VITRO Inc., the country’s first and largest data center service provider, has partnered with BBIX Philippines Inc. to establish a direct peering connection between BBIX and the VITRO Internet Exchange (VIX)—marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.The partnership centers on enabling more efficient traffic exchange through direct peering, allowing enterprises connected to both BBIX and VIX to benefit from improved routing, reduced latency, and enhanced access to content and digital services.
As part of the collaboration, an initial 100G network-to-network interconnection has been deployed at VITRO Makati 2, providing a high-capacity, scalable platform for traffic exchange. This interconnection is expected to expand in line with traffic growth and evolving demand.
VIX brings to the partnership its strong local ecosystem, including access to over 98 million internet users in the Philippines, alongside a growing base of enterprises, carriers, and hyperscalers hosted within VITRO’s carrier-neutral data centers. Its strategic locations enable proximity to end users, improving performance and service delivery.
Complementing this, BBIX contributes its global peering expertise and a rich and massive ecosystem of content from cloud service providers, content platforms, content delivery networks (CDNs), and other technology solution providers. This enables more efficient traffic flow, reduced latency, and improved access to both regional and international content—ultimately elevating the overall Filipino user experience.
By directly interconnecting BBIX and VIX, both exchanges are able to complement each other’s strengths—addressing gaps in connectivity, optimizing traffic routes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the internet ecosystem in the Philippines.
“Through this direct peering partnership with BBIX, we are enriching the country’s digital ecosystem in a way that delivers more seamless and responsive online experiences for Filipinos,” said Gary F. Ignacio, Chief Commercial Officer of VITRO Inc. “By strengthening how traffic is exchanged between networks, we are improving access to content, enhancing performance, and enabling businesses and communities to better participate in the digital economy.”
BBIX Philippines Inc. continues to pursue its vision of bridging the digital divide across the Philippines’ many islands by bringing high-quality internet exchange services closer to users.
“Our goal is to bring the power of the internet closer to every Filipino,” said Toya Oba, General Manager, BBIX PH. “Through our direct peering with VITRO IX, we can deliver more efficient and reliable connectivity that supports the growing demand for digital services in the country.”
As demand for data, cloud, and content continues to rise, VITRO and BBIX remain committed to advancing internet exchange infrastructure—ensuring a more connected, efficient, and resilient digital future for the Philippines.
Amidst the ongoing energy crisis, Globe unveils new mobile and Globe At Home offers to help customers cope with the current challenges. The Blueprint, a quarterly media briefing held on May 26, 2026, at The Globe Tower, aptly themed “Keep Going with Globe,” showcased new connectivity products to serve as a lifeline for many Filipinos.Connectivity that knows you
Globe launched its own Globe Cloud service, offering customers a backup system at a lower price than most cloud services. Now, customers can secure files and preserve photos with flexible storage plans at very affordable prices. The service also comes with features like Flashback and AI‑powered editing that make reliving moments effortless.
To allow every Filipino access to artificial intelligence, Globe launched its AI Fiesta that brings together leading AI models in one platform. No need for expensive subscription fees, the AI Fiesta offers budget-friendly access to any AI platform available. The service is perfect for students, creators, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. By unifying multiple AI platforms, customers now have a choice which AI works for them, also saving valuable time since a single prompt can generate outputs equivalent to more than five separate prompts, all under one economical “sachet” service.
Another new product is Instagram Basic that keeps users connected, enabling seamless promo purchases or personalized top‑ups directly within the app. With features like data loans through the in-app Mobile Center, it serves as a digital fuel subsidy, helping Filipinos stay online for both social and everyday needs, and smoothly transition back to the full Instagram experience once data top-up is restored.
Meanwhile, Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and Platinum offer emergency loans, roaming assistance, and the conversion of Rewards points into essentials like food and fuel, turning connectivity into a real lifeline during critical times.
Connection that cares for you
Globe AT HOME demonstrates how connectivity extends beyond convenience to genuine care for communities. GFiber Prepaid and GCash transform the traditional palengke, long regarded as a second home for vendors and their suki, into digital marketplaces by providing free WiFi for vendors to access credit and insurance, while shoppers enjoy scan‑to‑pay service.Globe AT HOME marks a new milestone by empowering Filipino households with an integrated ecosystem of flexible connectivity, sustainable energy, and everyday rewards. Moving beyond traditional internet service, Globe introduces a holistic household care package that addresses evolving economic and lifestyle needs through flexible payment options, green energy solutions, and daily cost‑saving benefits. The company emphasizes that it is not just delivering a router, but building a resilient ecosystem designed to keep families connected, supported, and future‑ready.
GoSafe, Globe’s new campaign under the Globe of Good masterbrand, ensures that digital inclusion is truly meaningful by keeping Filipinos not just connected but safe, informed, and empowered through initiatives like site‑blocking, content filtering, and education programs.
