by | Apr 16, 2025 | Business
Sprout Solutions marked its 10th anniversary on April 8, 2025, by hosting SaaScon PH 2025, the Philippines’ premier SaaS conference, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The event gathered over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors to explore the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.” As AI becomes a core driver of business growth and efficiency, SaaScon PH aimed to equip attendees with practical insights on adapting to this shift. 
[Philippines] – [April 8, 2025] – As Sprout Solutions marks its 10th year as the Philippines’ most trusted and largest B2B SaaS company, it hosts its biggest event of the year, the 3rd annual SaaScon PH, the country’s premier conference for the local Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry.
Drawing over 1,000 founders, executives, technologists, and investors, SaaScon PH ’25 spotlights the next frontier of intelligent software under the theme: “SaaS 2.0: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI.”
Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, SaaScon brings together the nation’s most visionary SaaS builders, enablers and users. The conference delivers a full day of informative presentations, direction-setting panels, and deep-dive breakout tracks focused on the growing imperative for AI-powered transformation in business.
“The AI revolution is unfolding at a pace we’ve never seen before,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operating Officer at Sprout Solutions. “SaaScon is where we unpack how to survive and thrive in the age of AI and why it’s now aptly described as the latest industrial revolution”.
Why “SaaS 2.0” Matters in 2025
The 2025 theme addressed a pivotal shift: AI is no longer an optional innovation—it’s a core driver of operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and scalable growth. With emerging technologies rapidly reshaping almost every business function, SaaScon PH ’25 aimed to equip attendees with practical insights to navigate these seismic changes and harness AI’s full potential in their industries.
This year’s event also served as a milestone celebration of Sprout’s 10-year journey from local startup to SaaS market leader, championing digital transformation in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.
Leadership Perspectives on AI and Growth
SaaScon PH ‘25 opened with a keynote from Patrick Gentry, CEO and Co-Founder of Sprout, emphasizing the impact of agentic AI on the future of SaaS, and its strategic role in supercharging productivity, efficiency, and speed for businesses of all sizes.
Gentry’s opening is followed by a keynote from Anthony Oundjian, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who presents a compelling global, regional, and Philippines outlook on SaaS, AI and technology adoption across multiple industries.
Fireside Discussion with 2 Industry Stalwarts
The morning plenary also featured a fireside chat with Victor Genuino, President & CEO of ePLDT and Lito Villanueva, Chief Innovations & Inclusion Officer and Executive Vice President of RCBC, where they talk about how their industry-leading companies are leveraging this latest wave of computing technology, and their take on how small, medium and large organizations can use it to adapt and thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Government and Industry Dialogue
In a timely session on public-private collaboration, Usec. David Almirol (DICT), Dr. Gonzalo Varela (World Bank), and Frank Vibar (Asian Hospital), was joined by moderator Monchito Ibrahim (ATIN) to explore policies and partnerships for national digital resilience.
Building for an AI-Driven Future
In a powerful closing panel at the morning plenary, industry drivers Unni Pillai (AWS), Dr. Alexander Titov (iDEA), Pushkar Misra (HGS), and Macario Fojas (Seven Seven Global Services) tackled the future of AI-native business models and product strategies.
Tailored Breakout Tracks for Every Growth Stage
Three simultaneous afternoon breakout sessions offered carefully curated content for SaaS users, startup founders, and investors:
Growing Business Talks with Reynaldo Lugtu, Fleire Castro, Eli Harrell, and James Mendoza focused on how SMEs can accelerate productivity, growth and even global competitiveness immediately with practical AI solutions.
Enterprise Exchange, with thought leaders from IBM, Accenture, AWS, Concentrix, Foundever, among others, highlighted how large enterprises are responding to and leading the innovation opportunities brought about by SaaS and AI, and also showcased 5 startups and their solutions that help larger companies quickly scale this innovation.
The Founders and Funders Forum, led by Franco Varona (Foxmont), explored how startup founders are building a new wave of AI-first solutions, and how VC’s are separating hype versus high-return in their investment decisions. The Inner Circle session also pairs 10 promising startups with VCs for potential funding discussions.
