Complete Home 2025: Budols that bring joy to your home

May 7, 2025 | 3:30 pm

SM Hypermarket’s Complete Home is Back — where incredible savings and home upgrade inspiration come together for an unforgettable shopping experience!

Running from May 1 to June 30, Complete Home brings back the best deals on must-have kitchen gadgets, home organization ideas, everyday home essentials, and more — everything you need to elevate your living space. Whether you’re organizing, decorating, or simply upgrading your home, there’s something for everyone.

This year’s event is made even better through our partners Nido, Purefoods, Ariel, Tide, Surf, Creamsilk, Colgate, Palmolive, Nivea, CDO, Eden, Marby, Jolly, Cimory, Del Monte, Knorr, UFC, Jolly, Silver Swan, Barrio Fiesta, Coca-Cola, UCC, Lactum, Baygon, Sanicare, and many more.

Best Buys For Your Home

From fresh finds to home essentials, your home deserves a little upgrade — and now, it comes with perks! During the Complete Home event from May 1 to June 30, SMAC members can get exclusive discounts on select items:

Available in select stores:

Free gift: Get a free gift for every purchase of select Complete Home participating items.

Available in all SM Hypermarket online stores:

Free items: Shop at smmarkets.ph with a minimum P1,500 spend, inclusive of any Complete Home items and get free Watts Japan Home Organizer for the month of May and SM Bonus Bundle for June.

Complete Your Home with Extra Exclusive Perks

But wait, there’s more! The Complete Home Expo is back with ultra-exclusive deals and exciting activities in select SM Hypermarket stores — starting at SM Hypermarket Fairview from May 2 to 4, 2025. Last year’s hits like the Complete Ref and Mystery Bag made waves, and this year, they’re making a comeback with fun new twists, surprises, and even more promos.

Mystery Bag: Add some thrill to your haul! For every minimum ₱5,000 single-receipt grocery purchase (inclusive of any Complete Home items), you can grab a Mystery Bag filled with surprise home essentials and goodies.

Buy 1, Take 1 Promo: Double the value, double the budol! Spend at least ₱3,000 on groceries (with Complete Home items included) and score exclusive Buy 1, Take 1 offers on select appliance.

Complete Ref: Get ₱2,000 worth of FREE groceries when you purchase a Hanabishi 2-Door Mini Refrigerator — perfect for organizing and upgrading your kitchen setup.

Complete Washing Machine: Buy a Hanabishi Twin Tub Washing Machine (7kg) and receive FREE laundry essentials to complete your cleaning corner at home.

Play to Win: Bring home instant prizes! With a minimum ₱500 purchase of Complete Home items, you get a chance to play a fun in-store game and win rewards on the spot.

Catch the next legs of the expo at SM Hypermarket Baliwag from May 30 to June 1, SM Hypermarket Clark from June 13 to 15, and SM Hypermarket Bicutan from June 27 to 30. It’s the perfect opportunity to give your home the upgrade it deserves while having fun and saving more.

Complete Home is the shopping adventure your space has been waiting for. Complete your home, complete the experience — only here at SM Hypermarket.

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Philippines central bank chief open to 75bps more cuts for 2025

May 7, 2025 | 12:53 pm

Governor-Eli-Remolona-jr — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg

The Philippine central bank is open to cutting its key interest rate by a further 75 basis points for the rest of the year as inflation continued to ease, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr.

“On the table, yes,” Mr. Remolona said in a mobile-phone message on Wednesday when asked if it’s possible for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to reduce the benchmark rate by 75 basis points more this year after inflation further slowed in April.

The BSP has been signaling a readiness to further lower borrowing costs after a quarter-point cut last month to support the economy amid the global trade uncertainty.

Easing price pressures and the peso’s strength against the US dollar have given monetary authorities leeway for further easing.

