Ushering in a Smarter, More Connected Philippines with Smart City Convention 2026

 

Smart City 2026 brought together government leaders, urban planners, and technological developers in an effort to usher in a smarter era for Philippine cities. By Zuriel Tan, Business Development Associate

Smart City Convention Philippines 2026, held last June 1-2, ushered in a new era of technological advancements within the Philippines. The event brought together government leaders, city planners, policymakers, and technology providers to discuss the future of smarter, more connected, and more sustainable Philippine cities. Notably, Kyle Delos Santos, Keepital Philippines’ Business Development Executive, delivered a talk detailing the importance of online visibility in the B2B industry within the constantly evolving technological landscape of the modern day. 

Held at SMX SM Aura, Smart City Convention Philippines 2026 served as a platform to share fresh, innovative, and unique ideas to contribute to a more sustainable future within the country. As the world undergoes rapid advancements in technology, the Philippines faces both opportunities and challenges in keeping pace with global trends in urban development. The convention’s inaugural iteration was designed to create a space wherein important stakeholders could gather to discuss the country's adaptation of smart city solutions through digital governance, data-driven urban planning, clean energy, and intelligent transportation.

Mr. Kyle Delos Santos delivered a keynote presentation going in-depth about the importance of a strong digital presence as our future becomes more data-driven and transitions to a predominantly digital landscape. Moreover, he showcased how GEO and SEO, based data-driven strategies are essential in cultivating a smart visibility that transform how businesses digitally grow in today’s connected cities.

The convention also featured other notable speakers such as Honorable Benjamin Banez Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City, and Arch. Felino Palafox Jr, Founder of Palafox Associates, discussing how urban planning and government policy go hand-in-hand when trying to build a smarter and more connected future for the country collectively.

Smart City 2026 showed that a smarter, more sustainable future for our country’s urban landscape is closer than we think. With the rise of innovative technological advancements and a combination of global insights with local priorities, the convention played a vital role in making sure that a brighter, smarter future for the Philippines is possible.                                    

Ready to Get Noticed?

Join the many ASEAN SMEs already taking advantage of this digital shift. Be discovered when buyers search. Turn visibility into real business.

Reach out today: ask@keepital.com | sales.ph@keepital.com | Schedule a meeting

Visit: www.keepital.com | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok 

Join our community: B2B Business Networking

About KEEP Pte Ltd.

Keepital was established in 2013 and has now grown into Southeast Asia’s Leading Industrial B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between suppliers and buyers worldwide through our online platform. They stand out with their highly competitive pricing and offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just product listings. Their advertising options are designed for affordability and simplicity, featuring a one-time payment and low renewal fees for product and service suppliers on our online portal.

9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026 Set to Address Critical Tourism Infrastructure and Asset Lifecycles in Manila

The 9th Hospitality Philippines Conference (#HPC2026) convenes September 9–10, 2026, at the Marriott Manila. Exploring "What Comes After Growth: Hospitality’s Next Test in the Philippines," the event features four specialized summits covering investment, tropical design, revenue orchestration, and travel-tech innovations to deliver actionable strategies for the country's archipelagic tourism landscape.

Manila, Philippines: As the Philippine tourism and accommodation sectors enter a sophisticated new operational phase, The Hospitality Asia Event Series has officially announced the dates for the 9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026. Taking place on September 9–10, 2026 at Marriott Manila, the premier two-day leadership assembly will gather the nation's foremost asset owners, operators, developers, and tech visionaries under the timely country theme: "What Comes After Growth: Hospitality’s Next Test in the Philippines."

Aligned with the overarching 2026 Hospitality Asia regional mandate, “Leading Hospitality Forward: Investing in Design, Driving Results,” #HPC2026 steps away from broad macro-generalities to focus heavily on grounded execution. Following consecutive years of aggressive footprint expansion, the conference arrives at a critical juncture where the sector must balance bold brand ambitions against tighter regional underwriting, changing destination dynamics, and an increasingly sophisticated domestic and international traveler base.

