Bitget Champions Women Shaping Education-First Web3 Growth in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines — Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), highlighted the growing impact of women-led Web3 education and advocacy in the Philippines through its flagship women-in-blockchain initiative, Blockchain4Her. The initiative supports women who are advancing blockchain literacy, community access, and responsible participation across emerging digital economies.

Blockchain4Her is designed to elevate and empower women in blockchain through education-first programs, grassroots partnerships, and community-led advocacy. By focusing on access, knowledge, and long-term inclusion, the initiative aims to close the gender gap in Web3 and create pathways for women to participate as builders, educators, and decision-makers.

In the Philippines, a market shaped by strong grassroots adoption and a rapidly expanding digital economy, Blockchain4Her has supported women working at the intersection of education, community-building, and responsible innovation. Advocates, including Bea Llana, Arshelene “Tita Arsh” Lingao, and MaryWave (Wave3), have emerged as leading voices helping women and young people approach Web3 with clarity, structure, and purpose.

“We started Blockchain4Her to create a safe space and build confidence for women to imagine a future in Web3,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget and initiator of Blockchain4Her. “Seeing women in the Philippines take ownership of education and community-building shows what inclusion looks like when it begins at the grassroots level.”

Across their work, the advocates share a common focus on education over speculation and long-term understanding over short-term participation. Llana, a Southeast Asia–based ecosystem builder and co-founder of Buhayin, has worked to translate blockchain and emerging technologies into practical opportunities for local communities, particularly through education and connectivity initiatives in underserved island regions.
“There wasn’t one defining moment,” Llana said. “But working closely with communities showed how thoughtfully applied blockchain technology can support access and participation. That’s when curiosity became intention.”

Education has also been central to the work of Arshelene “Tita Arsh” Lingao, founder of Cryptita Plays, who has focused on improving Web3 literacy among Filipino youth and underserved communities. Alongside Bitget's other CSR initiative, Blockchain4Youth, she developed the Young Learners’ Encyclopedia, an accessible resource designed to introduce blockchain concepts in a clear and age-appropriate way.

“Too many young people enter crypto without honest guidance,” Lingao said. “Education helps them see Web3 as a space for learning and creativity, not hype.”

MaryWave, also known as Wave3, has addressed similar gaps in the trading space by building education-driven communities centered on market structure, discipline, and risk awareness. As co-founder of Wave3, she has focused on creating environments where women and beginners can learn without pressure or misinformation.

“What was missing was structure and honest education,” MaryWave said. “When people understand the market, confidence replaces fear.”

Through Blockchain4Her, Bitget continues to support women-led initiatives that emphasize responsible learning, long-term empowerment, and inclusive participation in Web3. In markets like the Philippines, where community-driven education plays a critical role, the initiative aims to ensure that women are equipped with knowledge beyond hype, as they explore opportunities in web3. This approach aligns with Bitget’s global education initiatives with UNICEF, which aim to expand access to digital skills and blockchain education for young people and underserved communities worldwide.

GCash Launches In-App Beginner’s Guide to Introduce Crypto to Everyday Filipinos

Interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow among Filipinos, with 96% showing awareness and over half expressing intent to invest within the year, according to a 2025 Consensys survey. Despite this high curiosity, many remain cautious and unsure where to begin.

To help everyday Filipinos take their first confident step into the world of crypto, finance super app GCash launches “A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency”, a free and exclusive in-app introduction to cryptocurrency, written and illustrated by Luis Buenaventura, Head of GCrypto. Buenaventura, a Filipino crypto author, artist, and entrepreneur, is widely recognized as a pioneer in the local and global crypto scene.

The Filipino-focused, narrative-style guide breaks down complex concepts like Bitcoin, wallets, and volatility through familiar and practical examples like inflation and daily budgeting, making the topic more approachable for crypto newbies.

“Storytelling makes learning personal and relatable. By grounding financial concepts into everyday examples, we aim to make complex topics like crypto approachable for anyone,” said Buenaventura.

Crypto: From Making Sense to Making Moves

Divided into eight chapters, the guide takes users through the fundamentals of crypto in a practical, easy-to-follow format that reflects the real financial experiences of Filipinos. It starts with why cryptocurrency was developed–tracing its roots to real-world economic challenges, particularly inflation and its impact on people’s savings and purchasing power. From there, it walks readers through Bitcoin's rise and volatility.

