Held over three days under the theme Decoded: Deployed, the fourth edition marked a turning point in the country’s digital transformation. Rather than explaining what blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital assets can do, PBW 2026 demonstrated how these technologies are already being deployed across government, finance, business, and everyday life.

The event featured over 150 speakers from around the world, with more than half representing international markets, sharing insights on blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, governance, and entrepreneurship. 

PBW opened with Future of Trust: A Leaders Forum on Technology and Governance, bringing together senior government officials, regulators, business leaders, and technology pioneers to discuss how emerging technologies can strengthen transparency, governance, and public trust. The forum reinforced a central message: innovation succeeds not only through technology, but through the institutions and partnerships that enable its responsible deployment.

From Vision to Movement

For PBW Co-Founder Chezka Gonzales, the event reflected a vision that began five years ago.

“My personal goal has always been simple: to put Filipinos on the world stage and the Philippines on the global blockchain map—to showcase Filipino talent, innovation, and resilience to the world,” she said. 

“Philippine Blockchain Week is more than a conference. It’s a platform where conversations become partnerships, partnerships become companies, and companies create opportunities for Filipinos,” she added.

That vision came alive as startups met investors, enterprises connected with innovators, regulators exchanged ideas with industry leaders, and communities explored new opportunities in the digital economy. 

Upper Left: Chezka Gonzales, Co-Founder of Philippine Blockchain Week, inaugurates PBW 2026 with a welcome address.

Upper Right: Smash Pay Fight Night caps off Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 with an action-packed finale on June 20. 

Lower Left: P-pop girl group KAIA takes the Viral Stage with a live performance at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.

Lower Right: Rise In and Stellar Philippines host the “Build on Stellar” workshop, bringing together developers and Web3 builders at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026. 

A Global Platform

The event welcomed speakers and delegates from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America to contribute insights on emerging technologies and digital transformation.

Among the most anticipated speakers was Michael Terpin, widely known as the “Godfather of Crypto.” 

“The Philippines has been a leader in innovation for many years. Social media has played a major role in incubating new platforms here, and Axie Infinity became a global phenomenon because of the Philippines,” he said, further proving that the Philippines is no longer simply participating in the global technology conversation—it is increasingly helping shape it. 

PBW 2026 also highlighted the convergence of technology, culture, and community. The launch of Viral PH spotlighted the creator economy, while the ALT+TAB Gaming and Music Festival brought together gaming, esports, music, creators, and live entertainment. Attendees also joined hackathons, startup showcases, esports tournaments, networking sessions, and the Founders Arena, where startups connected with investors and ecosystem partners.

From Conversation to Deployment

The conference theme came to life through discussions on tokenized real-world assets and practical blockchain applications. Varun Chugh, External Financial Advisor of BiGod Token, explained how tokenization is modernizing traditional assets.

“Gold has served as a store of value for centuries, yet it remains one of the most difficult assets to transact. At BiGod, we aim to make that asset simple, accessible, and cross-border. We have already demonstrated this by using our token to facilitate payments here at Philippine Blockchain Week,” he said. 

His remarks captured the essence of Decoded: Deployed: emerging technologies are no longer future concepts but practical solutions addressing real-world challenges today.

Upper: Moderator Benjamin Fletcher leads a panel discussion with (from left) Raj Nandwani, Global Head of BD and IMA at Binance; Alice Truong, Vice President at Nuvei; and Chengyi Ong, Director of APAC Policy at Circle, on Scaling the Future of Finance: Payments, Stablecoins & Global Adoption at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026. 

Lower: Moderator Vit Jedlička, President of Liberland, facilitates a candid exchange with (from left) Varun Chugh, External Financial Advisor at Bingold Inc.; Rebecah Dausen, PH Country Lead at XDC Network; Jessica Wu, Head of APAC at Bitpanda Enterprise; and Kritesh Tripathi, Co-Founder of XPHERE, during the From Physical to Digital: Bringing Real-World Assets On-Chain panel at PBW 2026.

