Fortify 2025: Meet AWS Security VP Eric Brandwine & re:Invent 2024 Security Highlights
2025-02-25 12:00 - 17:00 UTC | AWS BGC Office
On February 25, 2025, cybersecurity professionals, cloud architects, and IT leaders gathered at the AWS Office, Arthaland Tower, Taguig City, for Fortify 2025, an exclusive event hosted by the AWS Security Users Group and organized by Armada Innovation Labs. The event featured insights from Eric Brandwine, AWS Distinguished Engineer, alongside expert discussions on cutting-edge cloud security trends from AWS re:Invent 2024.
Key Highlights
🔹 Eric Brandwine’s Exclusive Discussion
Eric Brandwine, Distinguished Engineer, and Kevin Low, Security Specialist SA at AWS, shared invaluable insights into AWS security innovations, challenges, and best practices shaping the future of cloud security.
🔹 Engaging Panel Discussion
A powerhouse panel of industry experts, including Kyle Atendido (AWS Security Users Group Advocate), Kaye Alvaro (DevOps Engineer, Asurion), Kate Viloria (Solutions Architect, AWS), and Paul Sears (CTO, CompuTrade Technology Philippines), tackled key takeaways from AWS re:Invent 2024. Moderated by Dean Armada (CEO, Armada Innovation Labs) and Haifa Carina (Alliances & Partnerships Manager, Ascendion), the discussion explored:✔️ AWS re:Invent 2024’s biggest surprises✔️ Key security trends and real-world practitioner insights✔️ Balancing security with speed and innovation✔️ Must-implement security measures for organizations✔️ The future of AWS security
🔹 Cyberlabs Web Application Demo
RC Malana, Solutions Architect at Armada Innovation Labs, showcased Cyberlabs, a cutting-edge web application security solution, demonstrating advanced security capabilities for modern applications.
🔹 Networking, Raffle & Giveaways
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and cybersecurity experts, exchanging ideas over coffee and an interactive networking session. Exciting raffle prizes and giveaways added to the energy of the event.
🔹 Closing Remarks
The event wrapped up with reflections on the evolving security landscape, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous innovation in cloud security.
Event Takeaways
✔ Exclusive AWS Security Insights – Direct learnings from Eric Brandwine and AWS experts✔ Real-World Industry Perspectives – Panel discussion on security trends and best practices✔ Hands-On Security Demo – Cyberlabs Web Application showcase✔ Networking & Collaboration – Connections with top cloud and security professionals✔ Fun & Engagement – Exciting raffles and giveaways
With AWS security at the forefront, Fortify 2025 successfully equipped attendees with the latest strategies, expert insights, and hands-on solutions to strengthen their cloud security posture.

Elevating Application Defense: Securing the Future of Digital Innovation
2025-03-20 11:30 - 15:00 | Holiday Inn Makati
On March 20, 2025, Armada Innovation Labs, in collaboration with Exclusive Networks and F5 Philippines, successfully hosted “Elevating Application Defense: Securing the Future of Digital Innovation” at the Holiday Inn and Suites Makati. The event gathered industry leaders, security professionals, and tech enthusiasts to discuss the evolving landscape of application security and the strategies needed to safeguard digital innovation.
Event Highlights
✅ The event started with lunch and registration, setting the stage for a day of learning and networking.

✅ Cathy Chun, F5 Product Manager at Exclusive Networks Philippines, welcomed the attendees with her opening remarks, followed by Leslie Wong, Regional Director of Sales at F5, who emphasized the importance of application security in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape.

✅ The first keynote session, “Application Security Overview,” was led by Dean Armada, Founder and Chief Architect of Armada Innovation Labs. Dean provided valuable insights into the critical role of application security in modern cloud infrastructures.

✅ This was followed by Brian Perry Ortanez, Solutions Engineer at F5 Philippines, who presented on “The State of Application Strategy”—discussing industry trends, best practices, and the latest strategies to protect applications against emerging cyber threats.

✅ Ross Cawagas, Solutions Engineer at Exclusive Networks Philippines, conducted a live NIST-aligned security demo, demonstrating real-world applications of security frameworks and best practices.
✅ Attendees who arrived early were rewarded during the Early Bird Awarding, adding excitement to the event.

✅ A unique roundtable-style Q&A discussion replaced the traditional Question and Answer. In a setup similar to a “dating game,” three specialized teams—Application Security, DevOps/DevSecOps & CyberLab, and Team Penetration Testing—engaged with participants at different tables, fostering interactive and in-depth discussions.

✅ The event concluded with closing remarks from Biboy Payawal, F5 Ambassador Philippines, who thanked the participants and partners for making the event a success.

