*SiGMA World: SiGMA Asia 2026 Takes Over Manila May 31 – June 3

SiGMA World, the global iGaming summit brand, is bringing its Asia flagship back to Manila. *SiGMA Asia 2026* runs *May 31 – June 3, 2026* at the *SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex*, and it’s set to be the biggest edition yet.

*SiGMA World x SiGMA Asia: The Connection*

SiGMA World is the parent brand behind SiGMA’s global summits - Malta, Dubai, São Paulo, Cape Town, and Asia. Think of SiGMA Asia as the “World” tour stop focused purely on Asia-Pacific markets. It’s where SiGMA’s global network meets Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing gaming audience.

PAGCOR officially endorsed the event through Chairperson & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, calling it “significant to the country’s regulated gaming and FinTech industries”. 

 *Manila 2026: Key Details*

- *Dates*: May 31 – June 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

- *Venue*: SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

- *Expected turnout*: 20,000+ attendees from operators, affiliates, regulators, fintech, and Web3

- *Format*:  expo + conference + networking + awards.

*What’s on the Agenda*

*1. World-Class Expo Floor*

Two levels of exhibitors: land-based & online casino operators, gaming software/platform devs, payment + AML compliance, responsible gaming bodies, marketing, data analytics, and e-learning firms. Big brands like PG Soft are already booked with massive booths. 

*2. SiGMA World Conference*

Panels designed for SiGMA’s global audience but tailored to Asia. Day 2 highlights:

- “Bet Big or Go Home: Why Asian Players Outspend the World”

- “Prediction Markets in Asia: Event Contracts vs iGaming” 

Themes cover regulation, AI in gaming, Web3, esports, and responsible gambling. SiGMA World summits pull 2,600+ Reuters journalists worth of global context, but Asia edition focuses on APAC growth. 

*3. SiGMA World Networking*

This is what SiGMA is famous for:

- 15 networking dinners across Manila

- 2 large parties

- B2B/B2C matchmaking zones for deals

- Two startup pitch competitions for new iGaming tech 

*4. SiGMA Asia Awards Gala*

June 2, 2026 at SMX. Adjudicated by KPMG US, it recognizes top operators, affiliates, and tech providers in Asia. 

 *Why Manila for SiGMA World*

SiGMA chose Manila again because the Philippines is now “Asia’s gaming hub”. With PAGCOR’s regulatory framework + high digital adoption, Manila gives global SiGMA World delegates direct access to compliance, investors, and SE Asia’s player base. Venue is 15-30 mins from NAIA. 

*Who Should Go*

If you’re part of SiGMA World’s ecosystem - operators, affiliates, payment providers, regulators, investors, content creators - SiGMA Asia 2026 is your APAC entry point. Sponsors include global regulators, industry associations, and major gaming brands. 

*Tickets & Registration*

Register via the official SiGMA Asia organizer site. General delegate tickets are listed FREE on some platforms. VIP/Platinum gets you networking drinks + premium events. Most attendees stay near MOA for SMX + after-party access. Grab is the go-to transport. 

*Bottom line*: SiGMA World brings the global iGaming playbook to Manila every year. SiGMA Asia 2026 is that playbook applied to APAC - 4 days of panels, pitches, PAGCOR-backed networking, and parties that set the region’s agenda.

SIGMA ASIA 2026 Set to Redefine Innovation, Technology, and Business Collaboration Across the Setup Dost Region II

ASIA — Industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology advocates from across the continent are gearing up for the highly anticipated SIGMAa ASIA 2026, a premierk.ki gathering that aims to showcase the future of digital transformation, emerging technologies, business innovation, and regional collaboration.

Positioned as one of Asia’s leading platforms for technology and enterprise development, SIGMA ASIA 2026 will bring together global experts and key stakeholders to discuss groundbreaking trends in artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, digital commerce, gaming, cybersecurity, sustainability, and next-generation business solutions.

The event is expected to attract thousands of delegates, including executives, startup founders, policymakers, media practitioners, and investors seeking new partnerships and opportunities in the rapidly evolving Asian market.

Organizers said the conference will feature high-level keynote sessions, panel discussions, business matching opportunities, technology exhibitions, and networking events designed to foster innovation and cross-border collaboration.

“SIGMA ASIA 2026 is more than just a conference. It is a platform where ideas converge, partnerships are formed, and the future of business and technology in Asia is shaped,” organizers shared.

Participants can expect insights from internationally recognized speakers and industry pioneers who will tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital economy. The event also aims to empower startups and emerging enterprises by connecting them with investors and global business networks.