Building the Future Together

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 was made possible through the support of its sponsors, exhibitors and ecosystem partners, including BiGod Token, Binance by Blockshoals, Vaulnox International, Smashpay Inc., Predict Protocol, Creatachain, Coins.PH, KMC Solutions, MEXC Ventures, O2 Ramp, Orca, Universe Pro, Meteon Run, NSpire, The Executive Centre, Comm&Sense PR, DvCode Technologies, Inc., Naheal, Lumina Events, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and San Miguel Beer.

With more than 12,000 attendees, over 150 speakers, and countless collaborations formed, PBW 2026 demonstrated that the Philippines has evolved from an emerging participant into a growing force in the global digital economy. 

Decoded: Deployed was more than a theme. It reflected where the industry stands today.

The future is no longer being imagined. It is already being built.

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To be held from June 20 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 will feature a dynamic lineup of creator-driven experiences, live entertainment, immersive community activations, and fan-focused engagements that bring together the worlds of internet culture, technology, entertainment, and digital communities in one massive celebration.

Entertainment and fan experiences

Attendees can look forward to meet-and-greets with international and local personalities, giving fans rare opportunities to interact with some of today’s most recognizable creators, influencers, entertainers, and online personalities through live appearances, photo opportunities, and interactive fan sessions.

One of the event’s biggest attractions will be the Celebrity Bazaar, a high-energy marketplace showcasing creator-led brands, exclusive merchandise, collectibles, fashion pieces, beauty products, and lifestyle items from celebrities, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs — transforming the convention floor into a creator-powered shopping and discovery experience.

Adding another layer of entertainment to the weekend are interactive dating and matchmaking segments hosted live on-ground by internationally certified matchmaker and relationship coach Vanessa Antonio. These segments combine audience participation, social interaction, humor, and reality-style entertainment, resulting in a one-of-a-kind immersive convention experience.

Capping off the festivities are live performances from rising P-pop acts, including KAIA and 1st One, bringing world-class music, choreography, and fan-driven entertainment to the Philippine Blockchain Week stage in a celebration of Filipino pop culture and digital fandoms.

According to Philippine Blockchain Week lead convenor and co-founder Janelle Barretto, this year’s programming reflects the growing convergence of technology, entertainment, and creator-led communities.

“We’re seeing creator culture evolve into a major force that shapes entertainment, commerce, communities, and digital engagement,” she said. “Philippine Blockchain Week is creating experiences that bring these worlds together in a more immersive and interactive way.”

Global speakers and influencers

The event also brings together a roster of globally celebrated speakers and personalities who embody the intersection of culture, creativity, and digital influence.

Global motivational speaker, content creator, and entrepreneur Nick Santonastasso will take the stage to share his story of mindset transformation and resilience, a message that resonates deeply in the age of the creator economy.

Nick has a rare congenital condition called Hanhart syndrome, which has left him without legs, with only one arm, and only one finger on his hand. Despite these limitations, he has grown into an inspirational force, training more than a million people worldwide on life and business psychology.

Aside from Nick, the United Arab Emirates’ leading automotive influencer, Car Expert, will speak about the power of communities built around passion — from lifestyle and mobility, to the enthusiast cultures that have found their home in the digital world.

Representing the best of Filipino digital culture, content creators Donna and James Afante will showcase the brand of storytelling that has made the Philippines one of the most vibrant creator communities in the world.

US-certified matchmaker and Coach Vanessa Antonio, the heart behind Let’s Connect! — guiding singles toward meaningful connections one match at a time.

Other major attractions happening throughout Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 are Future of Trust, a leadership forum on technology and governance; ALT+TAB Festival, a youth-driven gaming and pop culture event; and PBW Fight Night, where blockchain culture meets live sports entertainment.

With thousands of attendees expected from across the creator economy, entertainment, technology, lifestyle, and Web3 sectors, Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 continues to expand beyond a traditional conference into a broader platform for culture, community, and innovation.

Philippine Blockchain Week co-founder Chezka Gonzales believes that the Philippines sits at a rare crossroads, one where creativity, technology, and community naturally meet and thrive.

“Filipino creators continue to make their mark globally –  building communities and shaping culture across industries. That’s what makes the Philippines the perfect home for a summit celebrating creativity, innovation, and collaboration,” she said.