SaaScon PH ’25 concluded the whole-day event with an engaging Executive Mixer that brings together attendees, organizers and sponsors for an evening of post-event networking, discussions, and deal-making.
A Milestone Event Powered by Industry Leaders
SaaScon PH 2025 brought together a dynamic coalition of sponsors and partners, reflecting the growing momentum behind SaaS innovation in the Philippines. At the forefront was Mynavi, serving as this year’s Platinum Sponsor, with KMC Solutions as Gold Sponsor—both reinforcing their leadership in shaping the future of work and technology in the region.
The event is further supported by Silver Sponsors: Crayon PH, Hive Health, Twala, Olivia, Britana, Ascend, and Sansan. Their participation enabled the delivery of high-value sessions, hands-on showcases, and meaningful engagement across the SaaS ecosystem.
A broad network of Strategic Partners also played a key role in amplifying the event’s reach and relevance. Representing sectors spanning technology, business, HR, and social development, the group includes: Asia CEO Forum, Xamun AI, JuanTax, Beeline, Philippines HR Group, Plan International Pilipinas, Dasho Content, AFG Partners, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), International HR Institute, VRI Times, People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Events Hub, J&S Events Management Services, VHub Human Resources and Organizational Development Consultancy, Kaya Founders, Wavemaker Partners, Unisol, and Globaltronics.
Together, these organizations highlight the collaborative spirit driving SaaScon PH—positioning the event as a key catalyst in building a future-ready, innovation-led SaaS landscape in the Philippines.
by | Apr 15, 2025 | Business
Discover how legal clarity, political shifts, and institutional momentum are shaping XRP’s breakout year in 2025. From SEC developments to ETF potential, explore what’s driving XRP’s surge and future outlook.
The landscape for Ripple’s XRP is shifting dramatically in 2025, with regulatory developments, political alignment, and market dynamics converging to create what many analysts are calling a pivotal moment for the digital asset.
With the confirmation of Paul Atkins as the new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, and a string of positive momentum in both price action and institutional adoption, XRP could be poised for a breakout year.
SEC Shake-Up and Ripple Lawsuit Developments
On April 9, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee Paul Atkins as Chair of the SEC, replacing Acting Chair Mark Uyeda.
Atkins, known for his pro-crypto stance, is expected to usher in a regulatory regime more favorable to digital assets—a stark contrast to his predecessor Gary Gensler, who was widely criticized by the crypto industry for his aggressive enforcement approach.
The ripple effect of Atkins’ appointment was felt immediately. On April 10, Ripple and the SEC jointly filed to suspend the appeal proceedings in the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit.
This effectively delayed Ripple’s required reply brief, previously due on April 16, signaling that the case may be winding down quietly behind closed doors.
Pro-crypto attorneys like James “MetaLawMan” Murphy and Bill Morgan have speculated that key SEC commissioners—namely Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda—are awaiting Atkins’ full assumption of duties to officially vote on withdrawing the appeal.
Such a move could finally end the four-year legal saga that began in 2020 when the SEC accused Ripple of offering XRP as an unregistered security.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently reinforced this sentiment, stating that the company had reached an agreement with SEC staff and was awaiting a final Commission vote.
He emphasized the constructive tone of recent negotiations and even revealed plans to reclaim most of the $125 million previously escrowed for settlement—of which only $100 million will now be paid, potentially even in XRP.
XRP Price Action and Technical Indicators
The legal optimism has translated into bullish price action. XRP has surged over 20% in just a week, from $1.75 to around $2.15, outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum year-to-date with a staggering 54% increase in 2025 alone.
The rally appears driven by both regulatory clarity and strategic acquisitions—particularly Ripple’s $1.25 billion purchase of Hidden Road, a prime brokerage platform serving over 300 institutional clients.
This deal opens a pathway to integrate XRP into a financial network that clears over $10 billion daily.
From a technical standpoint, XRP recently crossed above the middle line of its Bollinger Bands on the daily chart, a key indicator of bullish momentum.
