EGT Philippines’ Mariana Manchina Wins “Rising Star” at 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards

EGT Philippines Regional Director Mariana Manchina was named “Rising Star” at the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards, solidifying her status among the Asia-Pacific industry’s emerging leaders. At the same ceremony, EGT Digital received the Best iGaming Supplier award, highlighting the company’s recent product and licensing milestones in the Philippines.

EGT Philippines Achieves Major Recognition at IAG Academy IR Awards

On September 15, during the IAG Expo in Manila, the IAG Academy IR Awards honoured exceptional achievements in the gaming and integrated resort sector. EGT Philippines’ Mariana Manchina was awarded the “Rising Star” distinction, placing her in the event’s Hall of Fame, a select group described by the organiser as individuals recognized for considerable contributions to the Asia-Pacific gaming industry.

Manchina shared her response following the announcement:

“I am very proud to take this accolade. I would like to congratulate the other winners and thank the organizers of the event, our clients and partners, without whose invaluable support our success tonight would not have been possible. Last but not least, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible colleagues, together with whom we have accomplished all these achievements.” — Mariana Manchina

The Rising Star honour is a significant addition to both Manchina’s and EGT Philippines’ reputations in the regional market.

EGT Digital Named Best iGaming Supplier at the Same Event

EGT Digital, a fellow group company, secured the Best iGaming Supplier title at the same awards ceremony. This recognition was attributed to its comprehensive iGaming offering, most notably the modular X-Nave platform and an expanding suite of in-house developed casino games.

Company sources pointed to the X-Nave platform’s modular architecture and content aggregation capabilities as a key differentiator for B2B clients. The win underscores EGT Digital’s increasing visibility in highly competitive Asia-Pacific supplier segments.

Strategic Licensing: EGT Philippines Expands Portfolio Under PAGCOR

Earlier in the year, EGT Philippines obtained Game Aggregator and Game Content Provider licenses from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). These authorisations enable the company to legally distribute EGT Digital’s suite of iGaming products—including its proprietary games and platform technology—to regulated operators across the Philippines.

This expansion allows EGT Philippines to serve licensed land-based and online operators with certified products, strengthening its foothold in a growing Southeast Asian market. The strategic move responds to operator demand for diverse casino content and robust aggregation solutions compliant with Philippine regulation.

Highlights from the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards

The 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards took place as part of IAG Expo, one of the region’s key industry gatherings. According to company statements, this year’s ceremony featured 26 industry award categories, with three special Hall of Fame recognitions for outstanding contributors. Categories ranged from property operations to supplier excellence, reflecting the evolving competitive landscape in Asia’s gaming sector.

Significance of the Hall of Fame Distinction

Selection to a Hall of Fame category, like Rising Star, signals sector-wide regard for an individual’s impact and future potential. The awards provide a platform for recognizing both established figures and emerging talent among gaming operators, suppliers, and integrated resort leaders.

Implications for EGT Group in the Asia-Pacific Gaming Market

Achievements at the IAG Academy IR Awards reinforce EGT’s positioning as an influential supplier and operator partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Receipt of two awards validates recent investment in local leadership and product development tailored for b2b markets in the Philippines and beyond.

As regulatory frameworks and product preferences diversify across Southeast Asia, industry recognition such as these awards can strengthen EGT’s credentials with prospective clients and regulators, including PAGCOR.

Looking Ahead for EGT Philippines and EGT Digital

Following these recognitions, EGT Philippines and EGT Digital are expected to extend their push for operator agreements under new licenses and to broaden their casino content offerings. For Manchina, the Rising Star accolade is likely to support further leadership opportunities within the group and in the wider sector.