Mr. Remolona earlier on Wednesday also signaled that authorities are unlikely to intervene to curb the peso’s appreciation. — Bloomberg

COVID was Splash Island’s biggest challenge

May 7, 2025 | 11:36 am

“It was the local government that offered support to Splash Island when the pandemic hit, Benedicto C. Torres, Jr., president of Global Gutz Parks Philippines, Inc., said.

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Video editing by Arjale Queral

Few doctors, throttled aid: How Myanmar’s junta worsened earthquake toll

May 7, 2025 | 11:33 am

Burmese academic Sophia Htwe spent hours desperately trying to call home from Australia after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck her hometown in Myanmar in late March, learning that a childhood friend had been trapped in the rubble.

Friends from the central-northwestern region of Sagaing told her that she had been freed but died from her injuries after receiving no medical treatment.

“That just really broke me… This is actually the failure of the military junta and the military coup,” she said, referring to the junta’s attacks on healthcare since seizing power in February 2021.

The earthquake, which killed more than 3,700 people and injured 5,000, quickly overwhelmed a severely depleted health system in which the number of doctors and nurses had fallen dramatically under military rule, according to World Health Organization figures.

Many blame the situation on attacks on healthcare facilities as the military administration sought to root out opponents to its rule, after medics took a prominent role in the anti-junta movement that emerged after the coup.

That meant many victims of the earthquake went without immediate medical attention or had to wait a long time to receive the care they needed, according to two doctors who worked in the quake zone, two opposition activists and two human rights groups monitoring the response to the disaster.

Rights groups Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights said doctors had described medicine and staff shortages and patients whose wounds had rotted in the absence of medical care. In a joint statement on April 29 they said the military’s “years of unlawful attacks on healthcare facilities and workers” had severely hindered the emergency response.

The situation was compounded, they said, because some medical workers were too afraid of arrest to operate in junta-controlled areas or scared of passing through checkpoints to reach areas where they were needed. Some areas affected by the earthquake are contested by both rebel and junta forces and their affiliated militias, creating an environment of tension and suspicion.

Despite declaring a ceasefire on April 2, the junta has continued daily aerial attacks that have killed civilians, according to a Reuters analysis of data. More than 172 attacks have occurred since the ceasefire, 73 of them in areas devastated by the earthquake.

A spokesman for the junta did not respond to several requests for comment.

WORKFORCE SHORTAGES

Before the coup, which toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and ignited a civil war, the number of healthcare workers was growing.

It surged 13.3% between 2016 and 2020 to about six doctors and nine nurses per 10,000 people, the WHO said.

That figure fell to 1.01 doctors and 1.96 nurses in 2022 – far short of the recommended WHO minimum standard of 22.8 healthcare workers per 10,000 – as medical workers joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement, refusing to work for government-run clinics.

According to Insecurity Insight, a Swiss non-governmental organization, that tracks attacks on healthcare across the world. Soldiers have killed at least 74 health workers, attacked at least 263 health facilities, and arrested and prosecuted more than 800 since the coup.

While some who left have since returned to work, the shortage of health workers remains “very serious”, said Dr Thushara Fernando, the WHO’s Myanmar representative.

In January this year, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged in state media that some hospitals did not have a single doctor.

Non-government medical facilities were “severely restricted”, the WHO said, by a lack of skilled health workers and difficulties imposed by the junta in importing medical supplies – restrictions that have created a shortage of life-saving medicines.

Before the quake, the military shut at least eight private hospitals in Mandalay, one of the cities devastated by the disaster, according to the National Unity Government, a parallel civilian administration, while the quake destroyed at least five health facilities and partially damaged 61, according to the WHO.

Healthcare workers aligned with the opposition are providing lifesaving care through underground networks, but “they are operating with extremely limited resources, and their safety remains a serious concern,” said an NUG official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

The junta has detained doctors aligned with the opposition, which it characterizes as “terrorists”.

The two doctors who travelled to the earthquake zone and asked not to be named for fear of retribution also described manpower problems.

One said medics treating quake victims lacked triage expertise because the senior doctors who once led training had been imprisoned or feared arrest if they travelled to the disaster zone.

