Ben, the Chief Data Officer of Quantbot, visited Phitopolis for a week of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cultural connection.
The week kicked off with a series of catch-ups, reconnecting with key people, including Mark (CTO), Jumarie (Apps), the Core Reference Data Team, and our Data Team Leads to align on ongoing projects and share ideas. These sessions were more than just updates; they helped set the tone for a collaborative and forward-looking plan. To welcome Ben in true Filipino fashion, we gathered for a boodle fight — a communal feast where everyone eats kamayan-style (with hands) around a table filled with local dishes.
The following days were equally productive and engaging. Ben met with the Quant and Market Data teams to align on current work and future priorities. He also took time to explore some of our ongoing data projects, exchanging insights and ideas with the team. One unexpected highlight? Ben took on the local challenge of eating balut — a brave (and entertaining) moment — and yes, he enjoyed it!
Midweek, representatives from the team gave presentations to showcase what we’ve been working on, including Data AI and the Market Data updates. It was a great opportunity to highlight our progress and get valuable feedback. The sessions were insightful and sparked some exciting conversations that we’ll continue building on. To wrap up the day, Ben also got to enjoy a well-known Filipino merienda—pancit topped with crispy bagnet.
On the same day as our 6th anniversary celebration, Ben started the morning with a dedicated discussion on Financial Market Data. He walked us through its background, significance, how it supports decision-making, and the direction the industry is heading. It was a focused and engaging session that gave the team a broader understanding of how our work fits into the larger financial ecosystem.
Later that day, we shifted into celebration mode for the 6th anniversary of Phitopolis — a major milestone for the company. Ben joined us for the festivities, which were filled with laughter, reflections, and appreciation for how far we’ve come. It was a great way to end a day full of both learning and celebration.
To cap off the week, we took a trip to Tagaytay for a well-deserved lunch out. With a scenic view as our backdrop, Ben had the chance to try a variety of Filipino dishes — a delicious and fitting end to a week full of collaboration, insight, and connection.
Ben’s visit was a week filled with learning, sharing, laughter, and, of course, lots of food. We’re grateful for the time spent together and look forward to more opportunities to grow, innovate, and build together. Looking forward to the next visit!