Banana, or banana_cultist on Twitter, is the host and creator of Judgementea. It is a local and highly popular Twitter Space event that covers Web3 topics.
💼 What were you doing before Web3?
I’m a registered nurse by profession but stopped practicing, did modeling, and taught ESL online. I’m currently in real estate while venturing onto Web 3.
🤔 How did you get into Web3?
About a decade ago, my sister who is in IT was always talking about bitcoin and how it can possibly solve some economic problems. Years later, I met people who are very much into the blockchain technology and the whole ecosystem.
I like to call them “Bitcoin evangelists” because even though there are shops that accept cryptocurrency at that time, it wasn’t popular. Also being involved in Bitcoin was frowned upon.
Fast forward 2022, I met Ray Piedra on Discord, the founder of MetaDonuts and the artist of Gratitude Gang. He is the first person I worked with and he introduced me to some people behind the scenes of NFT projects in the Philippines. I love experiments, innovation, and relationship building — needless to say, I got hooked.
🚀 What was your first crypto or NFT project?
The first NFT project I got involved with was Gratitude Gang, a non-profit project that raised funds for the rebuilding and rehabilitation of a school in the island of Siargao that was devastated by Typhoon Odette.
With a team that aims to give rather than gain, I became part of many on-chain experiments that the holders can also enjoy. I became a “community champion”. I carried the title with me wherever I go because, in essence, that is exactly what I do, champion communities.
🧠 How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?
I just tell them I host podcasts about this new technology and the issues surrounding it. And that I’m part of startup teams on Web 3.
💡 Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?
No one in particular.
🤝 What advice would you give someone starting out in web3?
It’s a very risky world with an incredibly beautiful technology. Learn more about cybersecurity in order to protect yourself because you are accountable for your own assets. Do your research with other people. Because collecting insights from those outside of your echo chamber, no matter how uncomfortable, can help you look at things more objectively.
🚨 What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted island?
A knife.
