The official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 brought together government officials, organizers, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders to formally launch the country’s premier blockchain and emerging technology conference. Pictured (L–R): Raj Timothy Nandwani, Catz Jalandoni, Donald Lim, Chezka Gonzales, Dita-Angara Mathay, Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Janelle Barretto, Dr. Kamal Anand, Steve Ivsan, and Eliezer Rabadon.
More than 12,000 local and international delegates gathered at the SMX Convention Center Manila for Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026, highlighting the growing adoption of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital assets across government, finance, business, and entrepreneurship.
Upper: Moderator Benjamin Fletcher leads the “Scaling the Future of Finance: Payments, Stablecoins & Global Adoption” panel featuring 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, during Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.
Lower: Vit Jedlička, President of Liberland, moderates the “From Physical to Digital: Bringing Real-World Assets On-Chain” discussion with Varun Chugh, External Financial Advisor at Bingold Inc.; Rebecah Dausen, Philippine Country Lead at XDC Network; Jessica Wu, Head of APAC at Bitpanda Enterprise; and Kritesh Tripathi, Co-Founder of XPHERE, at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.
Held under the theme “Decoded: Deployed,” the three-day event featured over 150 speakers from around the world, with more than half coming from international markets. Discussions focused on practical applications of blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, digital governance, and innovation, reflecting the industry’s shift from experimentation to real-world implementation.
PBW 2026 opened with the Future of Trust: A Leaders Forum on Technology and Governance, bringing together government officials, regulators, business executives, and technology leaders to explore how emerging technologies can strengthen transparency, public trust, and digital governance.
Upper Left: Chezka Gonzales, Co-Founder of Philippine Blockchain Week, delivers the welcome address during the opening of Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.
Upper Right: Smash Pay Fight Night concludes Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 with an action-packed finale on June 20.
Lower Left: KAIA energizes the Viral Stage with a live performance, showcasing the convergence of entertainment, creator culture, and emerging technologies at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.
Lower Right: Rise In and Stellar Philippines host the “Build on Stellar” workshop, bringing together developers and Web3 builders to explore blockchain innovation during Philippine Blockchain Week 2026.
PBW Co-Founder Chezka Gonzales said the event continues to position the Philippines as a global hub for blockchain innovation by connecting startups, investors, enterprises, policymakers, and technology communities.
International speakers also underscored the country’s growing role in the global technology ecosystem. Among them was Michael Terpin, often referred to as the “Godfather of Crypto,” who cited the Philippines’ leadership in digital innovation and its contribution to the global success of blockchain-powered platforms such as Axie Infinity.
Beyond conference sessions, PBW 2026 featured startup showcases, hackathons, investor networking, esports competitions, and the ALT+TAB Gaming and Music Festival, demonstrating the convergence of blockchain, gaming, entertainment, and the creator economy. The event also introduced Viral PH, highlighting opportunities within the country’s expanding digital creator ecosystem.
Real-world blockchain deployment was another major focus. Varun Chugh, External Financial Advisor of BiGod Token, discussed how tokenization is making traditionally illiquid assets such as gold more accessible through blockchain technology, including live demonstrations of token-based payments during the event.
Supported by leading technology companies, blockchain platforms, fintech firms, and ecosystem partners, PBW 2026 reinforced the Philippines’ growing position in the global digital economy.
With record attendance and expanding international participation, the conference demonstrated that blockchain and AI are no longer emerging concepts but practical technologies driving innovation across industries.