VPC Design and Best Practices
2025-06-19 12:00 - 17:00 | AWS BGC Office
On June 19, cloud and cybersecurity professionals from both the government and private sectors gathered at the AWS Office in Taguig City for the “VPC Design and Best Practices” event, a highly informative and collaborative session focused on designing secure, scalable Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) environments on AWS.
Hosted by the AWS Security Users Group and organized by Armada Innovation Labs in partnership with Zscaler, the event delivered key technical insights, hands-on strategies, and real-world use cases around cloud architecture, Zero Trust security, and workload migration.

Program Highlights

Welcome and Networking
The event opened with registration and lunch, offering guests the opportunity to connect, network, and share experiences before diving into the sessions.
Opening Remarks
Kicking things off, Kevyn Ordinario introduced the AWS Security Users Group, highlighting its mission to foster community collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning around AWS security services and solutions.
Whiteboarding Session: AWS VPC Basics

The first technical session featured a live whiteboarding discussion on AWS VPC fundamentals by Dean Armada, CEO and Chief Architect of Armada Innovation Labs. This hands-on session laid the foundation for understanding secure network design in the cloud, particularly for attendees new to AWS networking.
AWS Design and Security Best Practices

Next up, Ceejay Dideles, Solutions Architect at AWS, shared key design principles and best practices for building secure, reliable, and scalable cloud environments using AWS services. He highlighted architectural patterns, compliance considerations, and real-world security use cases.
Networking Break

Attendees had a chance to enjoy refreshments, continue discussions, and expand their professional network during the snack and networking break.
Workload Migration with Zero Trust Security

Tomasz Osiadlo, Sr. Solutions Engineer at Zscaler, took the stage to discuss how to secure cloud workload migration using Zero Trust architecture. He showcased how organizations can protect east-west and outbound traffic and ensure application security in hybrid and multi-cloud setups.
STYX CyberLab Presentation

The final session was led by RC Malana, Solutions Architect at Armada Innovation Labs, who introduced STYX CyberLab — an innovative, hands-on cybersecurity lab platform designed to simulate real-world attack and defense scenarios for training and skill development.
Closing and Giveaways
The event concluded with closing remarks from the AI Labs and AWS teams, followed by exciting giveaways to thank attendees for their participation and support.

Thank You!
A huge thank you to all our attendees, speakers, partners, and sponsors who contributed to the success of this event. We’re excited to continue building a stronger, more secure cloud community together.
Stay tuned for future sessions and follow us for updates on upcoming AWS Security Users Group events!

IAM Security Best Practices
2025-07-29 12:00 - 17:00 | AWS BGC Office
Event Recap: IAM Security Best Practices📍 AWS Office, 21st Floor, Arthaland Tower, 5th Avenue corner 30th Street, Taguig City📅 July 29, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The “IAM Security Best Practices” event was held last July 29, 2025, at the AWS Office in Taguig City. Hosted by the AWS Security Users Group Philippines and organized by Armada Innovation Labs in collaboration with Accumena Reliable Solutions Inc. and RSA, the event gathered professionals from both government and private sectors to explore the evolving landscape of Identity and Access Management (IAM).

The event opened with registration and a networking lunch, providing a relaxed environment for early arrivals to connect and engage with fellow attendees. This was followed by opening remarks from Kyle Atendido, Senior DevOps/DevSecOps Specialist and AWS Security Users Group Advocate, who welcomed everyone and shared the mission behind the community-led AWS Security Users Group. His message highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the security space.

The first keynote session was delivered by Dean Armada, CEO and Chief Architect of Armada Innovation Labs. He presented on AWS IAM Security Best Practices, discussing essential strategies for managing permissions, securing identities, and building resilient access frameworks in cloud-native environments. His talk was complemented by a live demo led by Kyle Atendido, who showcased practical IAM configurations and tools available on AWS, giving the audience hands-on insights into implementation.

The second session featured Kavier Koo, Systems Engineer for RSA – Southeast Asia, who spoke about broader IAM best practices beyond cloud environments. His presentation focused on the integration of identity governance, the role of zero trust in access controls, and how organizations can align IAM strategies with business security goals. The session emphasized the importance of choosing the right IAM tools and frameworks tailored to specific organizational needs.

After a short break for snacks and networking, attendees reassembled for the highlight of the event — the panel discussion. This segment brought together key voices in cybersecurity and networking: Mark Dave Tacadena, First Sergeant of the Cyber Mission Group at AFP Cyber Command; Raquel Marasigan, Cyber & Forensics Manager at PwC Philippines; Ronwill Sia, Network Engineer 4 at Telus Digital; and earlier speakers Dean Armada and Kavier Koo. Moderated by Sheila Vasquez, Chief Revenue Officer of Accumena Reliable Solutions, alongside Kyle Atendido, the panel explored real-world IAM challenges, including managing user access at scale, aligning policies with compliance requirements, and navigating the human element in identity security. The open conversation allowed panelists to share diverse perspectives from both enterprise and national security viewpoints.
The event concluded with a short closing segment led by the teams from Armada Innovation Labs and Accumena Reliable Solutions Inc., who expressed appreciation to the attendees, partners, and panelists. Giveaways were distributed, and participants left with valuable takeaways, strengthened connections, and a deeper understanding of IAM’s role in today’s security-first landscape.

