POW with Chino Azur

Chino Azur is the co-founder and CEO of NARA Labs, a media and marketing agency. He is also the co-founder of Project Elemento, which combines art, culture, lore, and technology with NFTs and a community platform.

  What were you doing before Web3?

Before diving into Web3, I split my time between gaming and studying, though I wasn’t great at either.

How did you get into Web3?

My journey into the world of Web3 began when I was exploring various investment opportunities. I stumbled upon the exciting world of cryptocurrency and gamefi, and soon became a scholar of a play-to-earn game.

Then I discovered NFTs, particularly in the side of art and collectibles. I was inspired by the limitless potential of this new and innovative field, and I am now fully committed to exploring and contributing to the growth of Web3.

What was your first crypto or NFT project?

My first crypto was ADA. NFT was Metadonut, an NFT project by one my Web3 friend, Ray Piedra.

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

I work in the tech industry. There’s this new internet thing that might revolutionize how we do transactions, how we verify ownership and how we connect with other people virtually in the future.

Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?

JQ Crypto is my go-to for Web3 knowledge. Love his Twitter and TikTok content. Always something new to learn from him.

What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career was starting our own NFT project together with my co-founder Miah. Challenging, but totally worth it. Love being part of the Web3 scene.

What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?

The crypto market still, but I’m also keeping an eye on the development of AI and ML.

What advice would you give someone starting out in web3?

Starting out can be overwhelming, but don’t stress yourself out. Take your time to check out your options, find people and communities that you can vibe with, and learn all you can from them.

Remember, having a solid network can make a big difference in your Web3 journey, so aim to connect with folks who can help you grow and reach your goals. And lastly, don’t stop being curious about things.

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

It would be about “Filipino Web3 Founders.” We’ve all heard the stereotype that if the project’s founder is Filipino, the project will most likely be abandoned or fail.

I totally understand that sentiment, but I’d like to talk about my personal observation and experience on the local scene, where I’ve seen projects with tremendous potential led by Filipino founders.

As a Web3 founder myself, I understand how difficult it is to build something in this new, emerging space. We put in a lot of effort. We invest time, energy, and resources just to create something that could be useful or have an impact on the

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

A bolo knife.