It also averted a “mini-death cross” between its 50-day and 100-day exponential moving averages (EMAs)—a development that analysts view as confirmation of a bullish trend.
XRP is currently facing resistance near the $2.24–$2.25 zone, but a clean breakout could trigger upward moves toward $2.50 and even $2.70. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains balanced around 50, suggesting there’s still room for further growth before the token becomes overbought.
Strategic Whale Movements and Institutional Flows
Blockchain trackers like Whale Alert have highlighted significant on-chain movements involving XRP. Ripple recently shifted 200 million XRP—worth about $400 million—between internal wallets, likely for treasury or exchange liquidity purposes.
Meanwhile, the company deviated from its typical monthly escrow release pattern, returning 700 million XRP to escrow and unlocking 1 billion tokens on April 3, sparking speculation about internal strategy shifts.
Outside Ripple, the crypto exchange Kraken saw a jaw-dropping withdrawal of 7,002 Bitcoin (BTC) (valued at over $578 million). While it initially appeared to be a whale movement to an unknown wallet, further analysis suggests the transfer was an internal shuffle between Kraken’s cold wallets, illustrating the scale and complexity of crypto liquidity operations.
The Trump Factor: A New Crypto Dawn?
Adding to the bullish narrative is the political realignment under President Trump. His administration has made it clear: the U.S. aims to become the “crypto capital of the planet.”
In a symbolic moment, Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse and legal chief Stuart Alderoty dined with Trump on January 6, sparking speculation that the administration sees XRP as a strategic asset.
Even more remarkably, there are rumors that Trump may include XRP in a national crypto reserve initiative—a move that could send institutional demand skyrocketing.
Further support comes in the form of David Sacks, a well-known crypto investor, who has been appointed as the first-ever White House “AI and Cryptocurrency Czar.”
With Paul Atkins heading the SEC and an administration actively courting crypto innovation, the stage appears set for XRP to thrive in a regulatory environment that no longer treats it with suspicion but rather as a vital part of financial modernization.
ETF Potential and Market Projections
One of the most anticipated catalysts for XRP is the approval of a U.S.-based XRP Spot ETF. Analysts believe such a development would drive massive institutional inflows, similar to what occurred with Bitcoin ETFs earlier.
With a final SEC vote looming and the political climate favoring innovation, an ETF approval could act as a springboard toward XRP’s all-time high of $3.55—and possibly beyond.
If macroeconomic conditions hold steady and regulatory clarity solidifies, some bullish forecasts even place XRP near the $5 mark in 2025. However, risks remain: delayed legal settlements, ETF rejections, or renewed geopolitical tensions could see prices pull back toward the $1.70–$1.95 support zone.
Conclusion: XRP’s Turning Point
After years of legal uncertainty and regulatory hurdles, XRP appears to be entering a new chapter—one characterized by institutional integration, legal clarity, and political backing.
Ripple’s acquisition of strategic assets, coupled with renewed government support under President Trump and incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins, makes 2025 a year of opportunity.
As Garlinghouse said, “The storm is clearing.” If current momentum holds, XRP could very well evolve from a controversial altcoin to a cornerstone of the digital finance era.
by | Apr 15, 2025 | Business
Confused between Xhamster and Hamster (HMSTR)? Discover the key differences between the adult site Xhamster and the blockchain-based crypto token HMSTR. Learn how to avoid misleading info and spot fake tokens.
Confusion is inevitable in the digital age where online platforms and cryptocurrency tokens often have overlapping or similar names. One such case causing widespread misunderstanding is the difference between Xhamster and Hamster (HMSTR).
While their names may sound alike, they serve entirely different purposes and operate in completely separate domains.
This article will help clear the confusion by offering a detailed comparison of Xhamster and Hamster (HMSTR), so you can distinguish between the two with confidence.
What is Xhamster?
Xhamster is a well-established adult entertainment website that has been active since 2007. Known globally, it offers a vast collection of adult videos and live content intended exclusively for users aged 18 and older. The platform has no ties to the world of cryptocurrency or blockchain technology.
