DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has unveiled a wide-ranging partnership with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, combining celebrity-led content, brand ambassadorship and payments integration in a move that underscores the continued convergence of entertainment, fintech and gaming in the Philippines.
Announced on March 25th at an event in Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, the deal positions Pacquiao at the center of DigiPlus’ ecosystem, which includes BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone.
The group is seeking to deepen engagement with local players through culturally resonant content and a more integrated user experience. At the core of the partnership is a slate of nine Pacquiao-themed games, developed specifically for the Philippine market. Titles such as Super Ace Pacquiao, Pacman’s Color Game and Wild Bounty Pacquiao draw on mechanics familiar to local players, while incorporating imagery and narratives tied to Pacquiao’s career.
The approach reflects a broader shift in the region toward localized, personality-driven content rather than generic, celebrity-branded products. DigiPlus said early user feedback for the initial titles has been positive, with additional releases scheduled throughout the year, including Boxing King Pacquiao and Pacman’s Bingo Boom.
Alongside the content rollout, Pacquiao has been appointed brand ambassador for ArenaPlus and GameZone, extending his role beyond licensing into ongoing promotional and marketing activity. ArenaPlus, the group’s sportsbook, will align with Pacquiao’s future fights, while GameZone will incorporate his branding into its nationwide tournament series focused on traditional card games such as Tongits and Pusoy.
The tournaments, which position players as competitive participants rather than casual users, form part of DigiPlus’ strategy to expand skill-based gaming formats in the local market. By attaching Pacquiao’s image to these initiatives, the company is aiming to reinforce themes of competition, progression and national identity.
MannyPay
Payments integration is the third pillar of the partnership, with DigiPlus becoming the first official gaming partner of MannyPay, a digital payments platform associated with Pacquiao. The service, operated by Traxion Pay Inc. and licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, will be embedded across DigiPlus’ platforms to facilitate deposits and withdrawals.
The companies emphasized that MannyPay is designed for continuous, 24/7 operations, with same-day settlement capabilities intended to improve transaction efficiency for users. DigiPlus noted that it continues to work exclusively with BSP-accredited payment channels, in line with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) requirements.
The integration reflects a growing trend among regional operators to bring payments infrastructure closer to the core gaming experience, reducing friction and improving retention. In markets such as the Philippines, where digital wallets play a central role in online transactions, such tie-ups are increasingly seen as a competitive differentiator.
Narrative-driven experiences
Eusebio Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus, said the collaboration responds to evolving player expectations, with users seeking more immersive and narrative-driven experiences. He added that combining Pacquiao’s story with DigiPlus’ platform capabilities would allow the company to deliver a more localized and differentiated product offering. Pacquiao, who also chairs MannyPay, framed the partnership as a showcase for Filipino talent and innovation, highlighting both the entertainment and financial components of the tie-up.
From a regulatory standpoint, DigiPlus reiterated that its platforms operate with player protection measures in place, including in-app responsible gaming tools and safeguards such as a surety bond covering player balances up to PHP1 million ($16,900) per verified account.
The launch comes at a time when the Philippine online gaming sector continues to expand, driven by strong domestic demand and increasing digital adoption. Operators are investing heavily in localized content, brand partnerships, and payments infrastructure to capture market share and differentiate in a crowded landscape.
For DigiPlus, the Pacquiao partnership represents a multi-layered play that goes beyond traditional endorsement deals. By combining content, branding and fintech integration, the company is effectively building a vertically aligned ecosystem centered on one of the country’s most recognizable figures.
