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.                                    

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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

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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.

Master Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional with PetroSync

 

Join PetroSync’s Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) Training to develop skills in maintenance management and reliability engineering.

Organizations rely on effective maintenance and reliability practices to maximize asset performance, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency. As industries continue to prioritize reliability-driven operations, professionals with recognized maintenance and reliability expertise are increasingly valuable.

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training provides a structured pathway for professionals seeking to strengthen their technical capabilities and prepare for industry-recognized certification. Through PetroSync’s industry-focused training approach, participants gain practical knowledge that supports both professional growth and operational excellence.

Key Skills You Gain from Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training

Developing expertise in maintenance and reliability requires more than technical experience alone. Professionals pursuing the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional designation gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and practices that drive sustainable asset performance.

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training focuses on competencies that help professionals improve maintenance effectiveness, optimize resources, and support long-term reliability objectives.

Core competencies gained from the training include:

• Maintenance strategy development

• Reliability improvement methodologies

• Asset management principles

• Work management and planning practices

• Performance measurement and continuous improvement

• Root cause analysis techniques

• Leadership in maintenance excellence

These competencies help professionals contribute more effectively to asset reliability, operational performance, and business success.

Why Choose PetroSync for Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training?

Selecting the right training provider is an important step toward achieving certification and professional development goals. PetroSync delivers practical learning experiences that combine industry best practices with real-world maintenance and reliability challenges.

The Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training program is designed to help participants strengthen their understanding of maintenance and reliability management while preparing for certification success.

Through interactive discussions, practical applications, and industry-focused learning, PetroSync supports professionals in building the confidence and expertise needed to excel in maintenance and reliability roles.

How Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training Advances Your Career

As organizations place greater emphasis on asset performance and reliability, professionals with advanced maintenance knowledge continue to be in demand. Maintenance and Reliability Management Training helps individuals develop competencies that support both operational impact and long-term career progression.

Building expertise through CMRP Certification Training can enhance professional recognition while opening opportunities for leadership and strategic responsibilities within maintenance and asset management functions.

Career benefits of earning CMRP knowledge and certification include:

1. Global recognition of maintenance and reliability expertise

2. Enhanced professional credibility within the industry

3. Expanded leadership and management opportunities

4. Improved operational impact through better asset performance practices

5. Stronger long-term career advancement potential

These advantages help professionals increase their value to organizations while supporting sustainable career growth across industries.

Advance Your Reliability Career with PetroSync

Investing in maintenance and reliability expertise is an investment in long-term professional success. Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional Training provides a practical pathway for professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge, prepare for certification, and contribute more effectively to organizational performance.

Explore more professional development opportunities through PetroSync and take the next step toward becoming a more effective maintenance and reliability professional.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

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.

Enhance Your Skills with HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass

 

Join the HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass to develop practical skills in leading HAZOP studies, identifying risks, and improving process safety.

Effective process safety management depends on the ability to identify hazards, evaluate operational risks, and implement appropriate safeguards. As industrial processes become increasingly complex, organizations need professionals who can confidently lead structured risk assessment activities and facilitate productive safety reviews.

HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training is designed to help professionals develop advanced HAZOP leadership capabilities, strengthen risk assessment skills, and improve process safety performance. Through PetroSync’s practical learning approach, participants gain valuable knowledge that can be applied directly within industrial operations.

What Is HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training and Why Does It Matter?

HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training focuses on the methodologies, facilitation techniques, and leadership skills required to conduct effective Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies. The program helps participants understand how structured risk assessments contribute to safer operations and stronger process safety management systems.

A strong understanding of industry best practices and related frameworks, including concepts commonly referenced within process safety and standards such as API Standard, can help professionals improve risk identification and operational decision-making.

Key competencies gained from the training include:

• HAZOP study leadership and coordination

• Risk identification techniques

• Guideword application and interpretation

• Team facilitation and workshop management

• Deviation analysis methodologies

• Risk assessment techniques

• HAZOP documentation practices

• Process safety improvement strategies

These competencies help professionals conduct more effective HAZOP studies while supporting safer and more reliable plant operations.

Why Choose PetroSync for HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training?

Choosing the right training provider is essential for developing both technical knowledge and practical leadership skills. PetroSync delivers industry-focused training that combines HAZOP methodologies with real-world applications and interactive learning experiences.

The HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training program is designed to help participants strengthen their ability to lead HAZOP sessions, facilitate multidisciplinary teams, and support process safety objectives across industrial environments.

Through practical discussions, case studies, and collaborative learning, PetroSync helps professionals build the confidence needed to manage complex risk assessment activities effectively.

How HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training Advances Your Career

Organizations increasingly recognize the importance of professionals who can lead hazard identification and risk assessment initiatives. HAZOP Methodology Training helps participants develop specialized competencies that are highly relevant to process safety, operations, and engineering functions.

As industries continue to prioritize safety and operational excellence, professionals with HAZOP leadership expertise are often positioned to contribute greater value to project execution and operational performance.

Career benefits of HAZOP leadership expertise include:

1. Greater professional credibility in process safety and risk management

2. Stronger process safety competencies and technical confidence

3. Expanded leadership opportunities within multidisciplinary teams

4. Improved risk management and operational decision-making capabilities

5. Enhanced value to industrial operations and business performance

These benefits can support long-term professional growth while strengthening an individual’s contribution to organizational safety objectives.

Strengthen Your Process Safety Expertise with PetroSync

Developing advanced HAZOP leadership capabilities is an important step toward improving process safety performance and operational reliability. HAZOP Leader & Methods Masterclass Training provides a practical pathway for professionals seeking to enhance their facilitation skills, strengthen risk assessment knowledge, and support safer industrial operations.

Explore more professional development opportunities through PetroSync and continue building the competencies needed to lead effective process safety initiatives.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES