POW With Ban

Let’s welcome Ban, a former civil engineering student now a business development manager at The Collective.

Besides that, he’s currently also a Community Lead at LifeForce Games and Captain Tsubasa -Rivals-.

What were you doing before Web3?

I’m BAN, 22, and I’m based in the Philippines. Studied Civil Engineering but Web3 took it away and I am now working full time. I’m a BDM at The Collective (@thecollective_eth) and Community Lead at LifeForce Games (@joinlifeforce) & Captain Tsubasa -Rivals- (@TsubasaRivalsEN). Before Web3, I was just a normal college guy who spends more time gaming rather than studying.

How did you get into Web3?

Me and my classmate back in engineering were intrigued about playing to earn and since the classes were just being held online that time. So we decided to try getting a scholarship in Axie Infinity. Never have I ever thought I’d be involved more in this space. It goes with the saying “Went for the money, stayed for the culture”.

What was your first crypto or NFT project?

Ha! It was a rugged one. Let’s just say it’s an NFT with 3 races and I got all of them but in the end, the core team left us hanging. Yeah, I don’t have that “degen beginner’s luck” in NFTs hahaha

How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?

I can’t think of anything else rather than it’s just like the Web2. But the difference is that it is decentralized and you completely own the assets. Everyone has equal access to engage in Web3 and nobody is excluded because it is permissionless.

Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?

There’s no doubt that it’s gotta be one of the founders in The Collective – Tycollects.eth (@tyinlife)! He’s been building the community over a year now and single handedly picked the members to be part of it. I admire him so much that I think everything he does is so good. In my opinion, he is one of the top leaders in this space based on the way he speaks, leads, and manages the community.

What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Being a founder of my very own community – KCG. But it’s inactive atm due to lack of clients and the bear market. So, I think next to it is what I do now. Not to mention the flipping of NFTs and bagging some $$$, but holding it for a long time only to get minimum to zero profit afterwards. Lesson learned!

What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?

Surely, it’s next gen Web3 gaming and AI. I dreamed of playing a Web3 game not because of the classic thing that you can earn but because it’s a well-produced game, competitive enough to equal the famous Web2 games, and you enjoy it yourself or with friends. Second is AI, I just loved it even 10 years ago – the idea and concept of it is truly stunning and lets you gaze and wonder what the future would look like with new and innovative AI both physical and digital.

What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?

Getting out of your comfort zone has always been uneasy and gives you doubts since you are firmly steeped in tradition. If you’re confident and dedicated that you want to explore Web3, then do it. Only few are willing to adapt to the ever-changing web – I think it’s best to be part of it as early as possible.

If you could do a TEDtalk on any topic, what would it be?

My answer would be what I have said in #7 – all about Web3 Gaming and AI.

What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?

A laptop with my crypto assets. I’ll have it until I die

POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.