An Expanded Multi-Summit Structure Across Two Days

To address the highly interconnected realities of modern asset management, the 2026 program expands into four concurrent, uniquely curated summits spanning two full days of high-level discourse:

Day 1: Capital Allocation and Structural Identity

Hotel Investment Summit Philippines #HISP: This summit draws developers, institutional funds, and international operators into frank dialogue about where capital still sees true potential and where confidence is thinning. With risk appetite returning under sharper, more stringent terms, discussions will dissect emerging growth corridors outside Metro Manila, managing urban land constraints, and navigating infrastructure realities where strong investor conviction serves as the primary differentiator.

Hotel Design Summit Philippines #HDSP: Moving decisively past imported luxury templates, this track explores the rise of deeply rooted, authentic design systems. Architects, creative studios, and property owners will debate how space can celebrate local cultural narratives and drive domestic pride while remaining globally competitive. The session focuses heavily on tropical resilience, layered storytelling, and structuring environments built to withstand climate volatility while boosting long-term asset value.

Day 2: Commercial Performance and Archipelagic Tech

Hotel Revenue Summit Philippines #HRSP: Designed for modern commercial leaders and pricing specialists, this summit addresses the total orchestration of revenue in a highly fragmented market. With regional middle-market travel surging, traditional assumptions around fixed demand cycles and rate elasticity no longer apply. Panelists will analyze how to harmonize sales, marketing, and distribution pipelines to turn real-time consumer intent into immediate bottom-line advantages.

Travel Byte Summit #TBSP: Making its highly anticipated addition to the schedule, this summit tackles the unique geographic canvas of the Philippines. By uniting technology leaders, maritime and aviation logistics operators, and government agencies, the track explores how seamless digital integration can bridge fragmentation across the country’s 7,000 islands, driving frictionless guest experiences, smarter transportation hubs, and robust travel-tech ecosystems.

The Definitive Room for Practical Answers

The 9th edition is expected to host 100+ expert speakers and 500+ pre-qualified delegates representing 300+ leading companies from across the Asia-Pacific region. Beyond the core panel tracks, the conference features an interactive Exhibition Showcase highlighting next-generation hospitality software, sustainable materials, and design solutions, alongside the signature Match & Meet curated networking blocks to facilitate direct project-and-capital deal-making on the floor.

For industry stakeholders looking to safeguard their margins, scale their portfolios accurately, and build resilient products, #HPC2026 provides the essential localized playbook to successfully navigate the next real estate cycle.

For the full event agenda, speaker listings, or to register as a delegate or sponsor, please visit the official website at https://hospitality-philippines.com/ 

For speaking and partnership inquiries, contact:

Gloria Wong

Managing Director

gloria@hospitality-asia.com

For delegate registration and administrative inquiries, contact:

Jewel Solano

Head of Administration

jewel@hospitality-asia.com

About Hospitality Asia

The Hospitality Asia Event Series is a leading platform for senior leaders across the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. It is known for bringing together key decision-makers and industry innovators while creating strong opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration.

The series features seven flagship events across Asia, including the Hospitality Indonesia Conference (HIC), the Hospitality Vietnam Conference (HVC), the Hospitality Thailand Conference (HTC), the Hospitality South Korea Conference (HSKC), the Hospitality Malaysia Conference (HMC), the Hospitality Philippines Conference (HPC) and the Hospitality Japan Conference (HJC). These events attract a high-level and diverse audience from across the region. Hospitality Asia is distinguished by its balanced engagement of both C-level executives and senior professionals such as Vice Presidents, General Managers and Directors who manage contracts, negotiations and daily operations. Supported by regional advisors who provide real-time market insights, the content focuses on practical strategies that enable participants to drive business growth. The series is guided by four summits that represent the main drivers of industry success. These include the Hotel Investment Summit Asia #HISA, the Hotel Design Summit Asia #HDSA, the Hotel Revenue Summit Asia #HRSA and the Travel Byte Summit Asia #TBSA. Each summit is delivered with a localized approach to ensure relevance and meaningful engagement with the region’s most important opportunities.

To learn more about Hospitality Asia, please visit our website at www.hospitality-asia.com.

Casino Plus Weaves Culture and Digital Entertainment in ‘Bathala’ Drama Series

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JULY 9, 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), on July 9 launched a short drama series featuring “Bathala,” a supreme deity in Filipino mythology based on the platform's popular game.

Inspired by the popularity of trending digital short movies, Casino Plus is putting an innovative spin on the format by bringing well-loved characters from its game roster to life on screen. 

