YGG Play Summit Announces PHP 1.1 Million Prize Pool for Vibes Asian Championship

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Vibes Asian Championship is coming to the YGG Play Summit on November 21–22, bringing one of the region’s most anticipated Trading Card Game (TCG) tournaments to Manila, Philippines. The event will feature a $20,000 USD prize pool and is open to all players through public registration, with participation capped at 128 players. Parental consent is required for minors joining the competition.

Developed by Orange Cap Games, Vibes is a digital and physical TCG featuring the Pudgy Penguins brand. It combines strategic gameplay with the charm of one of Web3’s most beloved IP, allowing players to build “huddles” of penguin characters, action cards, and relics to battle opponents. The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers while offering depth and variety with unique card abilities and diverse play styles reminiscent of other TCGs like Magic: The Gathering and Lorcana.

“We have the biggest tournaments, and the world’s best competitors, coming to the Philippines this November,” said Mike Ovecka, Head of YGG Esports, who previously led esports for the classic TCG Hearthstone at Blizzard Entertainment. “We envision the YGG Play Summit as the heart of competitive Web3 gaming, and securing massive tournaments such as the Vibes Asian Championship demonstrates how serious we are about making that vision a reality.”

The tournament format will feature a Swiss +1 qualifier, after which the top 8 players will advance to the single-elimination finals to compete for the championship title. The remaining players who place within the top 32 will also receive cash prizes from the prize pool. The event will be overseen by Sashi Balakrishnan, a certified Level 3 Magic: The Gathering Judge from Malaysia, ensuring the highest standards of officiating and fair play.

To ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages both newcomers and seasoned competitors to join, participants are allowed to use up to 12 proxy cards per deck. Proxy cards are substitute versions of cards a player doesn’t physically own, so they can compete on a level playing field even without access to every rare or expensive card.

Additionally, a series of beginner-friendly Learn-to-Play Vibes sessions and community tournaments is being held across Manila. At these events, new players can discover the basics of the game through guided learning from YGG Pilipinas Metaversity Marshals, with hands-on practice and starter decks provided.

The next Learn-to-Play Events and tournaments will take place:

• October 19 — Aqua Card Games and Collectibles, Dasmariñas, Cavite
  
  

• November 8 — One Feast Cafe + Hobby Space, Cabanatuan City
  

Weekly Tournaments:

• October 18 and 25 — Trics Circle of Hobbies, Parañaque
  
  

• November 8 and 15 — Trics Circle of Hobbies, Parañaque
  
  

• November 9 and 19 — One Feast Cafe + Hobby Space, Cabanatuan City

Those interested in joining one of the most community-driven TCG events this year can register via this form.

For the latest information on the YGG Play Summit, visit the official website and follow YGG Play Summit on X.

PLDT, Makati Police Foil Attempted Cable Heist in Makati

A joint operation between PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and the Makati City Police led to the arrest of six persons caught attempting to steal underground copper cables along Kalayaan Avenue, Barangay Olympia.

The group, posing as water utility workers, had set up fake signage, donned contractor uniforms, and used professional tools. One of the suspects was found inside a manhole during the operation, as the group tried to pull out nearly two tons of PLDT copper cables.

Cable theft accounts for a significant portion of connectivity issues for Philippine telcos. Recovered from the scene were bolt cutters, metal saws, warning devices, and 96 meters of cut PLDT copper cables, more or less 2,000 kgs in weight. The arrested individuals were immediately brought to the Makati Police Station for inquest proceedings, with support from PLDT’s GMM South Asset Protection Division.

“This incident underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in protecting critical infrastructure,” said Willie S. Antalan, Head of PLDT's Asset Protection Division for Greater Metro Manila South. “We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure uninterrupted service and community safety through sustained vigilance and partnership.”

The operation is part of PLDT’s broader proactive initiatives to safeguard the company’s nationwide network infrastructure through close coordination with local government units, police, and other industry stakeholders.

Through its network protection and community security initiatives, the PLDT group is helping create safer, more resilient communities where digital inclusion can thrive, through a community-centric approach that strengthens trust, fosters accountability, and ensures that technology continues to serve as a bridge to progress for millions of Filipinos.

These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Telco Eastern Communications Launches in Calbayog City, Samar

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, has officially launched its services in Calbayog City, Samar, extending its network and digital services across Eastern Visayas.

The milestone was celebrated through the company’s signature “Via Eastern” event held on October 15, 2025, at Baypark Hotel, Calbayog, gathering local business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders to explore how Eastern is driving digital transformation and enabling inclusive growth in the region.

Local officials and partner organizations, including Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and ICT Council President Nancy Lanuza, joined the Via Eastern Calbayog celebration, recognizing Eastern’s contribution to advancing the city’s development agenda and promoting technology-driven progress across Samar.

"It is with great pride and excitement [that I join] today's launch of Eastern Communications, a new [telco] player in our city. We know that connection should not only be faster, but it needs to be stable with the modern digital era at this time. Congratulations to Eastern Communications and thank you for helping move our city forward,” said Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Raymund Uy.

Driving digital growth in Samar’s emerging business hub

The expansion underscores Eastern Communications' commitment to bridging digital gaps and empowering emerging business cities nationwide. As part of its strategy to strengthen regional presence, Eastern Communications identified Calbayog as a key business city in its joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the largest submarine cable infrastructure project in the country. The PDSCN Express Route is made up of 80% undersea cables, allowing it to deliver resilient and reliable connectivity and bring world-class telecommunications services to more Filipinos.