The other said people with chronic illnesses had been unable to access vital medications, and quake survivors were suffering from diarrhea, skin-related diseases and heat-stroke as temperatures climb to about 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).

“During the earthquake, people didn’t receive the immediate aid they desperately needed,” he said, adding that authorities frequently questioned people helping survivors.

UNDERGROUND RESPONSE

The military, which controls most but not all of the areas worst hit by the quake, has not eased its communications bans or stringent customs rules since the disaster happened, said James Rodehaver, Myanmar head for the United Nations Office on Human Rights.

He said a requirement by the junta that all organizations working on earthquake relief register with authorities had driven some Burmese humanitarian responders underground, while there was no evidence the military – fighting across multiple frontlines – was deploying troops to help deliver aid.

In 2022, state media reported the junta diverted funds from the natural disaster management budget to provide loans in a bid to boost the sluggish economy, a move Win Myat Aye, the top official for disaster management under the former civilian government, says left a shortage of emergency supplies, logistical support, and recovery programs.

In Sagaing, Nyi Nyi Tin, whose home was damaged by the quake, said there was no official support beyond an offer of about $61 to the families of the dead and some compensation for the injured.

As the monsoon rains loom, tens of thousands are still living in makeshift tents and the WHO says it fears the spread of communicable diseases.

In comparison with massive community responses to past disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, there were only small teams of people helping and little cooperation between civil society and authorities, Nyi Nyi Tin said.

“That sense of unity is gone. I think it’s because people are afraid,” he said. – Reuters

UN chief concerned about Indian military actions in Pakistan, urges restraint

May 7, 2025 | 11:31 am

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was very concerned about Indian attacks in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, his spokesperson said on Tuesday while calling for maximum military restraint from both nuclear-armed Asian neighbors.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Mr. Guterres said earlier this week even before India’s military actions that tensions between India and Pakistan were “at their highest in years” after an April 22 Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed and which the U.N. chief condemned as an “awful terror attack.”

India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday Asia time and late Tuesday U.S. time, while Pakistan said it had shot down some Indian fighter jets in the worst fighting in more than two decades between the countries.

KEY QUOTES

“The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries,” the U.N. chief’s spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

EARLIER COMMENTS

“Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. I strongly condemn the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. It is essential – especially at this critical hour – that India and Pakistan avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” Mr. Guterres said on Monday.

Late last month, Mr. Guterres spoke separately with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif and India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and offered to support de-escalation efforts, his spokesperson said.

CONTEXT

Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan, with each controlling only part of it and having fought wars over it. – Reuters

Tesla launches cheaper Model Y vehicle in the US

May 7, 2025 | 11:28 am

STOCK PHOTO | Image by ElasticComputeFarm from Pixabay

Tesla launched a cheaper version of its Model Y vehicle in the United States on Tuesday.

The new long range rear-wheel drive version costs about $44,990, before a $7,500 federal tax credit, the electric vehicle maker’s website showed. Including the tax credit, the new vehicle will cost $37,490.

Reuters previously reported that Tesla’s plans for an affordable car included a stripped-down version of its best-selling electric SUV, but the production launch had been delayed.

Tesla’s Model Y long range all-wheel drive version in the U.S. did not see any cost adjustment and is priced at $48,990.

Tesla’s quarterly sales plunged 13% to the weakest in nearly three years, hurt by a backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s politics and rising global competition.

The company is scheduled to report second-quarter earnings in July. – Reuters

Asian airlines re-route, cancel flights due to India-Pakistan fighting

May 7, 2025 | 11:21 am

TAIPEI – Some Asian airlines on Wednesday said they were re-routing or cancelling flights to and from Europe because of fighting between India and Pakistan.

India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir and Pakistan said it had shot down five Indian fighter jets in the worst fighting in more than two decades between the nuclear-armed enemies.

Taiwan’s EVA Air said that it will adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid airspace affected by fighting between India and Pakistan for safety reasons.

