MGEN, VITRO Join Forces to Explore Sustainable, Power-Enabled Digital Infrastructure

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) and VITRO REIT, Inc. (VITRO), a subsidiary of ePLDT within the PLDT Group, have formalized their strategic collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint feasibility study and development of a sustainable, power-enabled digital infrastructure proposition in the Philippines.

The collaboration combines MGEN’s expertise in power generation and supply, including renewable energy, with VITRO’s capabilities in data center development, operations, connectivity, and engagement with hyperscalers and other prospective locators.

“This collaboration reflects the growing convergence between the energy and digital infrastructure sectors. Power is increasingly becoming a critical factor in where and how data centers are developed. By bringing together our respective capabilities, we can explore solutions on how reliable, cost-competitive, and sustainable power can be integrated into the development of digital infrastructure,” MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio shared.

Under the MOU, MGEN and VITRO will conduct joint technical and commercial studies to assess potential sites, power generation capacity, renewable energy resources, connectivity requirements, data center specifications, and commercial structures.

MGEN will identify potential sites for data center developments integrated with power generation facilities, as well as evaluate potential power supply arrangements. VITRO will lead data center design and site studies, connectivity planning, and engagement with prospective hyperscalers and other locators. The MOU provides a framework for the parties’ joint feasibility study and development of a sustainable, power-enabled digital infrastructure proposition in the Philippines.

VITRO REIT, Inc. President and CEO Victor S. Genuino said the collaboration provides an opportunity to create a more integrated proposition for prospective data center locators: “Improving the cost and reliability of power is one of the key objectives of this collaboration, as energy remains a decisive factor in attracting hyperscale and AI investments to the country. VITRO is committed to working closely with the energy sector to help secure ample, stable, sustainable, and affordable energy for the digital infrastructure that supports the Philippines' digital economy.”

The collaboration underscores the importance of integrating power and connectivity considerations into data center site selection as the Philippines aims to respond to the growing demand for digital and high-density computing infrastructure.

GCash Brings Investing Closer to More Filipinos With Digital Platform GStocks PH

Finance super app GCash is expanding Filipinos’ access to investing through its in-app stock platform, allowing ordinary consumers to grow their hard-earned money directly from their mobile phones.

By enabling seamless and paperless registration, GCash breaks down barriers to entry into the digital finance space through GInvest, allowing Filipinos to invest via GStocks PH and other services like GFunds, GBonds, and more directly through its platform.

At present, GStocks PH serves more than 2 million users through broker AB Capital Securities Inc., cornering the majority of all online retail stock market accounts with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). According to the PSE’s 2025 Stock Market Investor Profile report, stock market accounts jumped by 27.3 percent to 3.64 million last year, from the 2.86 million accounts recorded in 2024.

Broken down, 99.2 percent, or 3.61 million accounts, belong to retail investors, with 3.22 million accounts of which are held online through digital trading platforms and e-wallets. Online retail accounts also grew by 30.5 percent year-on-year.

Digital platforms driving inclusion

The scale-up of online investing reflects a shift toward digital platforms that reduce hurdles to market participation. With a streamlined onboarding process that allows Filipinos to invest directly through the GCash app, GStocks PH draws more retail investors to the local capital markets while promoting digital financial inclusion.

“By improving digital access to investing, an area that was once traditionally reserved for the privileged few, we are helping create pathways for more Filipinos to build a more secure financial future,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

With mobile trading and online investing becoming a mainstay, GCash places greater financial literacy among Filipinos at the center of its priorities.

Aside from improving access to market research and beginner-friendly guidance within GStocks PH, the super app has also launched its AI-powered Pera Coach to provide on-demand access to educational tips and investment information.

“Beyond making access to investing more convenient, we’re doubling down on our financial literacy efforts to help Filipinos better understand and use the tools we provide,” Bangit added.

