Meet Don, a The Graph Advocate and an expert in DeFi technology. He’s a relentless contributor to Cebu’s Web3 growth by constantly providing his insights, support, and efforts in Web3 Cebu initiatives.

His contributions with The Graph has enabled him to push Web3 education in events, seminars, fireside chats, and simple get togethers within Cebu. His contributions with The Graph has enabled him to push Web3 education in events, seminars, fireside chats, and simple get togethers within Cebu.

Can you give us a background of what you do?

‍My journey into Web3 started as a DevOps/Cloud Engineer. Intrigued by my colleagues' discussions on the stock market, I dipped my toes into investing. The allure of cryptocurrencies caught my attention in mid-2017, and despite initial hesitation, I took the plunge. The rollercoaster ride of 2018 taught me valuable lessons. It was during this time that I stumbled upon the inspiring insights of Andreas Antonopoulos, leading to my 'Aha' moment. I realized that what I had invested in was not just a speculative asset, but a disruptive technology with the potential to revolutionize the world. This revelation deepened my understanding of Bitcoin and Ethereum and solidified my commitment to the Web3 revolution

What made you interested in Web3?

The revelation of Bitcoin's true essence sparked an unwavering commitment in me to actively engage in the Web3 revolution. I realized that Bitcoin transcends being merely a digital currency; it symbolizes the dawn of a new era. It embodies the promise of a profound shift from the opaque, centralized systems of Web2 (such as traditional finance and tech companies), which are riddled with trust and control issues. In contrast, I foresee a future where the transparent, decentralized framework of Web3 empowers individuals with greater autonomy over their data, financial assets, and digital interactions. This conviction in the transformative potential of Web3 fuels my enthusiasm and dedication to fostering its development and widespread adoption.

How is working/building in Web3 different from other industries?

Working in Web3 is like being immersed in a vibrant startup ecosystem, where adaptability and innovation are at the forefront. What truly excites me is the liberty to engage with diverse Web3 companies, utilizing my unique skills to create meaningful change. My contributions span various roles, including data engineering, DevOps, protocol advocate, and occasionally managing treasuries. This multifaceted involvement allows me to not only deepen my expertise but also actively shape the future of Web3

What’s your proudest achievement in Web3?

My most cherished achievement is becoming a The Graph Advocate in the Philippines. The Graph is a decentralized protocol for indexing and querying data from blockchains, enabling the creation of more dynamic and scalable dApps (decentralized applications). As an advocate, I have the privilege of sharing the wonders of Web3 and The Graph with others, helping them understand how this technology can unlock new possibilities for data accessibility and interoperability. It's incredibly rewarding to be a part of this community and contribute to its growth.

If there’s something you would like to change in your Web3 journey, what would it be?

If I had the chance to rewind time, I would have seized the opportunity to dive into the Web3 job market with confidence, rather than second-guessing my capabilities. The Web3 space is abundant with opportunities, both financially and in terms of career advancement. Being an early adopter in this field can significantly enhance your prospects for a brighter future. The innovative and rapidly evolving nature of Web3 offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of technological advancements, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact and secure a rewarding career path.

What’s the biggest problem that you think Web3 can solve?

Web3 can solve significant coordination challenges in society. It enables innovative capital allocation towards causes like ESG initiatives and social impact projects. This empowers individuals and organizations to support their values and drive sustainable change, aligning resources with the collective good. Currently, traditional systems lack the transparency, decentralization, and flexibility that Web3 offers, making such coordination difficult.

What’s your BTC price prediction in 2030? 

I predict that by 2030, Bitcoin will surpass gold as a store of value due to its digital advantages, including easier transferability and security. I expect its market cap to exceed gold's $13 trillion, resulting in a price of around $700,000 per BTC

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