Connection that empowers you
For businesses to thrive in the digital economy, Globe launched its Google Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience (GE CX). Globe helps enterprises modernize customer engagement through AI‑powered concierges and conversational shopping assistants, turning support into a revenue driver. At the same time, GFiber plans come with Free Vulnerability Assessment Scans, democratizing cybersecurity by bundling high‑speed connectivity with proactive vulnerability scanning, giving businesses the confidence to innovate securely across industries like e‑commerce, healthcare, and finance.
KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer, shared: “Connectivity today is no longer just about access, it is about making people feel supported, and about building meaningful connections that strengthen lives. Whether it’s the connection that helps businesses grow, the connection that keeps families secure, or the connection that allows communities to thrive, Globe is committed to being that lifeline. Every day, we strive to give Filipinos the courage and confidence to keep going, with care that uplifts them.”
Globe reaffirms its role as a trusted partner in the everyday journeys of Filipinos. By weaving together innovations that know customers personally, care for their communities, and empower their businesses, Globe is redefining connectivity. It is a source of resilience, progress, and opportunity. As these solutions take root, they signal a breakthrough moment where technology and compassion converge, creating safer and more inclusive spaces that truly help Filipinos to keep going.
For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.
Binance and BlockShoals Technologies Inc. (“BlockShoals”) today announced a partnership in connection with the Strategic Sandbox (StratBox) framework of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines.
Binance and BlockShoals appreciate the Philippine SEC’s leadership in establishing the StratBox framework, which provides a controlled and supervised environment for responsible innovation in financial products, services, and technologies.
Following the SEC’s approval of BlockShoals’ StratBox application, BlockShoals, as the StratBox participant, will commence testing activities under the framework, while Binance, as the global exchange partner, will provide the support through its technology infrastructure, product suite, user process, infrastructure-grade security, and user privacy infrastructure, operational expertise, and compliance tools developed across multiple regulated markets globally.
Through the partnership, Binance and BlockShoals will work together to test a tailored Binance platform experience for users in the Philippines within the SEC’s regulatory sandbox.
BlockShoals is moving forward with its approved StratBox testing plan, integrating with a partner virtual asset service provider (VASP) during the initial testing period. With safeguards in place, the company will then launch its full operational rollout — onboarding users and deploying product configurations tailored for the Philippines.
The Philippines continues to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s most digitally engaged markets, with increasing interest in digital finance, blockchain technology, and digital assets. The country has also consistently ranked among the leading global markets in Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index, reflecting growing public engagement with digital asset technologies and services.
The initiative is intended to support responsible innovation in the Philippines by helping build a more secure, locally relevant, and regulated digital asset environment for users. It also reflects a broader commitment to investor protection, market integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations within a controlled testing environment.
The partnership combines BlockShoals’ local market participation and regulatory engagement capabilities with Binance’s global infrastructure and operational experience across international markets.
Seker, Head of APAC at Binance, said, “The Philippines is one of the most dynamic digital economies in Southeast Asia, with a highly engaged and digitally native population that continues to drive adoption of emerging financial technologies. We believe frameworks like StratBox represent an important step in enabling responsible innovation by creating pathways for industry participants and regulators to work together constructively.”
“This partnership is an opportunity to demonstrate that global digital asset platforms and local regulatory frameworks can work together constructively,” said a representative of BlockShoals. “As a Philippine-incorporated company operating under the direct supervision of the SEC, we are focused on building a secure and locally accountable platform for Filipino users. We thank the Commission for the opportunity to participate in the StratBox and are committed to earning continued confidence through our performance.”
Manila, Philippines – Philippine healthtech social enterprise 1Life Inc. has partnered with Singapore Diagnostics (SGD), the country's first College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited diagnostic facility, to expand access to free preventive laboratory services for Filipinos. 1Life patients enrolled in PhilHealth's Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) can receive nine covered diagnostic tests at no cost across 23 participating SGD branches spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.1Life President Niño Namoco, Laboratory Partnerships and Compliance Head Allister Adam Oraña, SGD President Ritche Joseph Manuel Evidente, and COO Norely Gil formalized the partnership through the signing of a memorandum of agreement at SGD's office in Robinsons Cyber Omega, Ortigas, Pasig City.
YAKAP is PhilHealth's flagship preventive healthcare program, focused on early diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent disease progression and hospitalization among all PhilHealth members and their dependents, regardless of age. As an accredited PhilHealth YAKAP provider, 1Life Inc. delivers these preventive benefits, with its partnership with Singapore Diagnostics enabling patients to access required laboratory tests at no expense.
The covered tests include a complete blood count (CBC), lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1C, urinalysis, fecalysis, fecal occult blood test, and creatinine test, which physicians commonly rely on to detect diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular conditions in their early stages.