“Understanding why crypto matters is the first step to learning how to use it wisely,” Buenaventura noted. “By helping them understand the balance of ‘high risk, high reward,’ we aim to set realistic expectations before they dive into actual investing.”
Once readers have a grasp of cryptocurrency, the book guides them towards taking their first careful step into investing. It emphasizes the importance of building traditional savings, maintaining diversified investments, and treating crypto as a complement—not a replacement—to other financial foundations.

The succeeding chapters explore the tools and mindsets needed to invest responsibly. It explains wallet apps, satoshis, and trading basics, and introduces other cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin, such as Ethereum, Solana, stablecoins, and high-volatility memecoins.

It also dives into the mindset behind investing, tackling topics like moments of doubt, the importance of discipline, and the value of long-term thinking. Ultimately, it brings the conversation back to purpose—that crypto should serve real-life goals, helping Filipinos fund dreams, support their families, and celebrate financial progress responsibly.

“Our goal is to educate Filipinos on the responsible use of cryptocurrency, enabling them to take confident, informed steps into the future of finance,” Buenaventura added.

Crypto na Gets Mo

Accessible with just a few taps, “A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency” is now available through GCrypto, a secure marketplace within the GCash app where users can buy, sell, and learn about crypto safely.

“By publishing the book directly on the GCrypto platform, users can learn and explore at their own pace within a secure environment. This helps Filipinos build confidence and make informed decisions as they navigate the world of crypto,” said Buenaventura.

With streamlined registration, low minimum investment options, and a curated selection of reputable coins reviewed by security experts, GCrypto aims to make cryptocurrency more accessible and less intimidating for Filipino users.

Users can register and begin trading with just their fully verified GCash account, with no separate onboarding required. With investment entry points starting at just ₱200, GCrypto lowers the barrier for participation in the digital economy.

The platform also offers a carefully curated portfolio of trusted cryptocurrencies, helping users make informed choices among reputable coins vetted for security and reliability. It also supports seamless conversion between pesos and crypto, as well as blockchain transactions for sending and receiving funds, all within the GCash app.

Users can access the book by opening the GCash app, tapping ‘Grow,’ and selecting GCrypto.

Ready to take your first step into crypto? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

PH-Owned Fintech Firm Bcremit Expands Global Footprint to 23 Countries, Outlines Roadmap to Scale Local Innovation Beyond Filipino Market

Manila, Philippines — Building on its success in the retail remittance sector, BCRemit, a Filipino-led global digital remittance company, has expanded its services to 23 countries and announced plans to scale its operations to provide tailored cross-border payment solutions beyond the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The company plans to launch a suite of cross-border payment services tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Business Process Outsourcings (BPOs), and freelancers, marking a significant expansion beyond its core Filipino roots. This evolution targets a broader global audience, aiming to provide services for other major migrant markets, including those from India, Mexico, and China.

"Our mission has always been to show that Filipino-led innovation can offer transformative solutions to the world. By expanding our services beyond our core community, we aim to serve as a global financial partner built on Filipino values, ready to serve the world’s most dynamic economies,” said Oliver Calma, Founder and CEO of BCRemit.

BCRemit will start 2026 with the launch of a new QR-payment collection feature in partnership with Coins.ph. This feature will streamline outbound remittances from the Philippines, further strengthening BCRemit’s established integrations with major e-wallet platforms. This innovation is set to complement the surging remittance economy, which reached $2.91 billion in November 2025 alone.

Looking ahead, BCRemit also envisions evolving as an all-in-one financial platform, diversifying its product offerings to introduce loans, e-wallets, stablecoin, and investments.

Currently, BCRemit has processed over 1 million transactions since its launch, amounting to over $600 million in transaction value, underscoring the platform’s robust capability to seamlessly facilitate high-volume cross-border settlements.

BCRemit is leveraging its strategic partnership with Circle Internet Financial to harness technology in overcoming the challenges of traditional remittances. By utilizing blockchain technology and USDC stablecoins, the platform has successfully reduced transaction costs to approximately 1%, a stark contrast to the global average remittance cost of 6.4%. This infrastructure allows for near-instant settlements, bypassing the 3-5 day delays typical of traditional banking channels and ensuring that funds reach their destination at their highest possible value.

BCRemit was established in 2015 by Oliver Calma and his son, Gio, inspired by their own family's history. Drawing from Oliver’s years as an overseas worker and the family's reliance on his sent funds, they built the platform to solve the real-world delays they faced firsthand and ensure other families wouldn't face the same hurdles. Their mission is rooted in the belief that overseas workers deserve to 'send money back home faster,' a principle that remains the heartbeat of the company’s 2026 expansion.

