Jax Reyes Won’t Stop Speaking Out Against Gambling — Even When It Costs Him a Sponsorship

 

Finance content creator Jax Reyes has spent the past year building one of the most consistent public campaigns against online gambling in the Philippine content space — turning down paid partnerships, citing government data on how far the problem has spread, and steadily pointing his followers toward legitimate ways to grow their money instead.

A YEAR-LONG ADVOCACY, NOT A TREND

Jax Reyes has been vocal on the issue since at least July 2025, when he appeared on ABS-CBN's TV Patrol to argue that Filipinos are better off avoiding gambling altogether. He has continued raising the issue on his own Facebook page ever since, telling followers that his position hasn't shifted — that speaking out against gambling was never about riding a trend, but a continuous advocacy against what he describes as a crisis quietly damaging Filipino families.

TURNING DOWN THE BRIEF

In one post, Jax Reyes shared a screenshot of an unsolicited pitch from an agency representing an online gambling platform, inviting him to join a campaign built around “Responsible Gaming” messaging — encouraging players to set limits and maintain a healthy balance while playing. Reyes turned the offer down, telling his followers that no rate could be worth trading his audience's peace of mind for a quick paycheck.

THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE WARNING

Reyes has repeatedly cited PAGCOR data reported by Inquirer.net in August 2025, showing an estimated 32 million adult Filipinos are now gamblers — up sharply from roughly 469,000 recorded online gambling players in 2018. As he's pointed out to his followers, that figure now exceeds the number of Filipinos who hold a credit card, or even a bank account, and represents nearly half of the country's working-age population.

REDIRECTING TOWARD LEGITIMATE ALTERNATIVES

Rather than gambling, Reyes has urged his followers toward options like High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSA), Pag-IBIG MP2, mutual funds, and the SSS Pension Booster — regulated vehicles he says protect hard-earned savings instead of risking them. He's described the hardest part of quitting gambling as accepting that money already lost cannot be won back.

“Stop chasing your losses.”

A POSITION KasKasan Buddies SHARES

The pushback echoes a stance KasKasan Buddies (KKB), the Philippines' #1 personal finance community with over 2 million members across platforms, has also taken publicly. KKB has said it will never promote any online gambling platform — casino, sportsbook, or betting app — regardless of any offer or partnership presented to it, and has pointed Buddies toward the same category of legitimate alternatives: HYSA, Pag-IBIG MP2, and regulated investment products.

As individual voices like Jax Reyes keep choosing advocacy over sponsorship checks, the message reaching their followers stays the same: real financial security is built through saving and investing, not chasing wins in a game designed, from the start, to keep the house ahead.

About KasKasan Buddies Ventures Corporation

KasKasan Buddies (KKB) is the Philippines' #1 finance community and app, empowering Filipinos to “KasKas Wisely” through accessible financial literacy, budgeting tools, and exclusive credit card deals. With over 2 million community members and 520,000+ app users, KKB partners with major banks and government agencies to make personal finance a healthy, open conversation for every Filipino.

 

Bescost Printing Offers Glow-in-the-Dark Evacuation Plan Printing for Philippine Business Compliance

 

 QUEZON CITY, Philippines —Bescost Printing has introduced a glow-in-the-dark evacuation plan printing and installation service designed to help businesses comply with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire safety requirements.

The service includes UV-printed photoluminescent evacuation plans with acrylic or sintraboard mounting, optional installation, and fast production to support offices, warehouses, retail stores, and commercial establishments preparing for fire safety inspections.

Under Philippine fire safety regulations, business establishments are required to display evacuation plans as part of the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) process. The new service provides businesses with professionally printed photoluminescent evacuation plans intended to remain visible during power interruptions and emergency situations.

Premium Photoluminescent Evacuation Plans, Ready in Days

Bescost Printing's evacuation plan service uses premium photoluminescent stickers with high glow visibility — the kind that remains clearly visible during power outages and emergency situations, precisely when evacuation plans matter most. The plans are produced using high-quality UV printing that is scratch-proof, ensuring a one-time purchase that lasts.

Business owners can choose between two mounting options based on their needs and budget:

Acrylic mounting — a high-gloss, premium finish mounted with decorative silver bolts, ideal for corporate offices, hotels, and commercial establishments that want a polished look. Available from ₱600 to ₱1,000 per piece for standard A4 size, with volume discounts bringing costs as low as ₱600/pc for 101+ units.

