insights on blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, governance, and entrepreneurship.

PBW opened with Future of Trust: A Leaders Forum on Technology and Governance, bringing together senior government officials, regulators, business leaders, and technology pioneers to discuss how emerging technologies can strengthen transparency, governance, and public trust. The forum reinforced a central message: innovation succeeds not only through technology, but through the institutions and partnerships that enable its responsible deployment.

From Vision to Movement

For PBW Co-Founder Chezka Gonzales, the event reflected a vision that began five years ago.

"My personal goal has always been simple: to put Filipinos on the world stage and the Philippines on the global blockchain map—to showcase Filipino talent, innovation, and resilience to the world," she said.

"Philippine Blockchain Week is more than a conference. It's a platform where conversations become partnerships, partnerships become companies, and companies create opportunities for Filipinos," she added.

That vision came alive as startups met investors, enterprises connected with innovators, regulators exchanged ideas with industry leaders, and communities explored new opportunities in the digital economy.

A Global Platform

The event welcomed speakers and delegates from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America to contribute insights on emerging technologies and digital transformation.

Among the most anticipated speakers was Michael Terpin, widely known as the "Godfather of Crypto."

"The Philippines has been a leader in innovation for many years. Social media has played a major role in incubating new platforms here, and Axie Infinity became a global phenomenon because of the Philippines," he said, further proving that the Philippines is no longer simply participating in the global technology conversation—it is increasingly helping shape it.

PBW 2026 also highlighted the convergence of technology, culture, and community. The launch of Viral PH spotlighted the creator economy, while the ALT+TAB Gaming and Music Festival brought together gaming, esports, music, creators, and live entertainment. Attendees also joined hackathons, startup showcases, esports tournaments, networking sessions, and the Founders Arena, where startups connected with investors and ecosystem partners.

From Conversation to Deployment

The conference theme came to life through discussions on tokenized real-world assets and practical blockchain applications. Varun Chugh, External Financial Advisor of BiGod Token, explained how tokenization is modernizing traditional assets.

"Gold has served as a store of value for centuries, yet it remains one of the most difficult assets to transact. At BiGod, we aim to make that asset simple, accessible, and cross-border. We have already demonstrated this by using our token to facilitate payments here at Philippine Blockchain Week," he said.
His remarks captured the essence of Decoded: Deployed: emerging technologies are no longer future concepts but practical solutions addressing real-world challenges today.

Building the Future Together

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 was made possible through the support of its sponsors, exhibitors and ecosystem partners, including BiGod Token, Binance by Blockshoals, Vaulnox International, Smashpay Inc., Predict Protocol, Creatachain, Coins.PH, KMC Solutions, MEXC Ventures, O2 Ramp, Orca, Universe Pro, Meteon Run, NSpire, The Executive Centre, Comm&Sense PR, DvCode Technologies, Inc., Naheal, Lumina Events, Wendy's, McDonald's, and San Miguel Beer.

With more than 12,000 attendees, over 150 speakers, and countless collaborations formed, PBW 2026 demonstrated that the Philippines has evolved from an emerging participant into a growing force in the global digital economy.

Decoded: Deployed was more than a theme. It reflected where the industry stands today.

The future is no longer being imagined. It is already being built.

PLDT Group’s Leah Besa Jimenez named Cyber Woman of the Year at PhilSec 2026

PLDT Group’s push for trusted digital services gained fresh recognition as Leah Besa Jimenez, Chief Data Privacy Officer, was named Cyber Woman of the Year at the PhilSec 2026 Awards, highlighting the company’s leadership in cybersecurity and data privacy.

The award places Jimenez among the country’s top cybersecurity leaders, recognized for advancing data privacy and strengthening digital trust within the PLDT Group. Held at the Manila Marriott Hotel, PhilSec is the Philippines’ leading cybersecurity summit, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and technology stakeholders.

“This recognition honors the work that we do at PLDT,” Jimenez said, emphasizing that privacy sits at the core of the company’s cybersecurity strategy. “It has always been about trust,” she said, noting that every piece of personal data represents an individual whose information must be handled with care.

Under her leadership, the PLDT Group has embedded privacy across operations—from product design to customer engagement. “We continue to build a culture where data protection is not merely a legal obligation but a shared responsibility,” she added. “Technology alone cannot protect privacy… trust is ultimately built by people,” she said.

She added that protecting data is ultimately about people: “Protecting data means protecting human rights and ultimately human dignity.”

The recognition also reflects the growing role of women in cybersecurity leadership, with Jimenez helping drive more inclusive and values-driven leadership in the sector. PLDT and Smart continue to strengthen cybersecurity through investments in infrastructure, governance, and employee awareness. By embedding privacy-by-design and enhancing threat detection, the Group aims to better protect customers, including children, from evolving cyber risks and online sexual abuse and exploitation —supporting responsible innovation and long-term sustainability. “Our goal was never simply compliance, but to earn and preserve trust always,” Jimenez said.

PMA Ramps up Cybersecurity Awareness With #BeCyberSmart

PLDT and Smart are helping the Philippine Military Academy strengthen its cyber resilience by training personnel to #BeCyberSmart. The PMA Information and Communications Technology Center (ICT) recently held an ICT Education and Enhancement Training for the academy's administrative personnel, equipping them with practical skills to recognize and respond to evolving cyber threats.

"As technology continues to evolve, everyone must be aware of the risks that come with it,” said Lt. Col. Harold G. Ricacho, Director of PMA Information and Communications Technology Center. “Cybersecurity is not just about technology. It starts with people who know how to spot scams, protect their privacy, and use digital platforms responsibly. The more informed we are, the stronger our cyber defense becomes."

PLDT and Smart led discussions on identifying scams and fraudulent activities. The workshop particularly focused on social engineering, a form of cyberattack that manipulates victims into revealing sensitive information by exploiting human emotions to gain their trust, create fear, or a sense of urgency. Victims may end up unknowingly disclosing login credentials, downloading malicious files, or transferring money to perpetrators. Phishing, love scams, and investment scams are among the most common forms of social engineering.

The 2025 Threat Landscape Report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) found that phishing accounted for 60% of identified initial attack methods across nearly 4,900 analyzed cybersecurity incidents, underscoring how attackers often exploit people to breach systems.

"PLDT and Smart help organizations ward off cyberattacks by developing a cybersecurity culture," said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. "#BeCyberSmart raises cybersecurity awareness among ordinary Filipinos, so they become less vulnerable to being exploited by criminals."

#BeCyberSmart is part of PLDT and Smart's #KonektedforSaferInternet program, which aims to help the public protect their digital lives by raising awareness of online threats, scams, and cyberattacks. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has reached more than 140,000 Filipinos through cybersecurity awareness campaigns.

The initiative complements the PLDT Group's cyber defenses, which fended off more than 2 billion cyberattacks in the first half of the year. Its Cyber Security Operations Group also blocked more than 150 billion attempts to open malicious sites.

The training forms part of the PLDT Group's broader efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness among schools, communities, businesses, and government institutions, recognizing that informed users remain a critical line of defense against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.