Project FUTURE: AI-LIT Tech Literacy for All
2025-09-24 09:00 - 17:00 | AWS BGC Office
The first day of Project FUTURE: AI-LIT Tech Literacy for All successfully kicked off on September 24, 2025, gathering students and teachers from City of Mandaluyong Science High School, Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales, and La Huerta National High School. The initiative, hosted by AWS Security Users Group and organized by Armada Innovation Labs in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Makati Arnaiz and JA Philippines, aims to empower underserved youth with AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills—preparing them for high-value careers both locally and globally.
Highlights of the Program

Opening Remarks – Delivered by Reese Balbastro, Vice President of Business Development at Antarex Cyber PH, setting the tone for the day’s learning journey.

Keynote Session – Dean Armada, CEO & Chief Architect of Armada Innovation Labs, led the discussion on Youth & Young Leaders Track and Cybersecurity, inspiring students to envision their role in the digital future.

Career Journey Talk – Justine Romero, Pre-Sales professional at Antarex Cyber PH, shared her transition from marketing to tech pre-sales, offering real-world insights to aspiring youth.

Tech Demo – Kyle Atendido, Sr. DevOps/DevSecOps and AWS Security Users Group Advocate, showcased practical applications of cloud security and AI.

Interactive Games & Breaks kept participants energized and engaged throughout the program.

Panel Forum: Public-Private Partnerships in Technology – A thought-provoking discussion featuring:

Dean Armada (Armada Innovation Labs)
Justine Romero (Antarex Cyber PH)
Sheila Vasquez (Unite For Good President, Rotary Club of Makati Arnaiz)
Angelica Anne Munar, PhD (JA Philippines Mentor and Adviser)
Moderated by Haifa Carina (Alliances & Partnerships Manager, Ascendion)

Media Engagement – Representatives from Malaya Business Insight, Daily Tribune, Business Mirror, Tech & Lifestyle Journal, and Manila Standard participated in a Farside Chat and Q&A, amplifying the event’s message to a wider audience.
Closing Remarks – Kyle Atendido wrapped up the day by encouraging participants to continue exploring opportunities in AI and cybersecurity.
Impact
Day 1 of Project FUTURE: AI-LIT created a platform where students not only gained technical insights but also connected with industry leaders and media representatives. The event emphasized the importance of inclusive tech education and public-private partnerships in shaping the next generation of digital leaders.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. As Project FUTURE: AI-LIT continues into its second day, it will further deepen students’ exposure to technology, career pathways, and collaboration opportunities—strengthening the bridge between education and the future of work.

Building & Securing AI Infrastructure in the Cloud
2026-04-28 12:00 - 17:00 | AWS BGC Office
Last April 28, 2026, industry professionals, government representatives, private sector leaders, and students gathered at the AWS Office, 21st Floor Arthaland Tower, Taguig City, for an insightful afternoon of learning and collaboration during the event, “Building & Securing AI Infrastructure in the Cloud.”

Hosted by the AWS Security Users Group and organized by Armada Innovation Labs in collaboration with Nutanix and M-Security Tech Philippines, Inc., the event brought together experts and enthusiasts to discuss the future of AI infrastructure, cloud technologies, and AI security.

The program opened with “Scaling AI: Traditional vs Cloud-Native” presented by Kyle Atendido, where attendees learned about modern approaches to scaling AI workloads and the advantages of cloud-native architectures.
This was followed by “Security of AI” by Kate Viloria, who shared valuable insights on securing AI environments, managing risks, and strengthening cloud security strategies for AI-driven systems.
For the third session, Dean Armada discussed “Foundation of AI: On-Prem vs Cloud,” highlighting the differences, benefits, and considerations of deploying AI infrastructures in both on-premise and cloud environments.

Attendees also enjoyed interactive games and networking opportunities during the short break, creating a collaborative and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.
The final session, “How to Deploy, Manage & Secure LLMs & Inference Endpoints with Nutanix Enterprise AI,” was presented by Martin Sindiong, showcasing practical solutions and enterprise-ready strategies for managing and securing large language models and AI inference workloads using Nutanix technologies.

The event concluded successfully with meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and stronger connections among the AI, cloud, and cybersecurity community. Thank you to all speakers, partners, and participants who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing everyone again in our future events and learning sessions.