In Philippine mythology, Bathala (also known as Bathalang Maykapal) is the supreme god, creator of the universe, and ruler of the heavens. Revered by ancient Tagalogs as an all-powerful deity, he maintained cosmic balance, inspiring the common phrase "bahala na." 

Widely believed to have originated from "Bathala na," the expression reflects a deep-seated cultural trust in his ultimate guidance and protection. In this lore, Bathala used a legendary "Great Formation" to restore peace between gods and humanity. The series puts a modern twist on this mythology, following the reincarnation of the Moon Goddess Mayari as she awakens to her divine past and recreates this ancient formation into a digital game to share its legacy of luck and fortune. By weaving these iconic figures into a modern narrative, the series taps into a powerful symbol of Filipino heritage and fate.

Bathala features a three-week run, dropping new episodes every week this July and concluding at the end of the month. This rollout is anchored on the company’s core mission: to bring fun to people, which also seeks to create games and content that resonate with local players by blending online gaming with authentic storytelling.

"We are incredibly proud to launch this series as one of our latest innovations," said Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus. "This project brings together Filipino culture, our unique games, and the power of storytelling through drama. We are committed to elevating digital entertainment by creating content that is relatable, engaging, and deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Every title we develop celebrates national identity—its mythology, heroes, and the stories that define the Filipino spirit.”

Aside from Bathala, the gaming platform has consistently built games centered around Filipino culture, including Color Game, Pacman Dropball, Malakas at Maganda, Mangkukulam, Maria Makiling, Tikbalang, Jeepney Rush, Jeepney Dash, Kapre, Kanto Feast, and Mayon Blessing.

Viewers can catch the weekly episodes on the official Casino Plus social media pages, with the first episode to be aired at 9 p.m. on July 9. 

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Turn Traffic into Wins: OnGo Launches EDSA Sticker Mural Wall Campaign

 OnGo Smart Advertising has officially launched its Sticker Mural Wall along EDSA, bringing a creative twist to one of Metro Manila’s most familiar daily experiences—traffic.

Centered on the theme that traffic can be bad and time-consuming, but it can also become an opportunity to create wins and results, the installation reflects OnGo’s core belief in turning everyday exposure into meaningful impact. This message also ties into its core service, car wrap advertising, where brands gain greater visibility, mileage, and audience interest even while stuck in traffic.

Alongside the installation, OnGo launched its public campaign titled “On the Road to Win.” The campaign invites commuters, riders, drivers,  and the public to share their most memorable EDSA traffic experiences through photos or videos taken at the mural wall.

To join, participants must visit the installation at 525 EDSA, Ground Floor, Hotel Rosemarie Building, Barangay 119, Pasay City. They are encouraged to take a photo or video and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, answering the prompt: “Ano ang memorable experience mo sa traffic sa EDSA?” Entries must use the hashtag #OnTheRoadToWin and tag OnGo Smart Advertising’s official social media pages.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OnGoPH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ongo.ph

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@ongoph

Winners will be selected weekly, with participants having the chance to win ₱2,500 worth of gift certificates and be one of eight featured winners across the campaign.

✨ Follow these simple steps and you could be one of the 8 weekly winners!

#OnTheRoadToWin will run until July 31, giving commuters ample time to share their stories and join the contest.

For full details, visit: https://ontheroadtowin.my.canva.site

Sali na! Your EDSA traffic story might just turn into your winning moment!

About OnGo Smart Advertising Inc.

OnGo Smart Advertising combines the strength of traditional and digital out-of-home media to effectively engage audiences—delivering genuine impressions while remaining cost-efficient for clients. Since its official launch in March 2019, OnGo has expanded its network to over 1,000 rideshare vehicles across Metro Manila, nearby provinces and Cebu.

Sikat na ‘Bathala’ Game ng Casino Plus, May Short Drama Series Na!

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, July 12, 2026 — Inilunsad ng Casino Plus, isa sa mga nangungunang responsible digital entertainment and gaming platforms sa bansa na lisensyado ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), ang isang short drama series nitong Huwebes, July 9, tungkol sa “Bathala,” ang deity base sa Filipino mythology at isa sa mga sikat na laro sa gaming platform.

Inspirasyon ng Casino Plus ang mga trending digital short series sa proyektong ito at magbigay ng sariling innovation sa naturang format. Layunin din ng gaming platform na bigyang-buhay ang mga well-loved characters mula sa kanilang game roster, kasama na ang “Bathala.”

