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SiGMA Asia 2025 Is Back In Manila: Highlights Of The Exciting First Two Days Of Events

by Isabella Rossellin
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SiGMA Asia 2025 Is Back In Manila: Highlights Of The Exciting First Two Days Of Events

SiGMA Asia 2025 is officially underway, kicking off with a vibrant mix of cultural immersion, high-energy networking and world-class entertainment. The June 1st and 2nd pre-conference days offered delegates meaningful activities and social opportunities, setting the tone for an exciting week in Manila.

The first-ever SiGMA Asia Summit will take place during Manila Week at the SMX, the city’s largest convention center, with PAGCOR’s support. The Philippines is the perfect place for this historic event because it is rapidly becoming a global center for land-based gaming and emerging technologies. The nation’s gaming industry has expanded quickly to become one of the most significant in the world, underscoring Manila’s significance on the international iGaming scene. Plan your week and don’t miss keynotes, panels and networking sessions by checking the full schedule.

Official Pre-Event Celebration lights up Manila

The SiGMA Asia 2025 festivities commenced on June 1st with an electrifying pre-event celebration at Uma Nota Manila, setting the tone for the days ahead. The evening offered a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, networking and anticipation for the summit. The event brought together leading industry representatives in a vibrant setting and provided delegates with an excellent opportunity to network with peers in the industry.

Preregistration is now open

Delegates arrive and complete pre-registration, collecting badges and materials before the official start of the event.

Before the event officially begins, delegates arrive, finish pre-registration, and pick up materials and badges.

On Monday, June 2nd, SiGMA Asia 2025 gained momentum as delegates and exhibitors started to arrive for pre-registration. After obtaining their badges, exhibitors acquaint themselves with the vast expo floor at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Many took advantage of this chance to organize setups and connect with other exhibitors in order to secure their places before the official doors opened, as hundreds of booths and interactive tech showcases were scheduled to open the next day.

The delegate pre-registration hub at the Harrison Room of the nearby Conrad Manila was bustling all day. The environment encouraged the development of early relationships between C-level executives, tech innovators, and affiliate marketers. The stage was set for a week of intentional networking and opportunity, with conference passes in hand and schedules starting to fill up.

Before SiGMA Asia 2025 officially begins, delegates meet at C Lounge after pre-registration, show off their badges, and network.

The exquisite C-Lounge in Conrad Manila hosted the Welcome Reception, which provided guests with a chic and welcoming setting to begin the summit.

After pre-registration, SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis meets with delegates at C Lounge for networking and discussion.

This event, which was open to all ticket holders, was the ideal way to toast to the coming week, establish new relationships, and catch up with colleagues in the industry. Amidst the breathtaking sweeping views of Manila Bay, delegates socialized over light bites and cocktails.

SiGMA Asia 2025 begins with informal networking and lively discussions as delegates relax at C Lounge while admiring the breathtaking views of Manila Bay.

A transformative visit to Smokey Mountain

As part of an immersive walking tour of Smokey Mountain, a group of SiGMA Asia delegates set out on a profound journey through the center of Tondo, Manila, on the morning of June 2. This experience, which was organized in partnership with the SiGMA Foundation and led by local leaders from Smokey Tours, provided an unvarnished look into one of the most historically significant urban communities in the Philippines.

Smokey Mountain’s local kids greet delegates with smiles, encapsulating the spirit of the community that the SiGMA Foundation seeks to uplift through its humanitarian endeavors.

Today, Smokey Mountain stands for the struggles and tenacity of the urban dwellers of Manila. 100% of the proceeds from the guided walking tour, which is run by Smokey Tours on behalf of the Bless the Children Foundation, are used to fund feeding programs, health examinations, and educational projects while educating tourists about the difficult conditions this community faces.

The SiGMA Foundation’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, Keith Marshall, shares a touching moment from the trip to Smokey Mountain.

The opportunity for delegates to observe people’s lives and workplaces firsthand emphasized the value of socially conscious innovation and the potential contribution of the iGaming sector to fostering positive social change. Learn more about the SiGMA Foundation’s initiatives here.

Immersive creativity at Drip Splash Philippines

Delegates get creative with drip splash paintings bringing energy and expression to the SiGMA Asia 2025 experience.

On the afternoon of June 2, SiGMA Asia delegates indulged in a vibrant and immersive experience at Drip Splash Philippines, located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. Drip Splash, originally hailing from Sydney, Australia, has made a significant mark in the Philippines with its unique approach to art entertainment. This exclusive Paint and Sip session offered a delightful blend of creativity, relaxation and social interaction, serving as a networking platform, allowing participants to connect in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Delegates showcase their vibrant drip splash paintings, celebrating creativity and community spirit.

Evening highlights: Toasts and tournaments

The SiGMA Poker Tournament at PokerStars, Okada Manila kicked off later that evening. The tournament attracted a diverse mix of players from seasoned poker pros to enthusiastic first-timers.

The Forbes Ballroom at Conrad Manila transformed into the epicenter of recognition and celebration for the iGaming and affiliate industries during the SiGMA Asia Awards supported by BETCONSTRUCT. The awards ceremony honored outstanding achievements across 32 categories. With a focus on creativity, leadership and innovation, the event celebrated those shaping the future of iGaming in Asia and beyond, check out the standout moments and major wins from the night here.

Attendees take their seats in the Forbes Ballroom, ready to celebrate excellence and innovation at the SiGMA Asia 2025 Awards ceremony.

Adding a philanthropic dimension to the evening was the highly anticipated live charity auction. Featuring exclusive luxury items and commissioned artworks, the auction encouraged attendees to give back, with all proceeds supporting the SiGMA Foundation’s global initiatives aimed at improving lives through education, healthcare, and social programs. A total of €15,200 was raised, with Match Liquidity claiming four of the five auctioned items, see the full breakdown here.

An additional highlight of the evening was the iGathering Dinner, an exclusive networking event sponsored by Winfinity. Held at the renowned Alba Restaurante Español, the dinner brought together a select group of C-level executives, entrepreneurs, and industry innovators for an evening of meaningful dialogue and high-level networking.

Industry leaders and delegates gather at Alba Restaurante Español for the exclusive iGaming dinner, enjoying authentic Spanish cuisine and meaningful conversations.

Guests were treated to a curated menu featuring Alba’s signature Spanish dishes, including Paella Valenciana and Cochinillo Asado.  The warm, elegant atmosphere of Alba provided the perfect backdrop for exchanging insights, exploring potential collaborations and building lasting professional connections.

Delegates pose proudly in front of the Winfinity sign, sponsor of the exclusive iGaming dinner at Alba Restaurante Español during SiGMA Asia 2025.

A week of insight and innovation

With the momentum from two incredible pre-conference days, SiGMA Asia 2025 is ready to deliver a powerful main event. Attendees can expect world-class speakers, cutting-edge exhibitions and insightful panels tackling the future of gaming, blockchain, affiliate marketing, regulatory frameworks and more.

Stay tuned as we continue our coverage of the biggest land based retreat in Asia, live from Manila!

Are you at SiGMA Asia 2025? Share your photos, insights and favorite moments with us on social media!

Also Read: SiGMA Asia 2025: Unpacking The Evolution Of Slot Machines For A New Era

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