With Asia continuing to emerge as a major force in global innovation and economic growth, SIGMA ASIA 2026 seeks to strengthen the region’s role as a hub for technological advancement and sustainable development.

The event is anticipated to generate significant momentum for industries adapting to digital transformation while encouraging collaboration among governments, private sectors, and innovation communities.

Further announcements regarding the official venue, schedules, participating organizations, and featured speakers are expected to be released in the coming months.

SIGMA ASIA 2026 stands as a celebration of innovation, progress, and the limitless possibilities shaping the future of Asia’s digital economy.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JEUzVqX3z/

#SiGMAasia2026 #todayph26

Rising Tigers Magazine Hosts the Ultimate Power Screening of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

On May 2, 2026, the air at SM Aura Premier’s Cinema 2 didn’t just smell like popcorn—it smelled like influence.

Rising Tigers Magazine turned a simple movie premiere into a high-octane intersection of diplomacy, couture, and corporate grit. As the lights dimmed for the most anticipated sequel of the decade, The Devil Wears Prada 2, it became clear: this wasn’t just a movie. It was a masterclass in leadership for the nation’s most powerful icons.

When the Runway Meets the Round Table

Forget “fashion insiders”—the guest list looked more like a global summit. From the hallowed halls of government to the front rows of Milan, the audience reflected the film’s core message: Style is a language spoken by those in charge.

Political Gravitas: Former presidential spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo and Dra. Araceli Panelo proved that “power dressing” is just as vital in the palace as it is on the runway.

Diplomatic Chic: Indonesian Trade Attaché Abu Ayu Nighsih and Tassya Manuella brought international elegance to the front row, marking a stylish Philippine debut.

The “Real” Andy Sachs: Jenny Syquia, who lived the dream as a former Vogue New York assistant, brought effortless New York sophistication alongside Kourtney Camcam and entrepreneur Grace Santiago.

The Showstoppers: LGBTQ leader Barbie Arcache lit up the room in a gold tasseled Jor-El Espina blazer, while Niña Campos and Lance Raymundo brought a curated mix of Burberry, LV, and Dior that would make Miranda Priestly herself nod in silent approval.

The roster of excellence continued with industry titans like Cielo Ortega Reboredo (Okada Manila), Becky Garcia (The Manila Times), and Maria Charo Calalo (Mrs. Universe Philippines), each turning the cinema aisle into a personal runway.

The Modern Miranda? Grace Bondad Nicolas Takes the Helm

At the center of this storm of style was Grace Bondad Nicolas, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Tag Media Group. While many draw parallels between her and the formidable Miranda Priestly, Nicolas stood firmly in her own light.

Draped in a layered Rajo Laurel masterpiece and anchored by YSL stilettos and Prada accents, she arrived with her twin daughters—who were equally “Prada-ed” out—embodying the new era of leadership: Grace, not just grit.

The “Priestly” Gospel: Quotes from the EIC

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a symphony of sharp tongues and sharper suits. These five mantras, curated by Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, define the film’s—and her own—approach to the industry:

“Fashion fades, but power—power is always in style.”

“You don’t survive this industry by being liked. You survive by being necessary.”

“The moment you ask for permission is the moment you lose authority.”

“Ambition isn’t the problem. Apology is.”

“In a world obsessed with trends, be the standard.”

Lessons from the Screen: Why ‘Prada 2’ Matters

Beyond the Chanel boots and the sharp banter, the film offers a blueprint for modern success:

Clarity Over Approval: True leaders don’t wait for a “thank you.” They execute a vision.

Strategic Reinvention: If you aren’t evolving, you’re becoming a “last season” relic. Growth requires discomfort.

The Cost of Excellence: Behind every “effortless” success is relentless, disciplined work.

Authenticity as Luxury: In an industry of masks, staying true to your identity is the ultimate flex.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 reminds us that whether you’re in the boardroom or the showroom, everyone wants to be us.

#leadingwomenph #todayph26

IICSC: The Real Risk is Delay, Not Renewables

QUEZON CITY, 06 May 2026 – In the midst of an energy crisis, marked by rising electricity prices and continued exposure to volatile global fuel markets—the real risk is not renewable energy, but the delay and barriers to scaling it.

In a recent statement, ACEN Corporation described renewable energy sources as “unsustainable”, and promoted nuclear as a replacement for coal. In response, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said: 

“Statements like these miss the more urgent issue. The constraint is not in the availability of resources, but in the efficient integration of renewable energy to the country’s power mix. The Philippines has more than enough indigenous renewable energy to support an affordable, reliable, and secure power mix, drawing from its solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro resources. What the country needs is to modernize the grid, scale up energy storage, and strengthen system planning to manage variability. These actions are immediate, feasible, and recognized within existing policy and planning frameworks.

