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House of Yugen Founder and CEO Josh Yugen officially introduced GEN YU, his latest venture, during Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Held from June 19 to 21, Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 gathered global innovators, investors, technology advocates, creators, and industry leaders to discuss developments in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Recognized as one of Asia’s premier technology-focused events, the conference served as the ideal platform for the launch of Yugen’s newest initiative.

On June 20 and 21, Yugen—who is also the publisher of Xpedition Magazine and franchise owner of the Miss Universe organizations in Sweden, Egypt, and Pakistan—produced and curated a series of thought-provoking panel discussions that featured beauty queens, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, celebrities, content creators, digital innovators, and industry experts.

Through House of Yugen’s specially designed programming, attendees participated in discussions that examined the growing connections between artificial intelligence, wellness, fashion, pageantry, celebrity influence, digital identity, and youth-driven innovation.

The two-day discussion series highlighted how technology continues to shape various industries while creating new opportunities for collaboration among emerging leaders, creators, and changemakers from different sectors.

The event also marked the public debut of GEN YU, further expanding House of Yugen’s presence at the intersection of innovation, culture, media, and technology.

Unlike traditional fashion labels or technology startups, GEN YU is being positioned as an AI-powered innovation platform, creative ecosystem, educational institution, and youth empowerment movement designed to prepare the next generation for an increasingly digital future.

While GEN YU will debut its first fashion showcase on June 30, 2026, featuring modern lifestyle fashion, futuristic concepts, AI-inspired designs, wearable technology, and robotic-inspired runway creations, its vision extends far beyond clothing.

GEN YU aims to become a bridge between technology and humanity by creating opportunities for young people to learn, understand, and responsibly utilize artificial intelligence. Through future educational programs, mentorship initiatives, workshops, technology forums, digital learning experiences, and industry collaborations, GEN YU seeks to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

“Technology should not replace humanity—it should empower it,” said Yugen. “GEN YU was created to help young people embrace innovation, unlock opportunities, and become builders of the future rather than simply consumers of it.”

House of Yugen’s Four Signature Panels at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026

Panel 1 (June 20)

Celebrity Fame, Influence and Wellness

The first House of Yugen-produced panel focused on the growing responsibility that comes with influence in today’s digital age.

Moderated by Josh Yugen, the discussion brought together respected leaders from healthcare, wellness, media, and public service, including:

• Imelda Schweighart, beauty queen and media personality
• Charize Nicole Bala, Social Media Manager of Gluta Estetica
• Dra. Gwendolyn T. Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross
• Dr. Ben Valdecanas, Founder of The Next Step Clinic – Center for Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine

The panel explored topics including responsible influence, mental wellness, public perception, social media culture, personal branding, and the importance of balancing success with physical and emotional well-being. Panelists shared inspiring insights on how public figures can use their platforms to create meaningful impact while maintaining authenticity and purpose.

Panel 2 (June 21)

The Rise of AI in Beauty, Healthcare & Pageantry – Opportunity or Threat?

The second House of Yugen panel shifted the conversation toward artificial intelligence and its growing influence across beauty, healthcare, and pageantry.

Moderated by Josh Yugen, the panel featured:

• Dr. Jonas Apostol, Celebrity Dentist and Founder of Apostol Dental Cosmetic Center
• Gwendolyn Fourniol, Miss World Philippines 2022 and international model
• Imelda Schweighart, Miss Grand International All Stars Philippines 2026, beauty queen and media personality
• Mcgyver Yu, CEO of Rokid Philippines and technology innovation leader

Together, the panel examined how AI is transforming healthcare accessibility, aesthetic medicine, beauty standards, personal branding, and the future of international pageantry while emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly digital world.

Panel 3 (June 21)

The Future of Fashion, Pageantry and Digital Identity

The third House of Yugen panel brought together influential voices from fashion, media, and pageantry to discuss how technology is redefining identity and self-expression.

Featured speakers included:

• Maureen Montagne, Miss Globe 2021, model and beauty advocate
• Misbah Arshad, former Miss International Pakistan and Miss Supranational Pakistan, currently a Miss Universe Pakistan Finalist 2026
• Geolette Marie Esguerra, Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine Editor, Media Personality and Fashion Authority
• Dalia Varde, Binibining Pilipinas 2025 First Runner-Up, actress and entrepreneur

The discussion explored the evolution of influence in the digital age, the growing importance of digital identity, the future of fashion innovation, and how technology continues to reshape beauty, creativity, and personal branding on a global scale.

Panel 4 (June 21)

Tech and Gen Z

Closing House of Yugen’s successful two-day panel series was a forward-looking discussion centered on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of Generation Z.

Moderated by Ian Borromeo, Co-Founder of House of Yugen and Co-Director of the Miss Universe franchises, the panel featured:

• Josh Yugen, Founder of GEN YU
• Aaron Dee, Founder of Caltiger.AI and Co-Founder of Choicetista
• Apple Nick, African musician and global influencer
• Xan, entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Sober Youth PH

The discussion marked the official public introduction of GEN YU and its long-term vision as an AI-powered innovation platform, educational ecosystem, creative movement, and future-focused institution under House of Yugen.

Yugen shared his vision of building GEN YU together with fellow Gen Z innovators and industry leaders who believe that technology should be used to empower future generations. More than a fashion brand, GEN YU aims to become a platform where artificial intelligence, education, entrepreneurship, media, creativity, and innovation intersect.

The company is set to debut its first AI-inspired fashion showcase on June 30, featuring modern lifestyle fashion, futuristic concepts, wearable technology, and robotic-inspired runway creations. However, its broader mission is to create opportunities for young people to learn, understand, and harness the power of artificial intelligence through future educational initiatives, mentorship programs, digital learning experiences, and innovation-driven collaborations.

The panel concluded with a powerful message to young Filipinos: embrace innovation, stay curious, and become active builders of the future rather than passive observers of it.

Beyond the House of Yugen-produced panels, Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 also featured a diverse lineup of celebrities, creators, and innovators from across Asia and beyond. Among the notable personalities present at the event were social media superstar Donnalyn Bartolome and acclaimed actor JM De Guzman, further highlighting the event’s growing influence across entertainment, technology, and digital culture.

Over the course of two days, House of Yugen’s panel series became one of the most diverse discussion platforms within Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, bringing together beauty queens, healthcare experts, media personalities, entrepreneurs, technology leaders, influencers, celebrities, and Gen Z innovators under one stage.

For Josh Yugen, the success of the two-day discussion series represents more than just a collection of panels—it reflects a broader vision of connecting industries, communities, and generations through meaningful conversations.

With the successful introduction of GEN YU and the strong reception of the House of Yugen panels, Yugen continues to position himself at the forefront of conversations surrounding pageantry, media, technology, innovation, education, and youth empowerment.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the future, GEN YU aims to become one of the region’s leading platforms for AI literacy, digital innovation, creative entrepreneurship, and future-ready education—helping ensure that the next generation is not only prepared for the future, but empowered to build it.