"We saw firsthand the impact of financial delays on our own family growing up, and that drives our commitment to innovation today," said Gio Calma, Co-Founder and Director of BCRemit. "We understand that for our customers, remittances aren’t just transactions, they’re a lifeline. As we expand, we remain focused on creating a trusted financial gateway that serves every Filipino from around the world."

Operating under the regulatory oversight of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Banco de España, and Bank of Canada, BCRemit remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance to serving over 10.8 million overseas Filipinos across the world with seamless, secure financial services made by Filipinos, for Filipinos.

For more information, you may visit https://www.bcremit.com/ or follow their Facebook page.

Vivo X Series Earns Major PH Tech Awards

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo continues to strengthen its position as a leader in smartphone innovation as its flagship X Series earns top recognition from some of the Philippines’ most respected tech media organizations. The Vivo X300 Pro and Vivo X200 FE both received major honors at the YugaTech Editor’s Choice Awards 2026 and the 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH, highlighting the brand’s excellence in camera technology, performance, and design.

The Vivo X300 Pro stood out as one of the biggest winners at the YugaTech Editor’s Choice Awards 2026, taking home both the Smartphone of the Year and Best Smartphone Camera awards. These recognitions underscore the device’s ability to deliver a complete flagship experience while also leading the way in mobile photography.

At the heart of the Vivo X300 Pro is a 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display that offers smooth visuals and vibrant colors, paired with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset for fast and efficient performance. Supporting its all-day reliability is a massive 6510mAh BlueVolt battery, complemented by 90W FlashCharge and 40W wireless charging capabilities.

Its award-winning camera system plays a key role in its success, featuring a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera. This advanced setup delivers exceptional clarity, accurate colors, and impressive detail across various shooting conditions, from long-distance zoom to challenging low-light environments. These features position the Vivo X300 Pro as a true imaging powerhouse and a well-rounded premium device.

Meanwhile, the Vivo X200 FE earned the Best Compact Flagship Phone award at The 2025 Boxies by Unbox PH. The recognition highlights Vivo’s ability to deliver flagship-level performance in a smaller and more ergonomic design.

The Vivo X200 FE features a 6.31-inch flat display and a slim build, making it ideal for comfortable one-handed use. Despite its compact size, it packs a powerful 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and a large 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, ensuring both performance and endurance.

These awards reflect not only industry recognition but also growing consumer trust. With the Vivo X300 Pro and Vivo X200 FE, Vivo continues to redefine smartphone photography and flagship performance, proving that innovation remains at the core of the Vivo X Series.

Love May Be Blind, but Trust Shouldn’t Be: GCash Strengthens Consumer Protection Efforts Against Love Scams

GCash continues to step up its security systems and awareness campaigns as part of its thrust in consumer protection. The initiative aligns with advisories from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

Authorities say love scams remain one of the most common online fraud schemes, where criminals build and take advantage of emotional connections before asking for money. Recent data from the CICC shows 123 love scam complaints in 2025, with 18 cases recorded in January 2026 alone. Cases usually increase during the love month as scammers become more active.

Common signs of romance/love scams

Government advisories highlight several warning signs:

· Sudden requests for money under the guise of emergencies, travel, or medical needs

· Refusal to meet in person or join live video calls

· Profiles with overly polished or unrealistic photos

· Persistent pressure to send money or invest in unfamiliar platforms

Authorities remind the public to be extra vigilant, verify identities, and avoid sending money to people they have only met online.

Investing in prevention and user protection

To help stop scams before they happen, GCash continues to invest in technology, partnerships, and user education. The company works closely with the DICT, CICC, PNP-ACG, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to support investigations and public awareness efforts.

On the platform, GCash maintains several layers of protection, including:

· Verified user identities through strict KYC processes

· Real-time fraud monitoring

· Account security features such as PINs, OTPs, and device checks

· Confirmation prompts when sending money to a new contact or recipient

· In-app advisories on common scam tactics

Users can also report suspicious activity through the app’s Help Center or official customer support channels.

“Love scams often rely on emotional manipulation rather than technical attacks,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at Mynt, parent company of GCash. “We continue to strengthen our security systems and work closely with government agencies, but users should always verify before sending money to someone they only know online,” he added.

Government advisories also note that senior citizens are among the most targeted groups, making awareness and platform safeguards even more important.

Through continued investments in security, partnerships, and public education, GCash aims to create a safer digital financial experience for Filipinos, making cybersecurity a top priority for GCash, our partners, and regulators.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.