Key Characteristics of Xhamster:
- Hosts adult video content
- Not affiliated with crypto or blockchain
- Does not involve digital tokens or assets
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Operates purely as an entertainment platform
Despite its name’s occasional appearance in crypto-related discussions, Xhamster remains a standalone entity in the adult content industry and has not ventured into the digital asset space.
What is Hamster (HMSTR)?
Hamster (HMSTR) is a cryptocurrency token that exists within the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) ecosystem.
Launched in 2024 and backed by the Hamster Foundation, HMSTR powers various features in decentralized apps (dApps), including a growing play-to-earn game called Hamster Kombat.
This token is built on blockchain technology and integrates with platforms like Telegram mini-apps, offering a blend of gaming and financial utilities.
Key Characteristics of Hamster (HMSTR):
- A blockchain-based crypto token
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Traded on crypto exchanges
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Used in DeFi systems and dApps
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Enables staking, farming, and DAO participation
Side-by-Side Comparison: Xhamster vs Hamster (HMSTR)
If you compare them directly, you can see the differences between Xhanster vs Hamster (HMSTR) in detail as follows.
Are Xhamster and Hamster (HMSTR) Related?
Absolutely not. Xhamster and Hamster (HMSTR) are entirely unrelated entities. The similarity in their names is purely coincidental, and there is no business or technical affiliation between them.
If you’re interested in the HMSTR crypto token, double-check URLs and platform sources to ensure you’re not accidentally redirected to Xhamster’s adult site, which is unrelated to any blockchain or crypto project.
The Confusion Around “XHamster Coin”
In online forums and crypto spaces, questions occasionally arise about a so-called “XHamster Coin.” So, does it exist? Is it connected to the adult site?
Here are the facts:
- Xhamster has not officially launched any cryptocurrency or blockchain project.
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Any tokens claiming to be “XHamster Coin” or “HamsterX” are community-created or meme-based and are not endorsed by the actual Xhamster website.
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These tokens often exploit the brand name to attract attention and mislead investors.
Adult Industry and Crypto: What’s Legit, What’s Not?
While Xhamster hasn’t entered the crypto scene, some real adult-related projects have:
1. SpankChain: Offers blockchain payment solutions for adult content creators.
2. CumRocket (CUMMIES): A niche token that gained popularity in the 2021 altcoin boom.
These projects are legitimate but should not be confused with fake or misleading tokens attempting to imitate Xhamster’s branding.
How to Identify Fake or Misleading Crypto Tokens
If you stumble upon a crypto token claiming to be tied to Xhamster, here’s how to vet it:
- Check for official announcements on the brand’s verified website or social media
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Look for listings on trusted platforms like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or Etherscan
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Evaluate the project’s transparency—does it have a whitepaper, roadmap, or active dev team?
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Avoid tokens only promoted on obscure forums, Reddit, or Telegram without solid documentation
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Be wary of tokens listed only on obscure decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
Conclusion
Although Xhamster and Hamster (HMSTR) share similar-sounding names, they could not be more different. Xhamster is a legacy adult content platform with no ties to crypto, while Hamster (HMSTR) is a modern DeFi token powering a play-to-earn ecosystem.
By understanding the clear distinctions between them, you can avoid confusion and make better-informed decisions—especially in the often chaotic world of cryptocurrency.
by | Apr 15, 2025 | Business
An ingestible gas-sensing capsule that provides real-time insights into gut health has moved closer to market with RMIT University transferring IP ownership to medical device company Atmo Biosciences.
In an announcement today, RMIT transferred all patents and associated intellectual property related to the Atmo Gas Capsule to Atmo in exchange for an equity stake in the company.
The innovative technology measures gaseous biomarkers directly at the source of production throughout the gut.
These biomarkers are used to measure gut transit time to aid diagnosis of common motility disorders such as gastroparesis and slow transit constipation. Functional gut disorders like these impact 2 in 5 people.
Originally developed through groundbreaking research at RMIT, the ingestible gas-sensing capsule was licensed by Atmo in 2018.