One flight from Vienna will be diverted back to that city, while a flight from Taipei to Milan will be diverted to Vienna for refueling before continuing on to its destination, the airline said in a statement to Reuters.

Korean Air has been avoiding Pakistan airspace for its flights operating between South Korea’s Incheon and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Taiwan’s China Airlines 2610.TW said it had activated its contingency plan and “taken a series of measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew”. It did not elaborate.

The website of Taiwan’s main international airport at Taoyuan, outside of Taipei, showed that Wednesday’s China Airlines non-stop flight to London had been cancelled.

Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine many Europe bound flights from Taiwan overflew Russia, but Taiwanese airlines are now banned after Taipei joined in Western sanctions on Moscow and generally fly over India, Pakistan and Central Asia. – Reuters

India strikes Pakistan over Kashmir tourist killings

May 7, 2025 | 11:19 am

Indian flag and Pakistan flag — STOCK IMAGE | AdobeStock

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan/NEW DELHI – India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday and Pakistan said it had shot down five Indian fighter jets in the worst fighting in more than two decades between the nuclear-armed enemies.

India said it struck nine Pakistani “terrorist infrastructure” sites, some of them linked to an attack by Islamist militants on Hindu tourists that killed 26 people in Indian Kashmir last month. Islamabad said six Pakistani locations were targeted, with eight people killed.

Indian forces attacked the headquarters of Islamist militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Indian defense source told Reuters.

“India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” the Indian defense ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan said Indian missiles hit three sites and a military spokesperson told Reuters five Indian aircraft had been shot down, a claim not confirmed by India.

“All of these engagements have been done as a defensive measure,” military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said. “Pakistan remains a very responsible state. However, we will take all the steps necessary for defending the honor, integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan, at all cost.”

Islamabad called the assault a “blatant act of war” and said it had informed the U.N. Security Council that Pakistan reserved the right to respond appropriately to Indian aggression.

The nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors also exchanged intense shelling and heavy gunfire across much of their de facto border in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, police and witnesses told Reuters.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars since 1947 over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which both sides claim in full and control in part.

Since a 2003 ceasefire, to which both countries recommitted in 2021, targeted strikes between the neighbors are extremely rare, especially Indian strikes on Pakistani areas outside Pakistani Kashmir.

But analysts said the risk of escalation is higher than in the recent past due to the severity of India’s attack, which New Delhi called “Operation Sindoor”.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame” and added, “I hope it ends quickly.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum military restraint from both countries, a spokesperson said.

SMOKE, FIRE

A Pakistani military spokesperson said eight people had been killed in the Indian strikes, 35 were injured and two were missing.

The Pakistani army’s shelling across the frontier in Kashmir killed three civilians, the Indian army said.

Indian TV channels showed videos of explosions, fire, large plumes of smoke in the night sky and people fleeing in several places in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir. Reuters could not independently verify the footage.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was responding to the Indian attacks but did not provide details. Pakistan’s populous province of Punjab declared an emergency, its chief minister said, and hospitals and emergency services were on high alert.

A Pakistani military spokesperson told broadcaster Geo that two mosques were among the sites hit by India. The Pakistani defense minister told Geo that all the sites were civilian and not militant camps.

He said India’s claim of targeting “camps of terrorists is false”.

After India’s strikes, the Indian army said in a post on X on Wednesday: “Justice is served.”

STOCK FUTURES, AIRLINES IMPACTED

A spokesperson for the Indian Embassy in Washington told Reuters that evidence pointed “towards the clear involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in this terror attack,” referring to the April tourist killings.

India said two of three suspects in that attack were Pakistani nationals but had not detailed its evidence. Pakistan denied that it had anything to do with the April killings.

News of the strikes impacted Indian stock futures mildly, with the GIFT NIFTY GIFC1at 24,311, 0.3% below the NIFTY 50’s last close of 24,379.6 on Tuesday.

