By David Valencia aka HappyRichTV | Spotlight PH
Manila’s blockchain future is here – and it’s loud, vibrant, and DECODED. The SMX Convention Center opened its doors yesterday to Philippine Blockchain Week 2025, and Day 1 did not disappoint. Thousands gathered under one roof to explore the possibilities of Web3, AI, crypto, NFTs, and all the spaces in between – from finance to music, gaming to governance.
And I, David Valencia of HappyRichTV, was there to soak it all in.
Opening the Gate to the Future
PBW kicked off with an electric opening ceremony led by Blockchain Council of the Philippines President Donald Lim and co-founder Janelle Barretto. Their message was clear: the Philippines is stepping boldly into the global Web3 spotlight – not just as a consumer, but as a creator and innovator.
The halls of SMX were buzzing with energy from the get-go. Web3 natives, crypto curious, students, devs, CEOs – everyone was talking tech, sharing ideas, and trading dreams.
Panels that Punched Through the Hype
One of the best parts of Day 1? The lineup of thought-provoking, no-fluff panel discussions. A few of my favorites:
“Demystifying Crypto” – For both newbies and skeptics. They broke it down without the jargon.
“Regulation with Impact” – Yes, the SEC and DICT were present! The government’s role in the space is evolving fast, and PBW made room for dialogue.
“Blockchain for Good” – This wasn’t just tech talk. It was about using blockchain to solve real problems – from public aid to micro-finance.
Meanwhile, the Founders’ Arena opened its stage to some of the brightest blockchain startups, pitching live to top investors. It felt like a local Shark Tank, but for the decentralized generation.
Side Events Steal the Show
What sets PBW apart? It’s not just a tech conference – it’s a culture hub.
- Chain Stars: A Filipino talent stage that brought music, dance, and drama into the Web3 spotlight.
- Nexus Academia: A Tier One-powered space that welcomed students and influencers into the blockchain conversation.
- MemeCon by 9Cat Group: Yes, memes are the language of the internet – and they’re serious business here!
Crypto Meets Combat – Say What?
Perhaps the most surprising and exciting part of Day 1 was the hype around the upcoming Crypto Fight Night ONCHAIN®. I caught a glimpse of boxing champ John Riel Casimero and MMA queen Denice Zamboanga, who will be throwing punches in a blockchain-integrated ring! Who knew crypto could get so… physical?
A Fishball NFT?! Only in the Philippines
And of course, leave it to Filipino creativity to cook up something unforgettable. Actor-chef Marvin Agustin unveiled FishBlock – an NFT based on his iconic fishball recipe! Only in the Philippines would food, culture, and blockchain combine so tastefully.
Community, Connection, and a Cause
As someone who lives and breathes events, music, and digital storytelling – I was moved. PBW Day 1 wasn’t just informative – it was inspiring.
It reminded us why we create, why we connect, and why we must keep decentralization human.
Shoutout to the organizers, partners, and especially the sponsors (like $KIKI, ONCHAIN®, Maya, Coins.ph, and more) who made this all happen. This isn’t just about crypto. It’s about community.
Follow My Stories!
I’ll be posting exclusive video snippets, celeb sightings, and NFT drops on HappyRichTV on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Don’t miss Day 2 coverage, especially the MetaStar Idol Quest launch and the Founders Arena finals!
See you on the blockchain,
David Valencia aka HappyRichTV
Vlogger | Content Creator | Web3 Culture Advocate
#PBW2025 #DecodedPH #HappyRichTV #SpotlightPH #BlockchainPH #CryptoFightNight #MetaCulture #FishballNFT