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My Journey through Filipino Pop Culture and Technology🫶🏻

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My Journey through Filipino Pop Culture and Technology🫶🏻

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In an increasingly digital world, pop culture isn’t just entertainment; it’s a mirror of who we are and a bridge to our roots. Growing up in Dubai and eventually moving to the Philippines, Filipino pop culture became a powerful link to my heritage, grounding me in a sense of belonging. I fondly remember how games like Mobile Legends and Valorant offered an escape during the pandemic, letting me immerse myself in high-stakes virtual worlds. As I began studying Computer Science, my perspective shifted from player to creator, and I became fascinated by the algorithms and machine learning behind apps we use daily, like YouTube and TikTok. For me, e-commerce giants like Shopee and streaming platforms like Netflix and iWantTFC aren’t just tools; they’re channels that bring Filipino stories and products to the world, showcasing how tech resonates culturally. Seeing how Philippine start-ups use technology to address local issues reminds me of the creativity and resilience that Filipinos embody—a spirit I hope to channel in my own work. Social media, too, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram, brings Filipino voices and stories together, amplifying trends and sparking connections. As technology transforms, so does Filipino pop culture, evolving yet staying true to its roots—a journey I find myself actively part of, blending tradition with innovation.

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Competitive Gaming and Modern Camaraderie during the Pandemic 🎮

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Competitive Gaming and Modern Camaraderie during the Pandemic 🎮

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During the height of the pandemic, Valorant became more than just a game—it served as a vital way to connect with equally competitive friends and create lasting bonds, even while physically apart. Representing our strand in MMCM Senior High School’s competitions, we found ourselves forming a unique camaraderie that went beyond simple gameplay. We were united by our shared passion, the adrenaline of competition, and the strategies we devised together to achieve our goals. This experience taught me how technology can bridge people together, fostering teamwork and friendships in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. In a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions, Valorant provided us with a sense of unity and mutual support during an otherwise isolating time.

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As Secretary of our startup club under CCIS, the Association of Proactive Innovators (API), I had the privilege of helping lead a workshop that introduced programming basics to new learners. This experience was about much more than teaching code; it was an opportunity to make technology accessible and engaging for everyone involved. Leading the workshop allowed us to showcase how tech is celebrated in today’s pop culture, where innovation and practical skills are highly valued. Watching participants dive into programming, I could see the same excitement that gaming or social media trends bring to people, highlighting how tech bridges modern culture with real-world applications. This enthusiasm reinforced my belief that technology, when made accessible, can empower individuals and spark a broader interest in innovation.

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Competing in a tech conference to create product prototypes with my club members, endorsed by DICT Davao, felt like stepping directly into the vibrant world of startup culture. We utilized Figma to transform our ideas into functional designs, a process that brought creativity and practicality together in ways reminiscent of popular tech innovations. The experience highlighted how platforms like Figma empower young creators, allowing us to take abstract concepts and turn them into tangible designs that could have real-world impact. It was inspiring to see our team's ideas evolve, bridging technology and creativity much like the tech trends influencing Philippine pop culture today. This experience reaffirmed the powerful role of digital tools in sparking innovation and fostering a culture of possibility.

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Recently, I had the opportunity to represent MMCM at a regional DICT Startup Pitching event, where we pitched an AI app powered by Machine Learning and Augmented AI principles. Working alongside my club members and mentor, we presented our vision for an app designed to tackle real-life challenges, emphasizing its potential for tangible impact. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the Philippine startup culture, where innovative tech ideas find practical application and drive meaningful change. Being part of this event highlighted how startups in the Philippines are not only embracing forward-thinking solutions but also shaping the future of technology on a regional scale. It reinforced my belief that, through collaborative efforts and creative tech solutions, we have the power to influence the digital landscape and bring lasting benefits to our communities.

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The Rise of Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and NFTs 💸

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The Rise of Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and NFTs 💸

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Cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs have fundamentally changed how people pass their time in digital finance and creativity and opened possible avenues for new income or self-expression in the Philippines. I witnessed this firsthand with Axie Infinity - a "play-to-earn" game where players can be rewarded with WETH or wrapped Ethereum, a type of digital currency that can be traded into actual currency. At that time, I actively traded on Binance when cryptocurrency was still relatively unknown and not yet mainstream among Filipinos. Axie Infinity became a national phenomenon, especially during the height of the pandemic, providing financial relief as many people earned money through gaming while traditional employment opportunities were scarce. Thousands of players flocked to the game across the country, with most earning enough to support their families, which fostered financial inclusion in communities where conventional banking facilities are hard to find. Moreover, blockchain has expanded far beyond gaming, allowing digital artists in the Philippines to sell directly to collectors worldwide through NFTs, bypassing traditional art markets. This resonated with Filipinos, as the decentralized and transparent technology of blockchain offers secure transactions, protecting them from fraud and providing new financial tools. As a result, this evolving digital landscape is redefining pop culture in the Philippines, connecting people in innovative ways to earn, invest, and express themselves digitally.