Several airlines including India’s largest airline, IndiGo, Air India and Qatar Airways canceled flights in areas of India and Pakistan due to closures of airports and airspace

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior Indian officials briefed counterparts in Britain, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, an Indian source told Reuters.

The Indian strike goes far beyond New Delhi’s response to previous attacks in Kashmir blamed on Pakistan. Those include India’s 2019 air strike on Pakistan after 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in Kashmir and India’s retaliation for the deaths of 18 soldiers in 2016.

“Given the scale of the Indian strike, which was far greater than what we saw in 2019, we can expect a sizable Pakistani response,” said Michael Kugelman, a Washington-based South Asia analyst and writer for the Foreign Policy magazine.

“All eyes will be on India’s next move. We’ve had a strike and a counter strike, and what comes next will be the strongest indication of just how serious a crisis this could become,” he said. – Reuters

Philippines Q1 agricultural output up 1.9% from a year ago

May 7, 2025 | 11:11 am

MANILA – The Philippines’ agricultural output grew by 1.9% in the first quarter of the year from a year earlier, the statistics agency said on Wednesday.

Crop output, which accounted for 57% of total farm production, grew 1% from a year earlier, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. — Reuters

Grab, MOVE IT roll out voter education campaign with COMELEC

May 7, 2025 | 10:10 am

Comelec-OL — From left to right: Commission on Elections Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda, Jr. and Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda, MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto, and Grab Philippines Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Atty. Booey Bonifacio

As a committed partner of Filipinos in nation-building, Grab Philippines and local motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT have partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to launch #RIDETOVOTE — a two-phase voter education and empowerment campaign ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

Grab is leveraging its digital ecosystem — including its superapp, highly-engaged social media pages, and robust influencer network — to disseminate vital voter information in partnership with COMELEC. These include checklists for election day, identification reminders, and guidance on voting do’s and don’ts — all geared at helping the Filipino electorate prepare for the elections.

Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda states: “As a partner in nation-building and progress, Grab Philippines recognizes that an informed and empowered electorate is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. Through this partnership with COMELEC, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Filipino people not only in their everyday journeys, but also in their collective journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. We stand with every Filipino in ensuring that their voice is heard, their choice is informed, and their vote helps shape a better Philippines for generations to come.”

Transport Accessibility to Encourage Voter Turnout

Beyond education, the #RideToVote also includes a transport accessibility component designed to tackle one of the potential barriers to voter turnout: access to transportation to and from voting centers.

On election day, voters can use the promo code RIDETOVOTE via the Grab app to get P50 off GrabCar rides from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. — making four-wheel transport more affordable for solo voters or families heading to the same voting center. Meanwhile, MOVE IT is offering the promo code BOTONAMI from May 10 to 12, giving P20 off motorcycle taxi rides — ensuring voters who prefer two-wheel transport also have an accessible and budget-friendly option.

As part of its commitment to transport accessibility on election day, Grab will also deploy booking assistance stations in 10 of the country’s busiest voting centers — primarily located in Metro Manila and Cebu. These stations will be manned by trained brand ambassadors who will assist voters in booking either GrabCar or MOVE IT rides and help them access safe, convenient, and reliable transportation at discounted fares.

Grab Philippines Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Atty. Booey Bonifacio demonstrates to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia how Grab users can access election reminders as part of the platform’s #RideToVote campaign.

Early Voting Hours for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and Pregnant Voters

In a targeted inclusion effort, COMELEC is also launching Early Voting Hours for senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and pregnant voters. From 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., these vulnerable sectors will be given first access to voting centers, easing their experience at the polls.

Registered senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities on the Grab platform will receive a special promo code via a Grab in-app message. This code, fully sponsored by Grab, enables them to claim FREE rides during Early Voting Hours, ensuring convenient and accessible transportation on election day.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia underscored the vital role of a whole-of-nation approach and strong public-private partnerships in enhancing voter participation. “Safeguarding our democracy is a shared responsibility — one that demands the active involvement of government, the private sector, and the Filipino people themselves. We deeply value this partnership with Grab and MOVE IT, as it demonstrates how collaboration can address real challenges, such as transportation barriers that often hinder voter turnout, particularly for vulnerable sectors. Through this initiative, we are sending a clear message: every Filipino voice matters, and we are fully committed to making the voting experience more accessible, inclusive, and truly empowering.”