Bahagi ito ng mas malawak na initiative ng Casino Plus na lumikha ng games at content na mas malapit sa puso ng Filipino players sa pamamagitan ng pagsasanib ng online gaming, Filipino culture, at authentic storytelling.

“We are incredibly proud to launch this series as one of our latest innovations,” sabi ni Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma. “This project is all about bringing together Filipino culture, our unique games, and now, the power of drama. We are committed to making our games more relatable and culturally meaningful to our Filipino audience. Every title we develop is a celebration of Filipino identity—our mythology, our heroes, and our stories.”

Bukod sa Bathala, patuloy na bumubuo ang Casino Plus ng mga larong nakasentro sa kulturang Pilipino tulad ng Color Game, Pacman Dropball, Malakas at Maganda, Mangkukulam, Maria Makiling, Tikbalang, Jeepney Rush, Jeepney Dash, Kapre, Kanto Feast, at Mayon Blessing.

Mapapanood ang digital series sa social media pages ng Casino Plus, at ipapalabas ang bagong episodes kada linggo hanggang matapos ang buwan.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Carziqo Expands A-DS Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Service to Austin

 Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has expanded its A-DS autonomous delivery vehicle service to Austin, following earlier service deployments in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The expansion marks the latest step in Carziqo’s effort to establish a broader urban delivery network supported by autonomous vehicles, centralized fleet management, and intelligent route coordination.

A-DS, which stands for Delivery Series Autonomous Asset, is designed for short-distance delivery operations in cities, residential communities, commercial districts, and other areas where businesses require frequent and efficiently coordinated transport services.

According to Carziqo, the platform combines autonomous vehicle technology with digital tools for task assignment, route planning, delivery status monitoring, and fleet performance management. The system is intended to help operators organize delivery capacity while reducing their dependence on manually coordinated transportation processes.

Austin was selected as the latest market because of its expanding technology sector, growing population, and increasing demand for flexible urban logistics services. The city’s combination of residential communities, business districts, retail centers, and technology-driven enterprises provides a relevant operating environment for autonomous delivery systems.

Carziqo co-founder Solena Valeon said the Austin launch represents more than the addition of another service location.

“Austin is recognized for innovation, entrepreneurship, and its openness to new technologies. Expanding the A-DS service into this market allows Carziqo to further explore how autonomous delivery vehicles can support practical, everyday logistics requirements in a growing American city,” Valeon said.

The company said the Austin service will focus on structured delivery routes and digitally managed fleet operations. Rather than positioning autonomous vehicles as a complete replacement for existing delivery systems, Carziqo is presenting the A-DS platform as an additional logistics option that can complement conventional transport networks.

Addressing the Growth of Last-Mile Delivery

Last-mile delivery remains one of the most operationally demanding stages of the logistics process. Businesses must coordinate vehicles, drivers, delivery schedules, route changes, and customer expectations while managing fuel, labor, and maintenance costs.

Autonomous delivery vehicles are being developed as one possible response to these challenges. When deployed under appropriate operational and regulatory conditions, they may help businesses handle repetitive routes, localized deliveries, and scheduled transportation tasks more consistently.

Carziqo said its A-DS vehicles are supported by remote monitoring and fleet coordination systems that allow operating teams to track vehicle activity, review assigned tasks, and manage routes through a centralized platform.

The company added that safety procedures, local requirements, operating conditions, and technical readiness will remain important considerations as the service develops in Austin.

Building a Multi-City Autonomous Delivery Network

The Austin launch follows Carziqo’s introduction of the A-DS service in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Each market presents a different logistics environment, allowing the company to evaluate how autonomous delivery technology may be applied across varying traffic patterns, community structures, and commercial requirements.

Los Angeles represents a large and highly distributed metropolitan market, while Atlanta serves as a major commercial and logistics center in the southeastern United States. Austin adds a rapidly developing technology hub to Carziqo’s growing service footprint.

By operating across these different urban environments, Carziqo aims to strengthen its understanding of fleet deployment, route efficiency, service scalability, and real-world delivery demand.

Valeon said the company’s long-term strategy is centered on building an interconnected autonomous mobility ecosystem rather than deploying vehicles as isolated products.

“The future of delivery will depend not only on the vehicle itself, but also on the intelligence behind the fleet,” Valeon said. “Route coordination, operational visibility, responsible deployment, and service reliability must work together if autonomous logistics is to become a practical part of modern cities.”

A Step Toward Smarter Urban Logistics

The arrival of Carziqo’s A-DS service in Austin reflects the wider movement toward automation in transportation and logistics. Companies across the mobility sector are examining how autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and connected fleet platforms can improve the movement of goods within increasingly complex urban environments.

However, the commercial adoption of autonomous delivery technology will continue to depend on regulatory compliance, public acceptance, infrastructure readiness, vehicle safety, and measurable operating performance.

Carziqo said it plans to develop the Austin operation progressively, using service data and operational feedback to refine its delivery processes and fleet management systems.

With A-DS services now announced for Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Austin, the company is positioning its Delivery Series as a growing component of its broader autonomous mobility strategy.

For Austin, the launch introduces another technology-driven logistics option into a city already closely associated with innovation. For Carziqo, it represents the next stage in its effort to transform autonomous delivery from an emerging concept into a structured, scalable, and commercially relevant urban service.

About Carziqo

About Carziqo Carziqo Technologies Ltd is a British automotive technology company based in London, United Kingdom. The company focuses on developing autonomous driving systems, fleet automation software, and mobility management infrastructure.

Why Sensor Fusion Matters in Driverless Cars: Carziqo Highlights the Technology Behind Safer Autonomous Mobility

 

MANILA, Philippines — As driverless cars move from experimental prototypes to real-world mobility platforms, the conversation around autonomous vehicle safety is increasingly focused on one critical technology: sensor fusion.

For Carziqo, an autonomous mobility technology company focused on intelligent driving systems, smart fleet operations, and driverless ride-hailing solutions, sensor fusion is not simply a technical feature. It is one of the foundations of building safer, more reliable, and more scalable autonomous mobility.

Sensor fusion allows a driverless car to combine information from multiple sensing systems, including cameras, radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, GPS, and vehicle motion data. Instead of relying on a single source of information, the vehicle creates a unified real-time understanding of the road, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, lane markings, and potential hazards.

This matters because real urban traffic is unpredictable. A camera may clearly identify lane markings and traffic signs, while radar can measure distance and speed even in poor visibility. LiDAR can help map the shape and position of surrounding objects in three dimensions, while other sensors support close-range awareness and vehicle positioning. When these systems work together, the vehicle is better equipped to interpret complex road conditions.

Carziqo believes this multi-layered perception approach is essential for the future of driverless ride-hailing and autonomous fleet operations. In high-density cities, autonomous vehicles must make decisions under constantly changing conditions, from sudden pedestrian movement to crowded intersections, parked vehicles, motorcycles, rain, glare, and low-light environments.

According to the company, sensor fusion supports three major priorities in autonomous mobility: safety, consistency, and operational intelligence.

The first is safety. By comparing data from different sensors, a driverless car can reduce dependence on a single perception channel. If one sensor has limited visibility, another sensor may provide supporting information. This redundancy can help improve detection confidence and reduce uncertainty in critical driving situations.

The second is consistency. Autonomous ride-hailing services require vehicles that can operate reliably across different roads, weather conditions, and traffic environments. Sensor fusion helps the vehicle maintain awareness when conditions are not ideal, supporting smoother navigation and more stable decision-making.

The third is operational intelligence. For companies like Carziqo, autonomous mobility is not only about the vehicle itself. It is also about managing a connected fleet. Sensor data can support route planning, vehicle monitoring, trip optimization, maintenance alerts, and overall fleet coordination. This allows autonomous vehicles to become part of a larger intelligent mobility system.

Carziqo Chief Executive Officer Zaydenn Harrington has emphasized that the future of driverless mobility will depend on the ability to combine advanced vehicle intelligence with real-world operational discipline.

“Driverless cars must understand the road with more than one layer of perception,” Harrington said in a company statement. “Sensor fusion gives autonomous vehicles a more complete view of their surroundings, and that is essential for building trust, safety, and long-term scalability in intelligent mobility.”

The company’s focus on sensor fusion also reflects a broader shift in the autonomous vehicle industry. As more cities explore driverless transportation, passengers and regulators are paying closer attention to how autonomous systems detect risk, respond to road complexity, and maintain safety standards.

