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

Business Is Good, So Why Does Cash Still Feel Tight?

Goldwater Capital shares how PayNow helps SMEs access funds tied up in receivables to keep operations moving and support business growth.

Many business owners experience a frustrating situation.

Sales are coming in. Clients are placing orders. Projects are being completed.

On paper, the business is doing well.

But when it's time to pay suppliers, cover payroll, or purchase inventory, cash suddenly feels tight.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

For many SMEs, the challenge isn't a lack of revenue, it's the wait between delivering the work and actually receiving payment.

A Familiar Situation for Many Business Owners

Many business owners run growing trading businesses that supply products to several corporate clients.

Business is steady. Orders come in regularly. Her clients are reliable and eventually pay on time.

The problem is that "eventually" can mean 30, 60, or even 90 days.

While waiting for payments to be released, the business still has expenses to manage.

She needs to replenish inventory, pay suppliers, cover operating costs, and prepare for incoming orders.

"Nabenta na namin. Na-deliver na namin. Pero hinihintay pa rin namin yung bayad."

It's a situation many business owners know all too well.

Revenue Doesn't Always Mean Available Cash

One of the biggest misconceptions in business is that strong sales automatically mean strong cash flow.

In reality, a company can have millions in receivables and still experience cash shortages.

This happens when:

- Clients pay on long payment terms

- Invoices are still being processed

- Collections are delayed

- New orders require upfront funding

- Operations continue while waiting for payments

Hindi naman lugi ang negosyo.

The money is already there– it's simply tied up in receivables.

When Waiting for Payments Slows Growth

For many growing businesses, waiting for collections can create a ripple effect throughout the company.

Without enough working capital, businesses may have to:

- Delay inventory purchases

- Postpone expansion plans

- Turn down potential opportunities

- Stretch operational budgets

- Slow down growth initiatives

Instead of focusing on serving customers and growing the business, owners spend valuable time worrying about cash flow.

Unlocking Cash From Existing Receivables

This is where receivables financing can make a difference.

Instead of waiting weeks or months for customers to settle invoices, qualified businesses can access working capital based on their receivables.

This allows companies to put their earned revenue to work sooner.

Whether it's funding inventory, paying suppliers, managing payroll, or supporting new projects, access to working capital helps businesses stay productive and competitive.

Helping Businesses Move Forward

Every business owner knows that opportunities don't wait.

A new client, a larger order, or an expansion opportunity can appear at any time.

Having access to working capital means businesses can respond faster and make decisions based on opportunity and not cash flow limitations.

For many business owners, it's not about borrowing because the business is struggling.

It's about accessing funds that are already on their way and using them now instead of waiting weeks or months for payment.

Kapag may available working capital, businesses can take on new opportunities, fulfill bigger orders, and keep operations running smoothly without putting growth on hold.

About PayNow

PayNow by Goldwater Capital is a receivables financing solution designed to help qualified businesses unlock working capital from outstanding invoices and receivables. By providing faster access to funds tied up in pending customer payments, PayNow helps SMEs manage cash flow, support operations, and pursue growth opportunities with greater confidence.

Because sometimes, the money your business needs is already earned. You just shouldn't have to wait months to use it.

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.

P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin welcomes first homeowners at Idesia San Jose del Monte, marking its debut in North Luzon

  

P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin, the joint venture between P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties) and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation, officially welcomed the first homeowners of Idesia San Jose del Monte during its Homeowners Turnover Ceremony.

The milestone signifies not only the beginning of homeownership for the project's pioneering families but also another achievement in the ninth year of partnership between P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation. It likewise marks the joint venture's first Idesia development in North Luzon.

Executives from P.A. Properties, representatives of Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation, local government officials, project partners, officers, employees, and the new homeowners attended the ceremony.

In her opening remarks, Asa Toda, Vice President of Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. Philippines, underscored the significance of the project as the partnership's first venture in Bulacan.

"We are honored to be part of this growing province and to help build a community where people can enjoy a better quality of life," she said.

Welcoming the homeowners, Lawrenz Joseph Z. Alvarez, Director of P.A. Properties, described the turnover as more than the ceremonial handover of houses.

He said Idesia San Jose del Monte represents the arrival of the Idesia brand in Bulacan and reflects the joint venture's commitment to building thoughtfully planned communities where families can grow, neighbors become friends, and dreams flourish.

Following the ceremonial program, the homeowners were escorted to their respective units for the official turnover. Each family stepped inside their new home for the first time before receiving a house blessing, marking the beginning of their homeownership journey.

For many of the new homeowners, the occasion was an emotional and exciting milestone.