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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PHILSME Business Expo unveils powerhouse speaker lineup and exclusive activities for 2025 edition

May 7, 2025 | 9:30 am

The 16^th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME), happening on May 9-10, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, is setting the stage for an inspiring two-day business event. This year’s edition features an exceptional lineup of speakers, new business activities, and unrivaled networking opportunities designed to help small and medium enterprises scale and thrive.

Under the banner theme “Driving Momentum: Pursuing Ingenuity, Resiliency, and Customer-Centricity,” PHILSME Business Expo 2025 brings together over 120 multi-sector exhibitors, thousands of industry professionals, and over 10,000 pre-registered attendees — and growing by the day.

Learn from the Best in Business: Powerhouse Conference Lineup

This year’s PHILSME Business Conference takes center stage at the heart of the expo floor, making learning accessible to all attendees. While the talks are open for public viewing, upgraded ticket holders will enjoy reserved priority seating (first-come, first-served basis) for a more immersive experience, plus exclusive access perks.

The conference features some of the most influential voices in business and entrepreneurship:

Jayson Lo – Leadership Motivational Speaker

RJ Ledesma – Business Manual Editor-in-Chief & Serial Entrepreneur

Cristalle Belo-Pitt – Managing Director, Belo Essentials

Kim Lato – CEO, Kimstore & E-Commerce Expert

Darlyn Ty-Nilo – Product Innovator and Belle de Jour Founder

Miko David – Digital Strategist, David & Golyat

Rowen Untivero – Entrepreneurial Solutions Consultant

Ric Gindap – Design for Tomorrow CEO

Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, CEO of PHILSME, emphasized the value of learning from real success stories.

“This year’s conference brings together entrepreneurs who don’t just talk business — they’ve lived it. Our goal is to inspire, equip, and empower SMEs with knowledge they can immediately use to grow, scale, and lead in today’s ever-changing landscape.”

Spotlight on Entrepreneurs: Business Network Ceremony

Among the event’s highlights is the PHILSME Business Network Oath-Taking Ceremony, which recognizes the growing community of entrepreneurs who are making meaningful impacts in their fields.

Top Industry Sponsors Powering the Event

A growing roster of prestigious sponsors proudly supports the 16^th PHILSME Business Expo:

PLATINUM

JRS Dynamics Info Solutions Corp.

GCash for Business

Cignal TV, Inc.

USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

Benchmark

GOLD

IWG International Workplace Group

DSOURCE, Inc.

ZOHO

Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (MATRADE)

Cebuana Lhuillier, Inc.

Finest Media PH

SILVER

Security Bank

LANDI

Skyro

Sterling International Consulting

Pru Life UK

SPX

Design for Tomorrow

Sine Haraya

PHILSME Business Network

Register Now: Free & Upgraded Tickets Available!

Registration is FREE via https://ticket.philsme.com/. Attendees can also upgrade their tickets for premium access, which includes:

Priority seating at the business conference

Official visitor ID

A stylish PHILSME tote bag

Walk-ins will be charged P200 at the venue, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Don’t miss this chance to spark growth, gain expert insights, and connect with the movers of Philippine business. Get your tickets now at https://ticket.philsme.com/.

For more information, email sunshine@philsme.com or call +63968-569-8358‬.

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Philippine Blockchain Week 2025: A game-changer for the future of technology and innovation

May 7, 2025 | 9:00 am

The future of blockchain technology takes center stage at the much-anticipated Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW), set to take place from June 10 to 11, 2025 in Manila. This landmark event promises to showcase cutting-edge innovations, bring together leading experts, and explore the limitless potential of blockchain in transforming industries worldwide.

