For the past 7 years, there has been no Filipino representation in the past NFT NYC events. Though there has been constant growth and involvement of Filipinos in the NFT space, little to no recognition has been given. Despite the previous under-representation, persevering Filipinos relentlessly continue to build in the NFT space and was awarded the prestigious privilege to be key speakers of the NFT NYC 2024 this coming April 3 to 5.

What is NFT NYC?

The NFT NYC is an annual event that covers a wide variety of topics from community engagement to entertainment within the NFT space. NFT builders all over the global congregate in New York City to interact, network, exhibit, and share all things NFT. The event’s speakers have a wide variety of backgrounds such as people in multimedia, arts, AI, legal, entertainment, and many more that all share a common interest in NFTs. The NFT NYC will be launching their 7th year in 2024 and have been building since before the NFT craze of 2021. This event has also been dubbed the pinnacle of all NFT-related events.

Who Are The Filipino Speakers?

There are 6 Filipinos with an extensive background to represent the Philippines in the NFT NYC 2024. As the pioneers in Filipino excellency in NFT NYC, they will be covering different topics in the event that is curated to match with their expertise.

Chris Rodil, AKA Prof Toff, is the Head of Content of Bitskwela that will be speaking about Community and Collaboration in the NFT space. As one of the first Filipinos to be speaking in NFT NYC, he believes that this serves as a milestone for Filipinos doubting whether they will find success within Web3 regardless of their previous profession. He believes that there is no need for an external source of inspiration to work in Web3 as it only requires having faith within one’s self to achieve success within the Web3 industry.

Carl Munsayac, The CEO of AltSwitch, will also be speaking on a panel discussion regarding Community and Collaboration in the NFT space with a focus on the importance of collaboration compared to competition. When Carl founded Altswitch, he ensured that it was led by Filipinos along with involved collaboration with individuals from various nationalities. He aims to amplify the quality of work that the Filipinos have done by encouraging other local projects to follow a mantra of “Build with Filipinos”. Having a sense of pride with working alongside fellow Filipinos has granted him the inspiration to persevere in the NFT space despite the hardships.

Juliane Indiongco, a Growth Lead of Internet Computer Protocol’s Philippine Hub, will delve into the topic “Decoding Digital Identity - NFTs and Personal Identity" that focuses on how NFTs intersect with personal identities online, along with offering insights into its implications and opportunities. As one of the pioneering Filipino speakers at NFT NYC, her participation signals that Filipinos have a place and voice in this burgeoning space, hopefully inspiring others to step forward and contribute their perspectives and talents to the NFT ecosystem.

Giu Comia, a prominent KOL, known for his collaborations with Tekkon, is taking a giant leap forward by speaking at the prestigious NFT NYC 2024 –  the "Mecca of NFT events" as Giu himself calls it. But Giu's journey wasn't about instant fame.  He's been quietly building his presence in Web3 for a while, driven by an ambitious goal: to land his very own Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT. Fueled by his passion for the space, Giu relentlessly immersed himself in the Web3 and NFT community, actively participating and making his presence known.  His unwavering has finally paid off, and he's now the proud owner of a coveted BAYC NFT!

But for Giu, this is just the beginning.  Check out his inspiring TikTok video – proof that anything is possible with belief and hard work!  Now, he's leveraging his dedication to foster the very community that helped him achieve his dream, and that dedication has earned him a coveted speaking slot at NFT NYC 2024.

Gerry Go, also known as Cryptopareh, is the CEO of Magniviral that will be speaking in the NFT NYC 2024. His experience in cryptocurrency is a reminder of constant perseverance and discipline in the Web3 space will reward one with success. His ups and downs in cryptocurrency trading allowed him to grow his skills outside of the financial rewards of cryptocurrency. As he incurred some significant losses in cryptocurrency, Gerry decided to further hone his skills and focus on building in Web3 despite the hardships. Nonetheless, Gerry has dedicated his expertise into building within Web3 which granted him the opportunity to be a speaker in the NFT NYC 2024. This prestigious opportunity is not only a reflection of his hard work, but also the wisdom Gerry has picked up in his journey in Web3.

Kaye Labay, the Chief Marketing Officer of AltSwitch and Founder of MK Social Hub, will also be speaking in the NFT NYC 2024 to share her experience in Web3 Marketing. Kaye Labay has always been a hustler in his journey towards Web3. From a humble engineering student with an allowance of Php700 every week, she perseveres to be as successful as she is today for the sake of herself and her family. Her inspirational story has touched the hearts of thousands of Filipinos and become a prime example as to how everyone and anyone can be successful in the world of Web3 and NFT.

These prominent speakers will be the pioneering Filipinos that will proudly represent the Philippines in the NFT NYC 2024. This may be the first of Filipinos to be present in a prestigious event but it will most certainly won't be the last. These role models have inspired and will continue to inspire Filipinos who are tirelessly building in the Web3 space. Their presence is a milestone to disassemble the stigma of Web3 and Crypto in the Philippines and allow it to be legitimized and friendly for Filipinos.