As Calbayog positions itself to become a premier economic, ecological, and tourism center in Samar, Eastern Communications' entry will play a vital role in building the city’s ICT backbone. The telco will provide advanced business connectivity services, including Eastern Fiber 1 shared internet and Internet Direct Service (IDS) dedicated connectivity. These solutions are designed to empower local MSMEs, agribusinesses, retail enterprises, and hospitality establishments to thrive in the digital economy.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern Communications will also offer a complete suite of ICT solutions such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Center Services, and Business Applications. These tools enable enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer engagement.

“Our expansion to Calbayog aligns with Eastern Communications’ vision to strengthen our presence across the Visayas region,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer. “By making Calbayog our entry point to reach more areas in Samar, we aim to empower local communities and businesses with resilient and reliable internet services. Through our strong connectivity and comprehensive ICT solutions, we’re committed to helping the region thrive and support the country’s digital growth.”

Eastern’s services are expected to benefit Calbayog’s key industries, starting with agribusiness, where reliable connectivity will support operations across farming, processing, and logistics. The trade, retail, and services sector will also gain from improved efficiency and business continuity through dependable internet and ICT solutions. Meanwhile, the hospitality and tourism industry will be strengthened as hotels, restaurants, and tourist destinations enhance their guest experience and digital access, helping promote Calbayog as a vibrant destination for both local and international visitors.

With over 145 years of expertise, Eastern Communications remains steadfast in its mission to deliver “High Tech” and “High Touch” solutions that empower enterprises and communities. As it continues to expand its reach one city at a time, the company reaffirms its commitment to building a digitally empowered Philippines where progress and connectivity go hand in hand.

For more information on Eastern Communications’ products and services, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Security Bank Economic Forum 2025: Navigating Tariffs, Trade, and ASEAN’s Next Moves

Makati, Philippines —Now in its 15th year, the Security Bank Economic Forum continues to be a premier platform for business and investors to understand trends driving growth and opportunity across ASEAN. This year’s theme, “Trump, trade, and the impact on ASEAN,” zeroes in on how shifting US trade and tariff policies are reshaping the region’s economic outlook and influencing strategies for resilience and growth.

“Global shifts—from US trade policies to geopolitical tensions—continue to reshape the flow of goods, capital, and talent. For Philippine businesses, these translate into real challenges such as supply chain disruptions and investment uncertainties,” said Cirilo P. Noel, Security Bank Chairman. “At Security Bank, our BetterBanking promise means going beyond financial services to empower clients with insights that help them navigate complexity, adapt with resilience, and seize opportunities,” he added.

The forum featured thought leaders offering timely perspectives on the evolving global landscape.

Curtis S. Chin, former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank and Senior Advisor for Global Markets at the Milken Institute, explored how US trade and tariff policies under President Donald Trump are influencing ASEAN economies, and redefining partnerships.

“As geopolitical tensions rise, businesses must understand both the risks and opportunities of this new era. Tariffs and trade are not just economic issues—they shape the future of cooperation and competition in the region,” said Chin. “However, we should never forget that progress in any nation is ultimately up to its own leaders, its own citizens, its own businesses, its own communities, its civil society. Whoever is president of the United States or any other outside nation should be no excuse for not moving forward.”

Dr. Cielito F. Habito, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, unpacked the implications of shifting global policies on the Philippine economy—emphasizing strategies for resilience and inclusive growth.

“Many see opportunities for the Philippines along with the clear threats from tectonic shifts in the global financial and economic landscape, but in the end, we could well be our own worst enemy in navigating through all the changes happening,” Dr. Habito said. “We need fundamental policy and institutional reforms to avoid the real threats to the nation’s future arising from self-inflicted weaknesses, especially in our most basic assets: our people and our land.”

“Uncertainty is not an excuse to stand still. It’s a call for clarity, agility, and purpose.,” said Sanjiv Vohra, Security Bank President and CEO. “Forums like this embody our BetterBanking promise—bringing together ideas, connections, and strategies that help clients thrive amid change.”

The 15th Security Bank Economic Forum reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to fostering dialogue that drives informed decision-making. By convening global and local experts, the Bank continues to provide actionable insights that equip businesses to navigate volatility with confidence and purpose.

BetterBanking means being ready for what’s next. Learn more at www.securitybank.com.

Bitget Wallet Launches Crypto Card in Asia-Pacific

Manila, Philippines – Bitget Wallet has officially launched Bitget Wallet Card in selected Asia-Pacific markets, expanding its crypto payment offering to one of the world's most dynamic regions.

Bitget Wallet Card is designed to make crypto spendable in daily life by connecting self-custodied digital assets directly to Mastercard's over 150 million merchants and Visa's network of more than 200 countries. Users can apply for the card through the Bitget Wallet app, receive instant approval via fully digital onboarding, and add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for global acceptance. Transactions are funded instantly through onchain swaps and deposits into USDT and USDC, while top-ups are free of charge.

"Launching the Bitget Wallet Card in Asia-Pacific is a pivotal milestone in our strategy," said Jamie Elkaleh, CMO of Bitget Wallet. "It strengthens our vision of combining self-custody, compliance, and real-world utility, giving users a single gateway to spend, save, and earn with digital assets."

The launch comes as Asia-Pacific has emerged as the fastest-growing crypto market globally, with onchain activity rising 69% year-over-year to US $2.36 trillion. The region has become a hub for both institutional stablecoin adoption and retail payments, with Southeast Asia driving remittance flows and developed markets like Japan and Australia demanding transparent, cost-efficient payment solutions. By combining Bitget Wallet's self-custodial reach and global partner payment rails, the Bitget Wallet Card is positioned to bridge blockchain-native assets with mainstream finance across the region.

For more information, visit https://web3.bitget.com/card and Bitget Wallet blog.