As blockchain technology continues to disrupt various sectors — finance, healthcare, supply chain, governance, and beyond — PBW positions itself as a key event for the region’s blockchain ecosystem. Whether you are an industry professional, entrepreneur, developer, or enthusiast, PBW is set to deliver a diverse program packed with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn about the latest developments in this rapidly evolving space.

Philippine Blockchain Week: Aiming to Be the Global Blockchain Hub

With the Philippines rapidly establishing itself as a regional leader in blockchain innovation, Philippine Blockchain Week is striving to position Manila as the global blockchain hub. The event brings together a dynamic mix of local talent, international experts, and global leaders in blockchain technology. As one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing blockchain ecosystems, the Philippines offers an ideal environment for the exchange of ideas, the development of new blockchain solutions, and the fostering of global partnerships.

PBW’s mission is clear: to create a thriving blockchain ecosystem that fosters collaboration, promotes innovation, and drives adoption across industries. By attracting key players from across the globe, the event aims to solidify the Philippines’ place on the map as a hub for blockchain technology, further supporting its digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation.

What to Expect at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025:

1. Keynote Presentations by Industry Leaders: PBW will feature talks from some of the biggest names in blockchain, crypto, and fintech. Expect engaging keynote speeches from thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers who are shaping the future of blockchain technology globally. Topics will cover everything from the latest advancements in decentralized finance (DeFi) to use cases of blockchain in industries.
2. Interactive Workshops and Panel Discussions: The 2-day event will host hands-on workshops and insightful panel discussions that cater to professionals and newcomers alike. Experts will guide attendees through practical blockchain applications and real-world case studies, while also discussing the latest trends and regulatory challenges that blockchain faces.
3. Networking Opportunities and Business Matchmaking: PBW offers unparalleled opportunities for professionals and startups to connect with key stakeholders in the blockchain and tech industries. Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators will have the chance to meet, collaborate, and form partnerships that could shape the future of blockchain adoption in the Philippines and beyond. Audiences new to blockchain will also have the opportunity to learn the basics of blockchain.
4. Exhibitions and Startup Showcases: The event will feature an exhibition hall where leading blockchain companies, startups, and projects will showcase their products, solutions, and technologies. Whether it’s new DeFi platforms, blockchain-enabled platforms for agriculture, or cutting-edge NFT applications, attendees will be able to experience firsthand how blockchain is being leveraged across industries.
5. Blockchain Changing the Face In Finance: One of the standout features of PBW will be its focus on how blockchain can be harnessed to create positive societal change. With discussions on Tracing, Fraud Detection, and Governance, PBW seeks to highlight the technology’s potential in driving social impact.
6. VC Start-Up Matchmaking (Founders’ Arena): A unique VC-Startup matchmaking event where startups pitch, VCs choose, and the crowd decides–creating real opportunities for funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to accelerate innovation and growth in the blockchain space.
7. Government Collaboration: Discover how strategic government partnerships are shaping the future of blockchain applications. By involving regulators, policymakers, and public sector leaders, the event promotes open dialogue around blockchain regulation, digital infrastructure, and national strategies for technology adoption — strengthening the Philippines’ position as a forward-thinking digital economy.

Co-Events at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025:

Nexus Academia by Tier One Entertainment Group: Nexus Academia, hosted by Tier One Entertainment Group, isn’t just a community — it’s a top tier level experience bringing together students from different schools and universities into one epic hub of passion, creativity, and collaboration. This is an avenue where you find your people, explore new passions, and open doors to exciting opportunities. From small group meetups, workshops to gaming tournaments, industry talks, and big events, this is your place to level up in real life!

MemeCon – A Meme Coin Conference by 9Cat (Thailand): MemeCon, the meme coin conference, hosted by the Thailand-based group 9Cat, is one of the most unique co-events of the week. This event will dive into the rise of meme coins and their influence on cryptocurrency markets. Attendees will engage in lively discussions about the culture behind meme coins, their social media-driven hype, and their potential for long-term value creation. Featuring prominent meme coin projects, influencers, and crypto enthusiasts, MemeCon will provide valuable insights into one of the most unpredictable and exciting corners of the crypto world.

