From November 28 to 30, 2025, TCON 8bit brought together coders, security enthusiasts, developers, and tech professionals in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for one of the most exciting technology gatherings in the northern Philippines. Hosted by HackTheNorth.ph, this three-day convention celebrated digital defense, hands-on learning, expert insights, and community building in the ever-changing realm of cybersecurity and technology.
A 3-Day Tech Quest
TCON 8bit was more than just a conference — it was pitched as a narrative-driven adventure where attendees embark on quests to face threats and challenges in the "digital realm." The event's theme gave a playful nod to classic role-playing games, turning every talk, workshop, and networking moment into part of the journey for participants — villagers, adventurers, and legends alike.
The agenda included immersive talks, interactive sessions, and a day of training that geared participants up for the main conference. Attendees could choose from different ticket tiers, each offering varying access:
- Villager (Regular Pass) – Basic conference access with meals and raffle entry.
- Adventurer (Premium Pass) – Includes early immersive training and exclusive swag.
- Legend (All Access Pass) – Full experience with after-party and night activities.
Experts, Speakers, and Thought Leaders
A lineup of industry professionals shared their knowledge and practical insights throughout the event. Speakers represented a range of cybersecurity specialties — from threat hunting and intelligence to security leadership and technical research. Highlights included:
| Speaker | Role |
|---|---|
| Rei Nikolai Magnaye | CISO & Data Protection Officer |
| Michel Chamberland | Founder & CEO of Integsec |
| Gil Tario II | Senior Consultant, Mandiant Threat Defense, Google |
| Raymond Almanon | Senior Threat Researcher, Trend Micro Inc. |
| Naz Dane Mauri | Founder/CEO, OSINT Bastion |
These experts led discussions on digital threats, security strategies, ethical hacking, and real-world cyber defense — giving participants a chance to level up their understanding of the cyber landscape.
Community and Conference Culture
TCON's atmosphere blended serious learning with community engagement. The event fostered collaboration among students, professionals, and tech hobbyists from across the region. Participants not only attended talks and workshops but also networked with peers and industry leaders — building connections that extend beyond the conference.
While TCON has evolved over the years as part of the HackTheNorth.ph ecosystem of tech events, its core mission remains the same: make tech education accessible, engaging, and community-driven for learners in northern Luzon and beyond. Historically, conferences like this have provided opportunities for aspiring technologists who might otherwise lack access to major tech events commonly held in larger urban centers.
Practical Details and Policies
Attendees were reminded of important policies such as registration, refunds, and event conduct, ensuring smooth participation. For example, partial refunds were available if cancellations were made at least 30 days before the event — while tickets could be transferred to another person up to a week ahead of the conference.
In summary: TCON 8bit stood as a landmark tech gathering in Cagayan, offering cybersecurity training, expert insights, hands-on engagement, and a vibrant community experience. Whether you were a student looking to break into cybersecurity or a seasoned professional aiming to sharpen your skills, TCON's blend of immersive content and collaborative spirit made it a memorable and impactful event in the Philippine tech calendar.
See you at the next TCON! 🎮🔐