Sintraboard mounting — a durable, cost-effective option with a semi-gloss finish, mounted using double-sided foam tape. Priced from ₱350 to ₱600 per piece for A4 size, popular among warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and multi-branch businesses managing compliance across multiple locations.

Larger A3-size plans (11" × 14") are also available for establishments requiring more detailed floor maps, with sintraboard

Fast Turnaround and Professional Installation

Small orders of 1 to 20 pieces are produced within 3 to 5 working days, while larger orders of 21 to 100+ pieces are completed within 5 to 14 working days. Free delivery within Metro Manila is available for orders of 10 pieces or more.

For organizations requiring installation, Bescost also provides on-site mounting services to assist with the proper placement of evacuation plans inside business premises.

“Fire safety compliance shouldn’t be complicated for business owners,” said Jim Besinio, owner of Bescost Printing. “Our goal is to provide a complete solution—from printing and mounting to installation—so businesses can meet inspection requirements with professionally produced evacuation plans.”

Customization and File Support

Bescost accepts evacuation plan artwork in JPEG, PDF, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDRAW formats. Minor layout adjustments, including resizing and the addition of safety markers, are also available to help accommodate different building layouts before production.

The service forms part of Bescost Printing’s expanding portfolio of commercial signage and safety printing solutions for businesses, institutions, and industrial facilities across the Philippines.

About Bescost Printing
Bescost Printing is the Philippines' premier large-format printing and signage company, known for its world-class output and people-first work culture. Based in Quezon City, Bescost serves businesses nationwide with store dress-up solutions, exterior signage, large-format printing, and full installation services. Bescost Printing does not just print — they transform businesses and build stories worth telling.

Won the Project but Need Funds to Start? Here's How Contractors Can Keep Projects Moving with PayNow

 

 Goldwater Capital explains how PayNow helps contractors bridge cash flow gaps and fund projects while waiting for client payments.

For many contractors and project-based businesses, winning a project is a major milestone. But for some, it's also where the real challenge begins.

The contract is signed. The opportunity is secured.

But before any payment comes in, the work needs to start. Materials must be purchased. Workers need to be mobilized. 

Equipment has to be secured.

And all of this requires cash. Right now.

Winning the project is only the beginning—working capital keeps it moving

This is a challenge faced by thousands of Filipino contractors, suppliers, and service providers every day.

The Problem Isn't Sales. It's Timing and Starting the Project

Many business owners assume that cash flow problems only happen when a company lacks customers.

In reality, even businesses with confirmed projects can struggle.

Imagine this.

A contractor successfully wins a new project worth several hundred thousand pesos. The client is reputable and payment is guaranteed.

The catch?

Payment will only be released after project milestones are completed or even 60 days later.

Before any billing can happen, the contractor must first:

- Purchase materials

- Mobilize manpower

- Pay suppliers

- Cover operational expenses

Nandiyan na ang proyekto. Sigurado na ang kita.

Pero kailangan mo munang gumastos bago ka makapagsimula at kumita

When One Project Delays the Next

For many contractors, delayed collections don't just affect one project.

They can affect future opportunities as well.

Without available working capital, business owners may find themselves:

- Delaying material purchases

- Turning down new projects

- Missing supplier discounts

- Stretching payroll budgets

- Taking on unnecessary financial stress

Instead of focusing on delivering quality work, they end up worrying about how to bridge the gap between expenses today and payments tomorrow.

Turning Project Opportunities Into Action

This is where PayNow by Goldwater Capital can help.

PayNow is designed for businesses that have secured projects but need access to funds to get started.

Instead of waiting for milestone payments or delayed collections, qualified businesses can access working capital to support project mobilization and execution.

Whether it's purchasing materials, paying suppliers, mobilizing workers, or covering operational costs, having access to funding allows contractors to move forward with confidence.

Helping Businesses Say Yes to More Opportunities

Every contractor knows that opportunities don't wait.

When a new project becomes available, clients expect immediate action.

The ability to mobilize quickly often determines whether a business wins future contracts and strengthens long-term client relationships.

Kapag may access sa working capital, mas madaling tanggapin ang bagong opportunities without worrying about short-term cash flow gaps.

Instead of waiting for collections before moving forward, businesses can focus on growth, delivery, and customer satisfaction.

A Financing Partner for Project-Based Businesses

At Goldwater Capital, we understand that contractors, suppliers, and project-based businesses operate on timelines that don't always match payment schedules.

Through PayNow, our goal is to help qualified businesses unlock working capital from their receivables so they can continue operating, fulfill commitments, and pursue new opportunities with confidence.