"We're so excited to move into our new home. We hope we'll have a wonderful life here," shared Idesia homeowner Mark.

Rising city, growing opportunities

Homeowners at Idesia San Jose del Monte will enjoy not only a master-planned community but also the long-term value of investing in one of Bulacan's fastest-growing cities.

As the largest city in the province, San Jose del Monte continues to emerge as a key growth center, driven by expanding residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Its strategic location near Metro Manila has attracted significant private investments, creating more opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

Accessibility is also expected to improve with the completion of the MRT-7, which is projected to extend rail connectivity to San Jose del Monte by 2027 or 2028, significantly reducing travel time to Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, the development of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan is expected to generate more than one million jobs and further accelerate economic growth across the province.

In her closing remarks, Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, President and CEO of P.A. Properties and P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin, highlighted the long-term value of investing in an Idesia home, citing her own experience as a homeowner in Idesia Dasmariñas.

"It was our second home, and truly, we have already reaped the benefits of our investment. We've seen how its value has appreciated because of how beautiful the project is," she shared.

As the first homeowners begin creating memories in their new homes, the successful turnover of Idesia San Jose del Monte marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation. More than simply turning over houses, the event welcomed the pioneering residents of a thriving community. It reaffirmed the partners' shared commitment to building quality homes where Filipino families can build brighter futures.

About P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation

Nestled in San Pedro, Laguna, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties) is a leading developer of low to medium-cost housing communities in Southern Luzon. Since its establishment in 1994, the company has crafted over 30,000 homes across key Philippine provinces, with plans to build an additional 20 communities in the next 5 years. P.A. Properties, guided by the tagline "Behind Every Home is a Story," not only addresses the nation's housing backlog but also actively contributes to economic growth. Through philanthropic initiatives, such as hospital donations in Cabuyao, providing right of way in Pampanga for civic centers, and establishing SanJo's markets in provinces like Laguna and Bulacan, the company weaves a narrative of community development and nationwide impact.

Seven Partners, One Platform. Keepital's Startup Pavilion at WOCEE 2026

 

Keepital Philippines brings together six of the country's most promising startups, and a powerhouse IP institution, for a dedicated showcase at the World of Consumer Electronics Expo this August. The World of Consumer Electronics Expo (WOCEE) has long been the Philippines' most significant gathering of technology companies, manufacturers, and industry decision-makers. This August 5 to 8 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, it returns with more than 33,200 expected visitors, over 110 exhibitors, and 15,000 square meters of exhibit space. This year, Keepital Philippines is adding a new dimension to the expo. Under the dedicated Startup Pavilion, Keepital is bringing six carefully selected startups to the WOCEE floor and providing each one a curated platform to present their products, connect with buyers and investors, and reach the scale they deserve.

The Exhibitors

Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO)

Anchoring the pavilion is the Ateneo de Manila University's Intellectual Property Office, an institution dedicated to fostering innovation, research commercialization, and startup development within one of the Philippines' most respected academic ecosystems. (aipo.ateneo.edu)

KLARO

KLARO is a sales and inventory platform built for cooperatives and small Filipino businesses that still run on handwritten logbooks. Its AI-powered OCR engine photographs a logbook and extracts line items, quantities, and totals in under 30 seconds, feeding the results into a dashboard that gives agri-terminals and consolidation hubs real-time visibility over volumes, buyer accounts, and payment status. With partners including the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal, Quezon City's Pangkabuhayang Program, and Ateneo BUILD already on board, KLARO represents a compelling intersection of AI capability and real-economy application. (meetklaro.com)

a11y media

Formerly known as Wika, a11y media is a Filipino startup working for the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities, democratizing accessibility for the deaf, hard of hearing, and Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreters through assistive content such as sign language videos, captions, and audio descriptions. Co-founded in 2018, a11y's platform functions similarly to YouTube but exclusively for accessible content, and empowers anyone to upload their own sign language videos and captions, with 70% of FSL interpreters on the platform being women.The only Philippine startup selected out of 800 applicants across Asia for the Real Madrid Next Accelerator, a11y arrives at WOCEE with both global recognition and a mission that sits at the intersection of technology and genuine social impact. (a11y.media/wika)

Domantay Consulting 

Not every pavilion participant is a tech product company, and that is precisely the point. Founded in 2018, Domantay Consulting (DC Digital) is a holistic digital consultancy offering public relations, social media management, digital marketing, and creative multimedia production. A cross-generational team of PR, media, marketing, and fine arts professionals, DC Digital brings something every technology company eventually needs at WOCEE: the expertise to communicate what they build in a way the market can actually hear. (domantayconsulting.com) 