Chain Stars: A new talent showcase blending Filipino culture, music, dance, and Web3 innovation. Featuring two divisions — a singing contest powered by Center for Pop and a dance battle presented by World Supremacy Battlegrounds — Chain Stars aims to spotlight the next generation of Filipino artists and performers. More than just entertainment, the event bridges tradition and technology, giving participants a platform to thrive creatively while exploring the possibilities of a tech-driven and Web3 future.

How You Can Get Involved in Philippine Blockchain Week 2025

Philippine Blockchain Week offers a variety of opportunities for you to get involved, whether you are a business, organization, or individual looking to make an impact. Here’s how you can participate:

Become a Sponsor/Exhibitor: Align your brand with one of the most innovative events in the blockchain space by becoming a sponsor. As a sponsor, you’ll gain significant exposure to a global audience, build relationships with industry leaders, and support the growth of the blockchain ecosystem. Choose from a variety of sponsorship packages and ala carte options designed to suit your business goals and objectives.

Join as a Media Partner: If you represent a media outlet, PBW offers you the chance to amplify your coverage of the event. As a media affiliate, you’ll have access to exclusive content, interviews with industry experts, and the latest trends in blockchain. Gain access to thought leaders and engage with an audience eager to learn about the future of technology.

Join as a Community Partner: Blockchain communities, Web3 groups, AI Communities, and local tech collectives are encouraged to become community partners. As a partner, you’ll help spread the word about PBW to your network and, in return, enjoy co-branding opportunities, cross-promotion, and exclusive perks for your members. Gain access to free tickets when you register.

Host a Side Event: Have an idea for your own event or session? You can host a side event at PBW. From workshops to networking meetups, side events are a great way to connect with a focused audience and share your expertise. Showcase your own unique perspective on blockchain technology and engage with the PBW community.

Apply as a Speaker: Industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders are invited to take the stage at Philippine Blockchain Week to share insights on blockchain, fintech, Web3, AI, and emerging technologies. This is a platform to connect with a global audience, shape conversations, and drive innovation in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital ecosystems.

Exhibit Your Products or Services: Become an exhibitor at PBW and showcase your blockchain-based products, services, or solutions. This is your chance to introduce your innovations to a highly engaged and targeted audience of blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and potential clients. Don’t miss the opportunity to demonstrate how your solutions are shaping the future of industries.

Attend as a Ticketed Guest: Whether you’re a blockchain enthusiast, developer, entrepreneur, or newcomer, you can join PBW 2025 as a ticketed guest. With multiple ticketing options available, you’ll gain access to keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking events. You will also gain access to the co-hosted events on June 10 and 11.

Why Participate in Philippine Blockchain Week 2025?

Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s an experience that brings together the best minds in blockchain to shape the future. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, grow your network, or explore investment opportunities, PBW offers something for everyone. The event promises to be a launchpad for new ideas, innovative projects, and partnerships that will help drive blockchain adoption across the Philippines and the world.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event. Join us at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 and become part of the movement that is shaping the future of technology. Register today at www.pbw.ph and take the first step toward being at the forefront of the blockchain revolution.

Partners and Acknowledgments

Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 is made possible in partnership with Blockchain Council of the Philippines, PBW 2025 Co-Hosts 9CAT Group of Thailand, Center for Pop, Tier One Entertainment, and World Supremacy Battlegrounds for the collaboration and dedication. Event Partners: DVCode, EON, EXOAsia Innovation Hub, Center for Pop, Tony&, and World Supremacy Battlegrounds.

Lastly, we wanted to thank our Media Partners: Bitcoin.com, BitDigest, Business World, Discover MNL, Jinse Finance, Museigen.io, Newswatch Plus, The Philippine Star, WazzupPilipinas.com, and Web3TV.

For media inquiries, partnerships, or to get your tickets, head to www.pbw.ph.

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