Because sometimes, business growth isn't about finding more projects.

It's about having the resources to keep moving while waiting to get paid.

About PayNow

PayNow is a receivables financing solution by Goldwater Capital that helps qualified businesses access working capital based on outstanding receivables. Designed for contractors, suppliers, and SMEs, PayNow enables businesses to bridge cash flow gaps, fund operations, and continue growing without waiting for lengthy payment cycles. Based on PayNow's program, qualified SMEs can convert what clients owe them into funds they can use today, with fast approval and no hard collateral required.

About Goldwater Capital Inc

Goldwater Capital is a Philippine financing company committed to helping individuals and businesses bridge the financial gap between ambition and achievement. Through fast, fair, and technology-driven financing solutions—including business funding, salary advances, and education financing—we empower Filipinos to pursue opportunities, manage cash flow, and achieve sustainable growth.

6200 Book fest concludes inaugural three-day celebration

  

The inaugural 6200 BookFest concluded its three-day run last July 19, bringing together publishers, authors, booksellers, readers, and creatives in Dumaguete City. 

Filled with book launches, literary discussions, workshops, performances, and publishing initiatives, the festival was held from July 17 to 19 primarily at Filinvest Malls Dumaguete.

Organized by the Arts and Design Collective Dumaguete (ADCD) and the Duma LitFest team in partnership with the Dumaguete City Government, the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and Futura Shores by Filinvest Land, the festival carried the theme "Across the Shores" and served as a host event for the NBDB's Philippine Book Festival in the Regions initiative. It is also the first regional book fair of its kind in the Negros Island Region.

The festival featured a marketplace of national and independent publishers and literary organizations, including Vibal Group, 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing, Anvil Publishing, Haring Ibon, Everything's Fine, Aklat Alamid, Sto. Niño de Cebu Publishing House, Central Books, Johnny and Hansel Publications, ABC Children's Books, DumAlt Press, Sands and Coral, Libraria, Romanceclass, Utopia, and Happy Unicorn. Authors Kate D. Pirate and Joanna Villamor also participated in the festival's programming and marketplace.

Programming included book presentations and launches, focused group discussions, film screenings, musical performances, workshops, and keynote sessions.

The first day opened with a series of book presentations and launches featuring Geraldine Solon's “Talk Smarter Live Better” series, Angela Fabunan Flores' “Migratory Notes,” the 2026 edition of the Sands and Coral literary anthology titled “Maps,” Anna Del Prado's “The Happy Unicorn,” and Koren Fontelo's “Tiny Hands, Growing Faith.”

On day two, the NBDB convened a focused group discussion attended by publishers, authors, booksellers, and creatives to discuss registration policies, publishing grants, and the role of Dumaguete as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature in the Philippine literary value chain. 

The day's program also included a screening of Lilas in partnership with UNESCO Creative Cities Network member Quezon City of Film, alongside book presentations by Central Books authors Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Atty. Marcelino C. Maxino, and Atty. Mikhail Lee L. Maxino. 

Moreover, independent publisher Anvil Publishing presented Ian Rosales Casocot's “The Last Days of Magic,” while DumAlt Press introduced its upcoming book of Dr. Justin Bulado during the afternoon program.

The festival's final day featured Andrea Panaligan's Zine Makeshop, a musical performance by Kate Torralba, the NBDB Primer on Registration, book presentations by Kate D. Pirate Books and Everything's Fine, a launch of the latest issue of Duma’s local food zine, Kaon-Kaon, and the launch of “Rosa Redux: Women from Southeast Asia,” edited by Katrina Stuart Santiago. 

Historian and author Ambeth Ocampo delivered the festival's closing keynote address before the official closing program, Panamilit: A Festival Closer.

Meanwhile, “BookFest: The Post-Script” events held on July 20 extended the festival's programming beyond its official dates. 

Ocampo led a meet-and-greet and booksigning session at LibrAria and delivered a guest lecture at Silliman University. The festival also hosted Pamahaw, a book signing event paired with a traditional Dumaguete breakfast at The Sala. 

The inauguration of 6200 BookFest marked Dumaguete City's first book festival following its designation as the Philippines' first UNESCO Creative City of Literature. 

Through partnerships between local and national literary organizations, the festival provided a platform for discussions on literature, publishing, and the role of creative communities in regional cultural development.

About Backpack Solutions, Inc.

Backpack Solutions supports ADCD and the Duma LitFest team as its marketing and content media partner. Backpack believes in 'content for good, of good'

www.backpack.solutions