“Recent experience has already shown the risks of heavy dependence on coal and imported gas, driving price instability and supply vulnerability. Replacing one dominant source with another–from coal to nuclear– which is likewise centralized, capital-intensive, and import-dependent, only reproduces the same structural problem.

“Nuclear power is often positioned as a baseload solution, but the current energy system of the country is already heavily reliant on baseload capacity. Adding another inflexible baseload source will not improve reliability; it only risks increasing system rigidity and operational imbalance. What the grid requires now is flexibility, variable RE, complemented by storage and responsive systems that can meet peak and shifting demand. The idea that renewables need nuclear to be reliable misunderstands the direction of modern energy systems.Nuclear power is a high-risk, high-cost pathway that does not match the urgency of the crisis we face today. It takes decades to deliver, requires massive capital, and carries complex safety, regulatory, and waste management burdens with long-term consequences. It locks the country into an inflexible system and shifts financial and operational risks onto consumers. Advancing nuclear power now only diverts our scarce resources away from solutions that are already working and are ready to scale.

“ICSC maintains that the way forward is clear: scale up indigenous renewables; invest decisively in grid flexibility, distributed energy systems, and energy storage; and enable households and businesses to generate their own power. Anything less will only prolong high electricity costs, deepen energy insecurity, and ultimately deny Filipino households their right to accessible, affordable, and reliable energy.”

ABOUT

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a Philippine-based non-governmental organization that advances climate, energy, and low-carbon solutions to enable fair and climate-resilient development at the national and international levels.

DOST presents local BIOMED Innovations Supporting Safer Skin Testing, Newborn Care, and Clinical Training

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Biomedical Engineering for Health (BIOMED) Program of the DOST Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), showcased three research initiatives designed to improve biocompatibility testing, enhance clinical training, and address life-threatening congenital conditions during the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference.  

“Since 2020, the DOST has invested over ₱795 million in the development of locally produced biomedical devices aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system. These projects represent years of dedicated work by our partner researchers, whose commitment continues to drive innovations that improve the quality of healthcare for Filipinos,” DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said.  

Under the DOST-PCHRD’s Biomedical Engineering for Health (BIOMED) Program, support is given to research endeavors that aim to address the increasing need for locally-developed medical tools. Projects supported under the program span a diverse range of priority areas, including the development of biomedical devices for emergency, imaging, medical training tools, rehabilitative and assistive care devices, orthopedics, and local implants.  

Three (3) projects under the BIOMED program were featured during the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference last April 29, 2026 via Zoom. One of the featured projects focuses on streamlining local biocompatibility testing for skin formulations, by developing a 3D human skin equivalent (HSE) as an alternative to animal studies and sourcing HSEs from abroad. By providing a local substitute to HSE, the project aims to reduce the cost and turnaround time for biocompatibility testing.   

Another project focuses on creating a phantom model system as a training tool that will help guide clinicians in gynecologic and obstetrics ultrasound procedures. Aiming to reduce the complications associated with these processes, the system will provide real-time scanning, enabling the simulation of real-time performance of procedures.   

Lastly, the third project aims to develop an assistive device which will correct the congenital condition, gastroschisis, which entails an abdominal wall defect at birth that may cause life-threatening complications, such as hypovolemia, hypothermia and sepsis.   

“We are thankful to our media partners who attended the press conference. We hope you help us translate how our initiatives on biomedical devices can positively impact our communities – from testing the efficacy of health products, ensuring the accuracy of diagnoses, up to developing medical devices that will improve quality of lives,” Sec. Solidum added. “We have already started the research. What we want to do now is to make sure that they eventually reach our target beneficiaries– the Filipino people, whom we are committed to serve.”  A replay of the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference may be accessed at the DOST-PCHRD’s Facebook Page.         

RCBC is lone Philippine Bank to receive Int’l Gold Quill

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES - Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) was recognized by the 2026 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards for outstanding customer relations for its digital banking solution RCBC Pulz. RCBC is the only Philippine  bank  in  the  roster  of  awardees  from  the  country  in  the prestigious international awards.  

RCBC received the laurel for pioneering the Philippines’ first U.S. Virtual Account by a private bank,  launched  through  RCBC  Pulz  in  partnership  with  the  U.S-based payments solutions provider Meridian. The bank bannered its huge mission to provide the growing number of 1.5 million Filipino freelancers, remote professionals, and virtual assistants as well as 12 million Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. 