Leading the charge: Janelle Barretto, Donald Lim, and Chezka Gonzales gearing for the PBW 2026, signaling a big year ahead for blockchain and innovation in the Philippines.

Partners and supporters

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 is made possible through the strategic support of our sponsors and partners: Vaulnox International, BiGod Token, Creatachain, Smashpay Inc., San Miguel Beer, Orca, Meteorun, O2 Ramp, Universe Pro, Comm&Sense PR, DvCode Technologies, Inc., KMC Solutions, NSpire, The Executive Centre, Naheal, Lumina Events, and many more.

We also acknowledge our local and international media partners: CignalTV, BrandPR, DOOH.ph, Negosentro Media, House of Yugen, SEO Hacker, Crypto OG, Etherscan, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.net, Inquirer Business, Sigma AIBC, Net25, The Manila Times, Boost Gio, CryptoEvents, CryptoNewsZ, Kwen2Co, Times of Blockchain

For partnership, sponsorship, media, and participation inquiries, contact the Philippine Blockchain Week organizing team at info@pbw.ph, https://pbw.ph

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From June 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, PBW 2026 returns with the theme “Decoded: Deployed.” This year’s event moves beyond theory to showcase how blockchain is already being used to power real systems—from finance and gaming to public infrastructure and digital identity.

If you have ever used a digital wallet, played an online game to earn, or questioned how public funds are tracked, you are already part of this shift. PBW 2026 is where you see where it goes next—and who is building it.

From “Decoded” to “Deployed”

PBW 2026 reflects the country’s transition from understanding blockchain to actively implementing it. What was once experimental is now being deployed—with growing relevance in transparency, accountability, and economic participation.

The event is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees, surpassing last year’s 11,000 participants and marking its largest gathering since its launch in 2022.

“PBW 2026 brings together the energy of a festival with the depth of a world-class conference. We’re creating a full-spectrum experience, where business, culture, and community come together in one space,” said PBW President and Co-Founder Janelle Barretto.

Designed to be the most expansive PBW yet, the event brings together decision-makers, builders, creators, and communities across multiple touchpoints:

Here’s what to expect at PBW 2026:

Philippine Blockchain Leadership Forum

An invitation-only summit co-presented by the Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP), aligning leaders from government, finance, and global industry to shape policy, accelerate collaboration, and define blockchain’s role alongside AI and cybersecurity.

Alt+Tab Gaming & Music Festival

A high-energy cultural platform connecting blockchain to the next generation through gaming, esports, P-Pop, cosplay, and fandom-driven experiences.

Decoded: Deployed Main Conference

Where global thought leaders present real-world applications of blockchain—from financial inclusion to secure data ownership and beyond.

Innovation Expo

A hands-on look at Web3 in action, featuring fintech platforms, gaming ecosystems, and enterprise solutions already being deployed across the Philippines.

Also featured: Celebrity Bazaar, PBW Fight Night, hackathon, VC–startup matchmaking, after-parties, and curated networking events designed to turn conversations into partnerships.

The Philippines’ young, mobile-first population and deeply embedded gaming culture continue to position it as a key Web3 market. From play-to-earn ecosystems to digital asset platforms and emerging fintech solutions, blockchain is no longer niche—it is becoming part of everyday life.

Blockchain: A New Era of Digital Trust

As the Philippine digital economy accelerates, blockchain is moving from exploration to execution.

From transparency initiatives to policy proposals like the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, both industry and government are beginning to operationalize the technology. Programs such as the BCP’s Integrity Chain further reflect this shift—exploring how blockchain can strengthen accountability in real-world settings.

At PBW 2026, this momentum converges—bringing together the people, platforms, and policies shaping what comes next.

“Blockchain is no longer just about potential—it’s about execution,” said BCP Chairman and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President, Donald Lim. “What matters now is how we align efforts across industry and government to turn early use cases into systems that deliver real, lasting impact.”

This is not just another industry event—it is where the next wave of partnerships, products, and policies begins. If you are serious about being part of the digital economy, this is where you need to be—not after, but while it is happening.

Since its inception, PBW has evolved into a platform where ideas turn into action. For tickets and more information, visit https://pbw.ph/ or email info@pbw.ph

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