Available branches span key urban centers across the country. In Metro Manila, locations include Makati, Las Piñas, Marikina, Parañaque, Pasay, San Juan, Diliman in Quezon City, and two Pasig branches at Robinsons Cyber Omega and Strata. In Luzon, the network extends to Angeles City and San Fernando City in Pampanga, Dagupan City and Urdaneta in Pangasinan, Baguio City in Benguet, and Tarlac City. In the Visayas, branches are in the Reclamation Area in Mabolo and Cebu City, Iloilo City and Mandurriao in Iloilo, and Bacolod in Negros Occidental. In Mindanao, patients may access services in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and General Santos City in South Cotabato.
SGD, founded in 2013, has grown to more than 60 locations nationwide and serves over 600 hospitals and clinics, with satellite laboratories in Angeles City, Cebu City, Dagupan City, Davao City, and Iloilo City, giving the partnership immediate logistical depth across the country's major regions.
The deal marks a significant expansion milestone for 1Life, which has served more than one million patients across all 81 provinces and over 1,300 cities and municipalities in just two years of operations. The company uses artificial intelligence-supported clinical workflows to compress what traditionally requires at least four patient visits into a single healthcare encounter.
1Life positions the SGD partnership as central to its preventive care strategy, arguing that access to free diagnostics is a prerequisite for early disease detection, particularly in geographically and economically underserved communities where laboratory services have historically been out of reach.
“Preventive care only works if people can actually get tested, and that has always been 1Life's mission. Partnering with trusted laboratory providers is fundamental to this, because accurate diagnoses and sound treatment decisions begin with reliable diagnostics. When a patient can receive a comprehensive laboratory workup at no cost, that goes beyond diagnosis. That is an opportunity for a healthier life," 1Life President Niño Namoco said.
1Life operates as a social enterprise with an advocacy to strengthen community-level primary healthcare in the country. The company intends to continue growing its laboratory facility network through additional partnerships beyond SGD.
To learn more about free laboratory services under the 1Life, Inc. and SGD partnership, visit 1life.ph and facebook.com/1life.ph. The 1Life Health App is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
Manila, Philippines – The Philippines reigned supreme in the international poker circuit after the country secured its first-ever Pewter Mega Lion trophy at the recent Asian Poker Tour (APT), a landmark win that has propelled the players to $7 million USD in consolidated career earnings.
Filipino poker legend Mike Takayama navigated a field of 136 elite international entries, at one point surviving with only three big blinds, to secure his 17th career APT title. The victory earned him a career-best TWD 9.76 million (approx. PHP 18 million) and the distinction of being the first-ever Filipino to hoist the Pewter Mega Lion. His rise began as a poker dealer in local billiards halls. After years of observing seasoned pros and overcoming early setbacks, he has amassed over $4 million in career earnings. With his latest win, he holds the distinction of being the only Filipino with a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet and is currently closing in on the #1 spot for the Philippines’ all-time earnings.
“Walang nagturo sa akin, ‘yong sarili ko lang ang nag-guide sa akin (No one taught me; I guided myself),” Takayama shared, reflecting on the self-reliance that led to his historic APT win.
Other athletes include Lester Edoc and Elmer “Kalaquian” Abcede. A veteran from Baguio, Edoc rose from running modest home games to winning over $2.7 million on the international stage. As a two-time RVS Cup champion, he has proven his dominance across Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea. Meanwhile, Abcede is a licensed professional teacher from Bataan and the son of a taxi driver who brings a disciplined, academic approach to the game. With nearly $300,000 in earnings, his journey from the Metro Card Club to international tournaments reflects the grit inherent in Filipino talent.
“All the hardship and pain I experienced built who I am today,” Abcede said as he recalled experiencing struggles to find stakers at the Metro Card Club. He shared that his refusal to quit led him to a successful partnership with Buenas PH.
The victory marks a turning point for the Philippines in the global competitive circuit, cementing the country’s status as a powerhouse in the world of skill-based mind sports. Supporting this international campaign is Buenas PH, a PAGCOR-licensed platform dedicated to professionalizing the sport. By providing the necessary logistical framework, the brand enables these athletes to represent the Philippines at the highest level of competition.
“This monumental win is a testament to extraordinary Filipino talent,” said Ellen Joy Almanza, Managing Consultant of Buenas. “We are proud to have played a part in their journey toward becoming the country’s top-ranked players. It is our mission to ensure that the next generation of talent has the support needed to become world-ranked athletes.”
By fostering a strictly regulated ecosystem focused on responsible gaming and identity verification, the partnership between the country’s leading poker players and Buenas PH aims to elevate the local poker community. As these athletes continue to break records, they carry forward a spirit of resilience that continues to inspire the global mind sports community.
Takayama is set to represent the Philippines at the upcoming World Series of Poker starting late May in the US.