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Top 500 in Axie Infinity and Giving Back through Scholarships 🪙

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Top 500 in Axie Infinity and Giving Back through Scholarships 🪙

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In 2020, reaching the top 500 leaderboard in Axie Infinity was more than just a personal milestone—it became a way to make a real financial difference. Being part of this exclusive tier granted substantial incentives, which I used to fund scholarships for friends and family eager to earn through Axie during the height of the pandemic. For many, it provided a crucial source of income when traditional job opportunities were scarce, offering financial relief and stability through gaming. This experience underscored the transformative potential of blockchain-based platforms like Axie Infinity, where success extends beyond the individual and creates a culture of support and shared opportunity. It showed me how digital financial inclusion can empower entire communities, making economic growth more accessible to those who need it most.

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My Collection on Likha NFT Marketplace 🖼️

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My Collection on Likha NFT Marketplace 🖼️

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Through the NFT marketplaces like Likha, I’ve had the privilege of collecting unique digital art from talented Filipino artists, each piece reflecting a story or cultural element that resonates deeply. Owning these NFTs goes beyond collecting—it’s about supporting local creatives and celebrating Filipino artistry in a new, digital way. Likha provides a platform for artists to reach a global audience, bypassing traditional galleries and connecting directly with collectors. This decentralized approach to art ownership highlights how blockchain technology is creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for Filipino creatives. In today’s pop culture landscape, NFTs are not only redefining how art is valued and shared, but they are also paving the way for a broader recognition and appreciation of Filipino talent on the global stage.

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Insights from the BCC Blockchain Event at MMCM🧩

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Insights from the BCC Blockchain Event at MMCM🧩

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Attending the recent BCC Blockchain Event at MMCM underscored just how far blockchain technology has come in the Philippines, evolving from a niche interest into a powerful tool influencing daily life. The event showcased groundbreaking applications by local companies, using blockchain to transform banking processes and streamline everyday transactions. Witnessing these real-world implementations made it clear that blockchain culture is becoming mainstream in the Philippines, offering secure and transparent solutions that meet financial and practical needs alike. This widespread adoption not only empowers individuals but also fosters a forward-looking culture of innovation, highlighting how blockchain is reshaping pop culture and redefining the daily experiences of Filipinos across the nation.

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How Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs Reshape Filipino Pop Culture 📈

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How Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs Reshape Filipino Pop Culture 📈

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With the advent of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs, Filipinos have found new opportunities—both economic potential and empowerment—alongside pathways for self-expression. Through the lens of Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), it becomes evident that people use these technologies to meet specific needs, such as financial security, community, and identity. In the Philippines, where employment sources are often limited, especially in rural areas, NFT games like Axie Infinity, renowned for its "play-to-earn" model, provide a valuable means of income generation. Not only does it address financial needs, but it also offers a sense of control over one's financial future, giving individuals greater independence during uncertain times. I've witnessed this behavior firsthand across communities, where individuals band together to achieve collective financial success. For instance, I established a scholarship program to help friends and family start earning through Axie, while earning royalties from their work, creating a mutually beneficial model that allowed me to support others. Beyond gaming, NFTs serve as a new canvas for Filipino artists, transforming their work into digital assets that reach global audiences. This not only provides financial rewards but also fulfills artists' need for creative expression and recognition, giving them a means to showcase Filipino identity and culture on a global scale.

Aside from personal economic gains, cryptocurrencies and NFTs mark a milestone for Filipinos in how they interact with technology as third-world citizens in an ever-changing digital world. According to UGT, individuals utilize technology for practical, social, and informational goals. This is reflected in the numerous online communities formed around cryptocurrency and blockchain, where people share experiences, gain insights, and support one another. I am inspired by how these communities foster collective learning, with members from diverse backgrounds working together toward shared financial goals. Specific groups and forums not only provide a sense of belonging and support but also facilitate discussions on everything from market trends to security tips, which equip Filipinos with practical financial strategies.

Additionally, blockchain’s transparency aligns with the rising demand for accountability in the Philippines, resonating with cultural values of fairness and integrity. By bypassing traditional systems, blockchain technology paves the way for ethical and transformative financial solutions that reflect an evolving society in a digital economy—one that is borderless and one in which labor flows as freely as capital. In these communities, individuals think like investors and share in the benefits, becoming vanguards of the future of work. They embody the transformative impact that occurs when technology unlocks access, reshaping outdated economic systems and allowing Filipinos to assert a place in a rapidly modernizing world.

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Playing crypto games for a living: Filipinos seek to escape poverty • FRANCE 24 English