The game-changing banking service from RCBC has enabled Filipinos with no U.S. address to open  a  U.S.  Virtual  Account,  which allows them to receive remittances in the U.S. Dollars real-time and have them converted anytime at their preferred rate.  

RCBC  President  and  CEO  Reggie  Cariaso  said the recognition affirms the bank’s push to expand  access  to  global  banking  for  Filipinos  through  digital  innovation.  “Being  the  only Philippine bank recognized at the IABC Gold Quill Awards this year reflects the strength of our 

strategy and our commitment to delivering solutions that meet our customers’ evolving needs, here and abroad,” Cariaso said.   

The IABC Gold Quill Awards have globally recognized dedication, innovation, and passion in strategic communication in the past five decades. Annually, it receives hundreds of competitive entries  globally  across  the  industry,  which  are  then  assessed  by  leading  communication professionals. 

The Customer Relations category strongly focuses on programs that “educate, inform, engage, or  otherwise”  bridge  entities  such  as  RCBC  and  its  employees  with  the  target  consumer segment. RCBC showed that its U.S. Virtual Account campaign has demonstrated influence, reputation, brand awareness, and loyalty.  

Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer of RCBC, expressed gratitude to IABC Gold Quill Awards for the recognition. He said he is witnessing more marketing communications and public relations organizations noticing and celebrating the communications work of RCBC in bridging consumers to transformative inclusive digital banking solutions.  

“We were elated to have received the recognition amid highly competitive award entries from all over the world. On behalf of the bank and its employees, I would like to thank the award-giving body for acknowledging the efforts and commitment we have invested to offer the pioneering U.S. Virtual Account through RCBC Pulz and Meridian,” Villanueva said.  

“RCBC’s  campaigns  to  financially  include  and  empower  Filipinos  are  not  only  garnering attention  within  the  global  fintech and digital finance space, but also breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of communications in the global stage. Communications organizations are starting to take notice, marking a new exciting chapter for all Philippine banks,” Villanueva added.  

RCBC took home five Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines earlier this year, as well as a Quill Award from the 21st Philippine Quill Awards.  

About RCBC 

Rizal  Commercial  Banking  Corporation (RCBC)  is  one of the top banks in the Philippines. Currently ranked as the fifth largest privately owned bank in the country, RCBC offers a full range of financial products and services to individuals and businesses nationwide for 65 years and counting.   Recognized  as  the  Best  Bank  for  Digital  and  Best  Bank  for  Customer Experience, RCBC continues to drive innovation through customer-focused, technology-driven solutions. The bank is a proud member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), one of Southeast Asia’s most established conglomerates. 

48th ASEAN Summit schedule in Cebu bared

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 National Organizing Council Director General for Operations Hellen De La Vega on Tuesday laid out the schedule of activities for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings to be held in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu this week.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who chairs this year’s ASEAN, is set to meet with leaders of ASEAN member states — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam — for the biannual summit, where pressing issues such as regional security, energy and food concerns, safety of ASEAN nationals and economic cooperation are expected to be discussed.

Speaking during the opening of the International Media Center (IMC), De La Vega said Senior Officials’ and Ministerial Preparatory Meetings will take place simultaneously on May 6 to 7 at Dusit Thani Mactan and Shangri-La Mactan.

She said the meetings will be followed by the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit on the afternoon of May 7 at Shangri-La Mactan, which will be attended by leaders from Brunei, Indonesia,  Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The 48th ASEAN Summit will officially begin on May 8 with an opening ceremony at the newly constructed Mactan Expo located within Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City. Leaders will hold their meetings and working lunch there before proceeding to Shangri-La Mactan for the Retreat Session.

President Marcos is scheduled to hold a press conference at the IMC at 4 p.m., while a gala dinner hosted by the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will cap the summit.

Meanwhile, De La Vega also highlighted the role of the media in covering the summit, particularly amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

“During this time of uncertainty, we recognize the significant role of the media as our partner during our Chairship of ASEAN 2026,” she said.

"Beyond reaching international and regional audiences, the media plays a crucial role in helping not only Filipinos but also ASEAN nationals better understand how the ASEAN Summit and its Related Meetings translate into tangible benefits for all,” she added.

She also cited government efforts to ensure prudent use of resources, saying preparations are guided by austerity measures in line with a declared state of national energy emergency and energy conservation directives of President Marcos.

Despite constraints, ASEAN member states agreed on the need for in-person discussions to address urgent concerns, including the Middle East conflict and its impact on energy and food security, and safe mobility of ASEAN nationals.

“The President directed us to proceed with a bare-bones and business-like 48th ASEAN Summit focused on the pressing issues that needed to be addressed and without the need for much frills or fanfare,” De La Vega said.