For Carziqo, the development of autonomous ride-hailing technology is closely tied to practical deployment. The company aims to position its intelligent mobility platform around real passenger demand, smart fleet operations, and safer driverless transportation services.

Industry observers say technologies such as sensor fusion, AI-assisted perception, high-definition mapping, and connected fleet management will continue to shape the next phase of autonomous vehicle development. These systems are expected to play a key role as driverless cars become more visible in urban mobility, logistics, and ride-hailing markets.

While fully autonomous transportation still faces regulatory, infrastructure, and public trust challenges, Carziqo sees sensor fusion as one of the technologies that can help bridge the gap between innovation and real-world adoption.

As cities look for safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation models, the ability of driverless cars to accurately understand their surroundings may become one of the most important measures of progress. For Carziqo, sensor fusion is not just about making autonomous vehicles more advanced. It is about making intelligent mobility more dependable for the people and cities it is designed to serve.

About Carziqo

Carziqo Technologies Ltd is a British automotive technology company based in London, United Kingdom. The company focuses on developing autonomous driving systems, fleet automation software, and mobility management infrastructure.

PhilConstruct 2026, Bringing Construction Businesses Closer to More Opportunities

 

PhilConstruct continues to strengthen the construction industry by connecting suppliers, buyers, contractors, and professionals in one dynamic platform for discovery, collaboration, and growth.

By Stephen Sevilla, Business Development Associate

Last June 25-28, PhilConstruct once again showed why it remains one of the most important gatherings for the construction and industrial sectors in the Philippines. As a platform that brings together suppliers, contractors, buyers, and industry professionals, the event created valuable opportunities for businesses to showcase their products, build meaningful connections, and gain stronger visibility within a fast-moving market.

Across the event floor, exhibitors presented a wide range of construction materials, equipment, tools, and industrial solutions. These displays gave visitors the chance to discover new suppliers, compare offerings, and engage directly with the people behind each business. For exhibitors, PhilConstruct served as more than an exhibition space. It became a powerful venue to establish trust, explain product value, and create conversations that could lead to long-term partnerships.

The strength of PhilConstruct lies in how it brings the industry together. Face-to-face interactions remain essential in B2B industries, especially in construction, where buyers often need to see products, ask technical questions, and build confidence before making decisions. By gathering key players in one venue, PhilConstruct helped make sourcing more accessible, efficient, and relationship-driven.

Beyond the event floor, PhilConstruct also reflected how important continued visibility has become for construction suppliers. Exhibitions create strong first impressions, but business opportunities often develop after the initial conversation. For suppliers, staying discoverable even after the event allows them to remain top of mind among buyers, contractors, and industry partners who may revisit their options later.

With PhilConstruct’s regional shows in Visayas and Mindanao, the event continues to create more opportunities for businesses across the country. These regional platforms help suppliers reach new markets, build stronger local networks, and contribute to the continued growth of the Philippine construction industry.

PhilConstruct demonstrated that industry growth is built through visibility, connection, and collaboration. By bringing businesses together on-site while highlighting the need for continued discovery beyond the event, PhilConstruct showed how exhibitions can support suppliers not only during the expo but also in the opportunities that follow.

Ready to Get Noticed?

Join the many ASEAN SMEs already taking advantage of this digital shift. Be discovered when buyers search. Turn visibility into real business.

Reach out today: ask@keepital.com | sales.ph@keepital.com | Schedule a meeting

Visit: www.keepital.com | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok 

Join our community: B2B Business Networking

About KEEP Pte Ltd.

Keepital was established in 2013 and has now grown into Southeast Asia’s Leading Industrial B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between suppliers and buyers worldwide through our online platform. They stand out with their highly competitive pricing and offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just product listings. Their advertising options are designed for affordability and simplicity, featuring a one-time payment and low renewal fees for product and service suppliers on our online portal.

Inaugural 6200 BookFest to bring publishers, booksellers to Dumaguete

 

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Arts and Design Collective Dumaguete (ADCD), alongside the Duma LitFest team, will launch the inaugural 6200 BookFest from July 17 to 19 at Filinvest Mall in Dumaguete City, gathering national publishers, independent booksellers, authors, and readers in the Philippines' first UNESCO Creative City of Literature.