Vaura

Vaura enters the pavilion as an AI-powered content engine built for businesses that need to produce content at scale without sacrificing quality or brand consistency. In a market where content demand is outpacing the capacity of most in-house teams, Vaura offers a smarter production pipeline where it generates output that is faster to produce and easier to manage across channels. At WOCEE, Vaura's presence speaks directly to the exhibitors, distributors, and brand teams on the floor who are looking for more efficient ways to keep their content working as hard as their products do. (vaura.io) 

BetterClinic

BetterClinic is an AI ambient scribe built for medical practitioners: it listens during a consultation and automatically generates SOAP notes, prescriptions, medical certificates, PhilHealth claims abstracts, and ICD-10/RVS coding. No EHR, no setup, no typing required. Its transcription engine handles mixed-language speech, local medication names, and the accents and dialects Filipino patients bring into the room, and is built in full compliance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act. For a country with a large and geographically dispersed medical workforce, a tool that runs on a smartphone and requires no institutional integration is not a luxury but a practical necessity. (betterclinic.ai)

SOFI AI

SOFI AI automates customer engagement for Philippine SMEs, most of which rely on Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and comment sections to drive sales. Its platform delivers 24/7 chat responses, smart sales assistance, multilingual support, and automated data collection across Facebook, Instagram, Shopify, Telegram, and more, adapting to each brand's tone and personality. A member of the NVIDIA Inception Program and a selected participant in Google for Startups, SOFI AI brings a proposition at WOCEE that is immediately relevant to the SME owners, brand managers, and distributors walking the expo floor. (sofitech.ai) 

The Startup Pavilion is a deliberate cross-section of where Philippine technology is heading. AI applied to agriculture, healthcare, customer engagement, brand communications, workforce development, and the infrastructure beneath all of it. What WOCEE provides is the kind of audience that normally takes years to reach. The pavilion compresses that timeline.

For anyone attending WOCEE this August, the Startup Pavilion is worth the detour. Come with questions. The founders will be there to answer them.

Happening from August 5–8, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Register now at https://register.worldbexevents.com/registration and get ready to explore this show of innovation.

Learn more at wocee.ph 

About KEEP Pte Ltd.

Keepital was established in 2013 and has now grown into Southeast Asia’s Leading Industrial B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between suppliers and buyers worldwide through our online platform. They stand out with their highly competitive pricing and offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just product listings. Their advertising options are designed for affordability and simplicity, featuring a one-time payment and low renewal fees for product and service suppliers on our online portal.

 

Bescost Printing expands display solutions with launch of its 2026 Display Systems catalog

The expanded catalog features portable and permanent display systems designed for trade shows, retail stores, restaurants, and corporate events, providing businesses with a wider selection of branding and visual merchandising solutions from a single supplier.

Bescost Printing has launched its 2026 Display Systems catalog, expanding its portfolio of display solutions for businesses preparing for trade shows, retail rollouts, corporate events, and commercial branding projects.

The new catalog introduces a wider range of portable and permanent display systems designed to support exhibitors, retailers, restaurants, and event organizers with professional branding and visual merchandising solutions.

A Complete Display Ecosystem Under One Roof

Among the featured products are Fabric Tension Wall Systems, which serve as reusable backdrops for exhibitions, conferences, product launches, and promotional events. The systems feature aluminum frames paired with dye-sublimation fabric graphics and are available in multiple sizes, from compact standalone displays to large-format exhibition walls. Each unit includes a carrying bag for convenient transport and storage.

Complementing the backdrop systems are Fabric Tension Counter Tables, available in ellipse, rectangular, semi-square, and lifetime table configurations. Designed for portability and repeated use, the counters can function as registration desks, information counters, product demonstration stations, and reception areas during events and exhibitions.

Flag Banners for Maximum Outdoor Visibility

The catalog also includes a range of flag banner systems in feather, teardrop, and rectangular designs. Available in both opaque and lightweight fabric options, the banners come in various sizes suitable for storefronts, outdoor advertising, trade fairs, corporate events, and promotional campaigns. Each banner system includes a cross-base stand for easy installation.

Also included in the 2026 lineup is Bescost Printing’s collection of illuminated display solutions, featuring slim lightboxes, hanging lightboxes, illuminated A-frame standees, and snap-on lightbox displays. Built with aluminum frames, acrylic panels, and UV-printed graphics, these products are designed for restaurants, cafés, retail stores, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments looking to showcase menus, promotions, and brand messaging.

