Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
The Philippine iGaming sector has expanded rapidly, but that growth has also attracted unlicensed operators and scam platforms that thrive on misinformation and unchecked promotion.
Buenas PH, operating under HHR Philippines Inc., is betting that creators with massive reach can help reset industry norms by steering audiences toward regulated, compliant ecosystems.
The big picture
The initiative brings together prominent figures such as Boss Toyo, ChooxTv, Beatmaster, ForeignGerms, Hypebits, and Mark Herras, whose combined social media following exceeds 150 million.
Their role goes beyond promotion, serving instead as advocates for legality, transparency, and responsible play in digital entertainment.
What they’re saying
"This partnership with Buenas PH isn't just about entertainment, but about ensuring that the influence held by our top creators is used to cultivate a healthy, secure, and transparent culture for every fan. Together, we are moving toward a safer, more responsible community," Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, founder of YGS Live, said in a press release on Jan. 20, 2026.
Driving trust back
Industry leaders say initiatives like this address a broader confidence gap in digital gaming.“The industry lost trust last year,” Jev Mark Macam, president of 888 Luxury Legacy Corp, observed. “The path back is transparency, regulation, and visible safeguards.”
For Buenas PH, regulation is not a constraint but a competitive advantage.
"Regulation is the solution to ‘rampant’ access. It means KYC (Know Your Customer), age checks, and safeguards," said lawyer Anthony Manguiat, president of HHR Philippines Inc.
“We don’t treat Pagcor as a threat; we treat Pagcor oversight as consumer protection. Gaming is entertainment, amusement, and recreation. That’s the framework regulation is meant to protect.”
Zoom in
The announcement coincided with the Battle of the Streamers Grand Finals at City of Dreams Manila, where Buenas PH served as presenting partner.
The event blended competitive gaming with visible commitments to integrity, reinforcing the message that scale and compliance can coexist.
Beyond gaming
The partnership also extends into community initiatives through Buenas Cares, led by Boss Toyo, aligning digital advocacy with on-ground social responsibility.
What’s next
As the digital economy matures, Buenas PH and its creator partners aim to normalize compliance and transparency as baseline expectations. Their collective influence could help shape not just safer iGaming, but a broader culture of accountability in Philippine digital platforms. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
