Mariana Manchina Named Rising Star at IAG Academy IR Awards
Philippines.- 23 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Mariana Manchina, Regional Director of EGT Philippines, has been named Rising Star at the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards in Manila.
The recognition brings Manchina into the awards’ Hall of Fame and highlights her leadership and contribution to the gaming industry across the Asia-Pacific region.
Manila Ceremony
The ceremony took place on 15 September at the Manila Marriott Ballroom within Newport World Resorts.
The event brought together operators, suppliers, executives and other stakeholders from the integrated-resort and gaming industry.
Rising Star Category
Rising Star is one of the special Hall of Fame categories.
The award recognises professionals demonstrating strong career development, leadership and a meaningful contribution to the industry.
Hall of Fame
With the award, Manchina joins the IAG Academy IR Awards Hall of Fame.
Three Rising Stars were selected in 2026.
Alongside Manchina, the winners were Matthew Ankenmann of Tangam and Jayden Ieong of LT Game.
Leadership at EGT Philippines
Manchina serves as Regional Director of EGT Philippines.
In the role, she contributes to the supplier’s commercial strategy and expansion across the Philippines and wider Asian markets.
Regional Development
EGT said Manchina has helped strengthen the company’s position among important gaming operators across Asia.
The supplier linked the award to her leadership capabilities and contribution to regional business development.
Expansion Across Asia
Asia remains a strategic growth region for EGT.
The company is working to expand distribution across both land-based casino and digital gaming segments.
Philippines as a Strategic Market
The Philippines is particularly important within that strategy.
The market combines a developed land-based casino sector with a regulated online environment that continues attracting international suppliers.
PAGCOR Licences
Earlier in 2026, EGT Philippines secured Game Aggregator and Game Content Provider licences from PAGCOR.
The approvals enable the company to supply EGT Digital products to licensed operators in the Philippines.
Greater Reach for EGT Digital
The licences have expanded the company’s ability to distribute digital content within the country.
Its offering includes both platform technology and proprietary casino games.
X-Nave
One of EGT Digital’s main products is X-Nave.
The modular platform allows operators to combine different technology components according to their operational needs.
Casino Content Portfolio
EGT Digital also develops its own casino-game portfolio.
The business combines proprietary content with tools designed to support distribution, management and expansion in regulated markets.
EGT Digital Also Recognised
The group secured another major award during the same ceremony.
EGT Digital was named Best iGaming Supplier in the Online Gaming Offerings division.
Double Recognition
The awards for Manchina and EGT Digital increase the group’s visibility within the Asian market.
One recognises individual leadership, while the other focuses on technology and digital content.
26 Award Categories
The 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards presented honours across 26 industry categories.
These covered areas including:
- Gaming.
- iGaming.
- Integrated resorts.
- Technology.
- Suppliers.
- Innovation.
- Corporate responsibility.
Three Special Hall of Fame Categories
The event also featured three special Hall of Fame groups:
- Rising Stars.
- Industry Icons.
- Industry Legends.
These categories recognise individual contributions to the Asia-Pacific gaming industry.
Ken Jolly Named Industry Legend
At the same event, Light & Wonder’s Ken Jolly was named Industry Legend.
The recognition honoured a career of around four decades in the Asia-Pacific gaming supplier and slot-machine sector.
Competitive Regional Market
EGT’s recognition comes within an increasingly competitive Asian market.
The region continues to attract substantial investment across:
- Integrated resorts.
- Gaming floors.
- iGaming.
- Systems.
- Content.
- Technology.
Importance of Executive Talent
Regional growth is also increasing demand for experienced local leadership.
Understanding regulation, operations and local commercial relationships remains essential for suppliers entering and expanding across Asian jurisdictions.
Local Leadership and Global Strategy
Regional executives help connect global corporate strategy with market-specific requirements.
Their responsibilities can include product adaptation, operator relationships and regulatory compliance.
Industry Context
The Philippines continues to strengthen its position as one of South-East Asia’s most important gaming markets.
Its combination of land-based casinos, digital regulation and growing supplier activity makes it strategically important for global gaming companies.
Next Steps and Impact
Manchina’s Rising Star award strengthens EGT Philippines’ institutional visibility across the region.
At the same time, PAGCOR licences and EGT Digital’s Best iGaming Supplier award add momentum to the group’s land-based and digital expansion.
EGT’s strategy will remain focused on regional growth, content distribution and relationships with regulated operators across Asia.
Editó: @fonta