Affordability Meets Professional Quality

“Our goal is to provide businesses with a more complete selection of display solutions that support their branding needs, whether for exhibitions, retail spaces, or corporate events,” said Jim Besinio, owner of Bescost Printing.

The 2026 Display Systems catalog is now available on the Bescost Printing website. Businesses may also contact the company’s customer service team for product inquiries, quotations, and bulk orders.

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.

PayNow by Goldwater Capital: Helping SMEs Grow Despite Cash Flow Challenges

  

Goldwater Capital highlights how PayNow helps existing Philippine businesses access working capital to fund inventory, fulfill purchase orders, manage cash flow, and seize growth opportunities.

Got a Big Order but Limited Capital? Here's How PayNow Helps Businesses Keep Moving Forward

For many business owners, the challenge isn't finding customers—it's having enough capital to grab opportunities as they come.

You've probably experienced it before. A client places a large order, inventory needs to be replenished, or a new project comes in that could help grow the business. The opportunity is there but the the problem sometimes is you need to spend before you can earn.

Minsan, hindi naman kulang sa sales o customers. Ang problema ay kapag may biglang malaking order, kailangan mong maglabas ng puhunan agad para sa inventory, materials, o production. Kahit hindi ka pa bayad.

This is exactly the gap that PayNow by Goldwater Capital aims to address.

PayNow is a business financing solution designed to help SMEs access the working capital they need so they can continue operating, fulfill customer orders, and pursue growth opportunities without unnecessary delays.

When Business Growth Can't Wait

For many growing businesses, this situation highlights the need for business expansion financing. Whether it's purchasing inventory, funding project requirements, or accepting larger purchase orders, having access to working capital allows businesses to move quickly when opportunities arise.

Take the case of Lea, a small business owner running a printing and marketing supply company.

One day, a long-time client reached out with a large order that was nearly triple their usual volume. It was the kind of opportunity that could potentially grow the business.

The challenge?

She needed to purchase materials and cover production costs before receiving payment from the client.

This is a common challenge for businesses looking for purchase order financing, where expenses come first while client payments arrive later.

"Nandiyan na yung order. Nandiyan na rin yung potential na kita. Pero kailangan mo munang gumastos bago ka kumita," a reality many entrepreneurs know all too well.

Without enough working capital, Lea faced a difficult decision: turn down the order, delay fulfillment, or risk stretching her resources thin.

With access to financing, she was able to move forward, complete the order on time, and strengthen her relationship with a valuable customer.

Access to working capital helps businesses fulfill bigger opportunities with confidence.

Why Cash Flow Challenges Happen Even to Successful Businesses

Many people assume that if a business is earning, cash flow is never an issue.

In reality, even growing businesses encounter situations where expenses come first, May mga oras na kailangan mo maglabas muna while payments arrive later.

Some common examples include:

- Purchasing supplies for confirmed customer orders

- Expanding to accommodate increasing demand

- Funding projects while waiting for customer payments

- Receiving bulk orders that require immediate inventory purchases

- Scaling production to meet higher demandPaying suppliers upfront before collecting from customers

- Managing operational expenses while fulfilling large orders

- Taking on new clients with bigger requirements

Hindi ibig sabihin na struggling ang negosyo. Madalas, lumalaki lang ang pangangailangan ng business habang lumalaki rin ang opportunities.

And when opportunities come, business owners need to act quickly.

Turning Opportunities Into Growth

One missed opportunity can mean lost revenue, delayed expansion, or even losing a customer to a competitor.

That's why having access to working capital can make a significant difference.

Instead of saying "maybe next time" to a potential project or order, businesses can move forward with confidence knowing they have the resources needed to deliver.

PayNow is designed to help businesses bridge these temporary funding gaps so they can focus on growth rather than worrying about short-term cash flow challenges.

A Partner for Ambitious Entrepreneurs

At Goldwater Capital, we believe that many Filipino entrepreneurs already have the drive, talent, and opportunities to succeed.

What they sometimes need is a financial partner that helps them move faster when opportunities arise.

Whether it's funding inventory, supporting day-to-day operations, or helping fulfill a major order, PayNow provides qualified businesses with access to financing that supports their growth journey.

Because when opportunity knocks, business owners shouldn't have to turn it away simply because the timing isn't perfect.

About PayNow

PayNow is a business financing solution by Goldwater Capital that helps qualified businesses access working capital for inventory purchases, operational expenses, project requirements, and business growth initiatives. Through flexible financing support, PayNow empowers entrepreneurs to keep their businesses moving forward and take advantage of opportunities when they matter most.

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.