The three-day fair, themed "Across the Shores," marks an expansion of Duma LitFest's literary initiatives by establishing a dedicated marketplace for publishers and booksellers while positioning Dumaguete as a meeting point for stories and literary communities from across the Philippines and beyond.

Historian and author Ambeth Ocampo will serve as the fair's keynote speaker. Ocampo, a professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and longtime Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist, is best known for his writings on national hero José Rizal, including the bestselling Rizal Without the Overcoat. He is also a three-time National Book Award recipient and was awarded the 2016 Fukuoka Prize for his contributions to Philippine history and culture.

The event will also feature book launches, author talks, and workshops for readers, writers, and educators alongside the publisher and bookseller marketplace. 

The festival is organized by ADCD and the Duma LitFest team in partnership with the Dumaguete City Local Government Unit and its Tourism Office, the National Book Development Board, and Futura Shores.

Organizers said additional details on programming, exhibitors, and ticketing will be announced through the official channels of ADCD and Duma LitFest ahead of the event.

The 6200 Book Fest will also serve as a host event for the National Book Development Board’s (NBDB) Philippine Book Festival in the Regions, making it the first regional book fair of its kind in the Negros Island Region. 

Through the initiative, the NBDB will mount a “collective stand” featuring publishers and authors from across the country, alongside the fair’s local exhibitors.

Participating exhibitors include Anvil Publishing, Vibal Group, Silliman’s Sands and Coral, Everything's Fine, Haring Ibon, 8Letters Publishing, and Dum Alt Press, alongside independent bookshops LibrAria, Lost Books, and Utopia.

Among those joining the NBDB Collective Stand are ABC Educational Development Center Children’s Books, Aklat Alamid, Central Book Supply Inc., Johnny and Hansel Publications, Santo Niño de Cebu Publishing House, Dumaguete-based author Kate D. Pirate Books, and Capiz writer Joanna Leah S. Villamor, further expanding the range of books and literary voices represented at the fair.

ADCD is a volunteer-run creative collective based in a preserved 1950s family home in Dumaguete City, dedicated to supporting the city's identity as the Philippines' first UNESCO Creative City of Literature.

Meanwhile, Duma LitFest is the city’s official literary festival, bringing together writers, readers, and the local creative community through readings,talks, and workshops.

###

For updates: Facebook page, Instagram page

About Backpack Solutions, Inc.

Backpack Solutions supports ADCD and the Duma LitFest team as its marketing and content media partner. Backpack believes in 'content for good, of good'
www.backpack.solutions

 

 

Casino Plus Raises the Stakes with ₱41.3M Baccarat Grand Championship

 

Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has officially launched the 2026 Baccarat Grand Championship, a five-month competitive campaign organized in partnership with Bingo Plus and LaVie Resort & Casino.

The Baccarat Grand Championship officially launched on July 1, 2026, with a prize pool of up to ₱41.3 million. Monthly finals will run from July to October, with the top three players from each leg advancing to the live Grand Finals on November 28.

For Casino Plus, the new championship reflects the platform’s continued commitment to elevating competitive digital entertainment while maintaining strong standards for responsible gaming, player protection, and regulated play.

“With the Baccarat Grand Championship, we are connecting the scale of online competition with the excitement and prestige of a live finals event. This is where the industry is headed. Players expect experiences that are seamless, accessible, and trusted across both digital and physical environments. As we continue to elevate regulated entertainment, responsible gaming remains at the center. Player protection is not just a compliance requirement for us. It is built into every stage of the player experience,"  said Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma.

The 2026 Baccarat Grand Championship gives players the opportunity to qualify through consistent play from July to October. The structured qualification format is designed to reward top-performing players and build momentum leading into the November Grand Finals. 

The Grand Finals will bring together qualified players, VIP guests, brand ambassadors, and entertainment personalities for a live championship event at LaVie Resort & Casino.

Building on Casino Plus’ previous live tournament experience, the finals are expected to feature premium hospitality, curated entertainment, exclusive guest experiences, and a competitive live showdown for another Baccarat Grand Championship title.

The 2026 Baccarat Grand Championship follows the success of the Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals held on January 31, 2026 at Newport World Resorts in Manila, where Casino Plus staged one of the country’s biggest live baccarat tournament events with a P52 million total prize pool and a P30 million champion prize.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.