Through GStocks PH, GCash is making investing more accessible to Filipinos, helping to address traditional barriers and giving more people the opportunity to build a stronger financial future. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

Globe Boosts Connectivity, Empowers Student Leaders at Silliman’s Hibalag Festival

DUMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL — Globe strengthened connectivity at Silliman University’s Hibalag Festival 2026, helping the university community stay connected during one of its biggest annual gatherings. The company also supported student leaders with training and grants to help turn their ideas into initiatives for the campus community.

Hibalag, a local Visayan term associated with meeting or coming together, is a longstanding Silliman Founders Day tradition. Through organization booths, activities, and homecoming events, it brings generations of Sillimanians together and celebrates the university’s heritage and enduring ties with Dumaguete City.

To support increased network demand as more people gathered on campus, Globe deployed a Cellsite on Wheels (COW) at the Hibalag grounds to provide additional capacity during major events. This complemented Globe’s network presence across Dumaguete City, supported by more than 40 cell sites providing coverage to approximately 92% of the city’s population. With 5G services also available, students, alumni, and visitors were able to stay connected and share their Hibalag moments with family and friends.

“Hibalag is an important tradition for the Silliman community. We are glad to support this tradition through reliable connectivity and programs that help young people lead and contribute to their communities,” said Jun Juada, Business Area Head for Western Visayas at Globe.

Beyond providing connectivity during the festival, Globe worked with Silliman students through its Win The Youth (WTY) Program, providing leadership training and grants to help student leaders turn their ideas into initiatives for the campus. The program gave students opportunities to build their skills, collaborate with their peers, and take a more active role in university life.

Globe also engaged students, alumni, and visitors through experiential booths and activities. Silliman students and other Globe customers in Dumaguete enjoyed Go5G Turbo 50, a localized data offer, while festivalgoers redeemed one Rewards point for a free ice cream through the GlobeOne app at the Globe booth.

Through its participation in Hibalag, Globe brought together two areas where it can make a practical contribution to the Silliman community: keeping people connected during one of the university’s biggest traditions and giving young leaders resources to turn their ideas into action.

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

Vivo V80 Lite Pickleball Challenge Brings Sport, Technology, and Excitement to BGC

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Pickleball enthusiasts have another reason to hit the court this October 4 as Vivo Philippines brings the Vivo V80 Lite Launch Event: Pickleball Challenge to Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Open to beginners, intermediate, and advanced players, the event will feature a mixed-doubles, single-elimination tournament where participants can compete for the chance to win two Vivo V80 Lite smartphones for the champion team. Runners-up will also receive exclusive Vivo loot bags.

Players can register with a partner or sign up individually and be paired with another participant. Interested participants can register for the Vivo V80 Lite Pickleball Challenge through the official registration form.

Beyond the competition, attendees can also look forward to a special appearance by Vivo ambassador Marian Rivera, adding another highlight to the Vivo V80 Lite launch event.

The event will also feature interactive activities designed to showcase some of the smartphone's key capabilities. These include its 10,000mAh BlueVolt Battery, IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, and high-brightness display, demonstrating how the device is designed to keep up with demanding activities and different environments.

The pickleball tournament will run throughout the day, beginning with player registration and check-in at 10:10 AM. The quarterfinals will follow after the opening briefing, while the launch program will take place in the afternoon before the semifinals and championship final.

Vivo V80 Lite Pickleball Challenge Schedule

• 10:10–10:45 AM – Player Registration & Check-in
• 10:45–10:50 AM – Tournament Opening & Briefing
• 10:50 AM–1:50 PM – Quarterfinals
• 2:00–4:00 PM – Launch Event Program
• 4:10–5:10 PM – Semifinals
• 5:20–6:20 PM – Championship Final
• 6:20–6:30 PM – Awarding Ceremony

For those who cannot make it to the court, the excitement will also be available online through Vivo Philippines’ Facebook Live. One Vivo V80 Lite will be given away to a livestream viewer, giving at-home audiences a chance to win.

Whether you're ready to compete or simply want to experience the launch, the Vivo V80 Lite Pickleball Challenge offers a full day of sports, entertainment, and technology. October 4 at Market! Market! in BGC is set to be an event for pickleball fans and Vivo enthusiasts alike.

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.