The digital gaming landscape in the Philippines just got a major upgrade. On May 28, the EDSA Shangri-La Garden Ballroom transformed into a high-roller’s paradise as DigiPlus unveiled GameZone, their latest revolutionary gaming platform, with none other than the Unkabogable Phenomenal Superstar Vice Ganda as their first ever celebrity endorser.
The launch event was nothing short of a show-stopping extravaganza that made everyone in attendance feel like high-rollers. Top drag artists delivered energetic and fun performances that set the tone for the evening, creating an atmosphere of celebration and excitement. Guests were treated to guided gameplay sessions featuring classic Filipino card games—Pusoy Dos, Tongits, and Lucky 9—with tokens up for grabs, giving attendees a hands-on experience of what GameZone has to offer.
A perfect entertainment match
GameZone represents DigiPlus’s ambitious vision for the future of digital gaming. This cutting-edge, player-focused platform revolutionizes the gaming experience by offering thrilling, high-quality betting experiences with innovative features. The platform boasts live streaming capabilities and an exclusive Player vs. Player (PVP) mode for Tongits, alongside a diverse range of classic card and betting games. Designed specifically for the next generation of gamers, GameZone continuously pushes the boundaries of online gaming innovation.
The partnership with Vice Ganda feels like a natural fit. “I’m very excited about this new partnership with Vice Ganda,” said Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc. “She’s a respected icon; there’s no doubt about it. When it comes to acting, hosting, making people laugh, entertaining people—all around talaga—and this is what GameZone’s goal is: entertainment. It’s a real match, we’re very happy.”
Shared values, shared vision
For Vice Ganda, the partnership goes beyond mere endorsement—it’s about shared principles and genuine connection with the audience. “I’m most excited about the entertainment that GameZone can offer because my brand ‘Vice Ganda’—it’s all about entertainment, it’s all about good vibes, it’s all about fun,” Vice Ganda explained. “I’m also excited about the beautiful stories we’ll hear from the users of these games.”
When asked why she agreed to become GameZone’s endorser, Vice Ganda emphasized their aligned values: “GameZone and I, we both share the same goal of giving entertainment, fun, enjoyment, good vibes to the people who support us. At the same time, we also share the same concern for the people that support us—we have concern for those who will play.”
This shared concern manifests in Vice Ganda’s active role in promoting responsible gaming practices. She has taken an active part in shaping how the message of “Play responsibly” is presented across all mediums, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in reaching players.
The gaming boom and responsibility
The timing of GameZone’s launch coincides with the explosive growth of electronic gaming in the Philippines. Online gambling has become a major growth sector, generating 56% of all gaming revenue in Q1 2025, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Total revenue in Q1 amounted to PHP28.07 billion ($502.8 million), comfortably surpassing the PHP25.24 billion posted in the corresponding period last year.
However, this growth comes with challenges. Gambling addiction has emerged as a growing mental health concern in the Philippines, especially with the rise of online gambling and sports betting sites accessible via mobile devices. This reality underscores the importance of GameZone’s commitment to responsible gaming.
Credibility and trust
For Vice Ganda, endorsing GameZone is about maintaining integrity with her audience. “I’ve always been genuine with the madlang people,” she said. “It’s important to have a partner and a brand that’s starting with a name that we also think we can trust.”
During the launch, Vice Ganda emphasized the importance of financial responsibility: “Huwag kang maglaro kung sapat lang ang pera mo.” This message aligns perfectly with GameZone’s advocacy for responsible gaming, which includes clear mentions of “Play responsibly. Play for fun only. Gambling is not an acceptable way of livelihood and it does not solve any financial problems.”
Building a responsible gaming culture
Vicencio emphasized that responsible gaming isn’t just a tagline for GameZone—it’s foundational to their business model. “The brand was really built to focus on gaming responsibly, so playing responsibly is our top priority and we are very firm and careful on how we implement it,” he said. GameZone has also tapped into its community of players for brand ambassadors on responsible gaming, recognizing the importance of peer advocacy.
“We won’t get tired of it,” Jasper emphasized, noting that GameZone and Vice Ganda share the mindset that gaming should be for entertainment, not income generation. “GameZone is all about fun and entertainment like Vice Ganda.”
The platform aims to serve as a respite from daily stresses rather than adding to them. “We want GameZone to be a breather from all the hardship, that is why playing responsibly is very important to us,” Vicencio explained.
Innovation and future
GameZone continues to evolve with a refreshed app design aimed at providing a better playing experience. “We won’t stop innovating. We are committed to our mission of providing world-class entertainment,” Vicencio promised.
As the Philippines’ digital gaming landscape continues to expand, partnerships like the one between GameZone and Vice Ganda represent a new approach—one that balances entertainment with responsibility, innovation with integrity, and growth with genuine care for the gaming community. With Vice Ganda’s star power and GameZone’s cutting-edge technology, this collaboration promises to set new standards for responsible gaming in the Philippines.