Since then, the company has advanced the technology from concept to clinical reality – developing, manufacturing and trialling the device to create a market-ready solution for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders.
Atmo Biosciences CEO Mal Hebblewhite said it was a significant milestone for both partners.
“Having RMIT as a strategic shareholder reinforces our shared commitment to bringing this innovative technology to market,” he said.
“Full ownership of our core IP further strengthens Atmo’s position as we advance toward regulatory clearance and commercialisation, ensuring long-term value for our company and the patients we aim to serve.”
The assignment marks a significant step in Atmo’s commercialisation journey as it seeks regulatory clearance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This follows last year’s successful completion of a pivotal clinical study demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the device on more than 200 subjects from 12 trial sites in the US and Australia
Earlier, the Atmo gas-sensing capsule was also used in a range of trials, such as one by Florida State University researchers to assess the impact of a restricted eating diet on gut gases and time taken for food to pass through the system.
Atmo Biosciences’ Head of Clinical Affairs Kyle Berean said that the trial demonstrated the potential applicability of the Atmo Gas Capsule beyond diagnostic applications.
“The Atmo Gas Capsule provides insights into gastrointestinal function including key markers such as regional gut hydrogen concentration and gastrointestinal transit time.”
“This information is useful not only to clinicians to aid diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders, such as dysmotility, but can also be used by researchers to determine the impact and efficacy of dietary and pharmacological interventions,” said Berean, who helped invent the device at RMIT and joined Atmo to bring it to market.
Collaboration driving innovation
Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President at RMIT University, said today’s agreement exemplified the university’s mission to translate academic research for social benefit.
“The equity component of this agreement strengthens our long-term collaboration, aligning our interests as Atmo continues to expand its platform technology.”
“We are particularly proud that several of our students and early career researchers played instrumental roles in developing this technology at RMIT and have continued to contribute as co-founders at Atmo Biosciences,” Drummond said.
Hebblewhite said Atmo’s vision is to improve the quality of life for the many sufferers of common and debilitating gastrointestinal disorders and diseases, providing clinicians and researchers with tools that deliver actionable insights regarding gastrointestinal dysfunction.
“Much about the gut remains a mystery, and this device allows us to shine a light for better understanding of what is happening in this critical part of our body for timely diagnosis, monitoring, and insight” he said.
The Atmo Gas Capsule System is pending FDA 510(k) clearance and is not available for sale. The Atmo Gas Capsule System is an investigational device exclusively for use in clinical research.
by | Apr 15, 2025 | Business
Sendr, a proudly Filipino adventure sports magazine and platform, celebrates the wild and vibrant outdoor culture of the Philippines. Bridging adventure, sports, and lifestyle, Sendr captures stories of athletes, explorers, and everyday superhumans discovering and redefining what it means to engage with the outside in the Philippines.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Embracing the spirit of adventure and the wild beauty of the Philippine outdoors, Sendr (www.sendr.ph) has quickly become the go-to platform for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and lifestyle seekers alike. Featuring compelling narratives, authentic experiences, gear insights, and trail-tested adventures, Sendr is dedicated to celebrating the Philippines’ rich outdoor culture and its growing community.
Since its inception during the lockdowns, Sendr has highlighted inspiring stories from Filipino athletes, featured hidden outdoor gems around the archipelago, and offered reviews on gear suited for Philippine conditions. From mountain biking through the rugged trails of Rizal to climbing Everest Basecamp, Sendr passionately covers a wide spectrum of outdoor interests.
“We created Sendr with a mission to get our friends outside,” said founder Carlos Castaño. “the dream is to inspire more Filipinos to explore, appreciate, and most importantly care for our country’s outdoors, and we’re thrilled by the community that’s growing around this shared passion.”
With an ever-growing audience of adventure enthusiasts and lifestyle followers, Sendr works to establish itself as a collaborative voice within the Philippine outdoor community. Its engaging and dynamic content fosters greater awareness, an invitation to adventure, and excitement for the natural, wild world among its readers.
To learn more and dive into the latest adventures, visit www.sendr.ph.
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