In celebration of Women’s Month, YGG Pilipinas hosted a panel discussion titled “Moms in the Metaverse” at the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan Press Conference. The session, moderated by Metaversity Co-lead Jenna Ilao, featured Julie Soriano (Mommy Influencer and Events Manager, YGG Pilipinas) and April Agregado (Mompreneur and Manager of SeviLovesArt). The discussion highlighted how Filipino mothers are balancing their family lives with finding new opportunities and overcoming challenges in Web3.
The conversation was particularly relevant as Mommy Julie was featured in the Metaverse Filipino Worker short film, showcasing her journey as a Web3 professional. Meanwhile, April Agregado, mother to 11-year-old NFT artist SeviLovesArt, has taken on the role of managing her son’s digital presence, from social media to crypto wallets, ensuring his art finds its audience in the blockchain world.
From Skeptics to Believers: A New Path in Web3
April Agregado was introduced to Web3 in 2021 through a trusted friend. Initially skeptical, she soon realized its potential as a platform to showcase her son Sevi’s artwork. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Sevi found his creative voice through painting. By leveraging NFTs and digital art communities, April was able to share his talent globally.
Julie Soriano’s Web3 journey began with Axie Infinity, which she played with her daughter. What started as a simple gaming experience soon opened doors to professional opportunities in event management and community leadership within YGG Pilipinas.
“Working as an MFW, I have flexible working hours. I can work and still have time to help my children with their homework without dealing with the stress from traffic,” said Soriano. “When you’re stressed, you don’t have energy. When you don’t have energy, you don’t have patience. Being an MFW gave me a different path.”
Flexible Work, Financial Empowerment, and Overcoming Challenges
Both speakers highlighted the benefits of Web3 careers, particularly in enabling flexible work schedules and location independence. Soriano emphasized how Metaverse Filipino Workers (MFWs) like herself can earn a living without sacrificing time with their families.
However, the transition into Web3 was not without challenges. Both Agregado and Soriano admitted that learning about crypto wallets, security, and blockchain technology was initially overwhelming. Agregado credited trusted mentors and online communities for guiding her through the learning curve.
“In the beginning, I didn’t realize I was messaging people like Gabby Dizon and Colin Goltra directly. But having mentors in the space was a huge help in avoiding mistakes,” Agregado shared.
Breaking Misconceptions About Web3
One of the biggest misconceptions about Web3 is that it’s purely about play-to-earn (P2E) gaming or quick financial schemes. Agregado and Soriano challenged this narrative, emphasizing that Web3 is also about education, digital art, content creation, and financial independence.
“Yes, there are bad players, but Web3 has changed our lives. It’s about knowing where to look and whom to trust,” Agregado noted.
Advice for Moms Entering Web3
For mothers looking to explore Web3, the speakers shared three key pieces of advice:
Join the right communities – Groups like Crypto Art PH and YGG Pilipinas provide support and networking opportunities.
Educate yourself – Platforms like Metaversity offer beginner-friendly courses on blockchain, NFTs, and security best practices.
Take the leap, but do so wisely – Research, seek mentors, and prioritize digital security.
A Future Shaped by Web3 Opportunities
The discussion underscored how Web3 is empowering Filipino mothers by offering financial opportunities, career growth, and work-life balance in ways traditional employment often cannot.
“Web3 is a space where we can thrive without sacrificing family time. If you’re a mom thinking about entering, start learning today,” Soriano encouraged.
Learn and Earn Anywhere, Anytime
Speakers:
Jude Turcuato, First Vice President and Head of Sports, PLDT
Renz Chong, Co-Founder, Sovrun and G!G
Bianca Cruz, Co-lead, Metaversity
Moderated by Mike Mislos, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Bitpinas
At the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan Press Conference, YGG Pilipinas hosted a panel discussion titled “Learn and Earn Anywhere, Anytime.” The panel explored how Web3 technology is transforming employment, bridging digital divides, and creating new opportunities for Filipinos in the digital economy.
Moderated by Mike Mislos, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of BitPinas, the panel featured insights from Jude Turcuato (First Vice President and Head of Sports, PLDT), Renz Chong (Co-Founder, Sovrun and G!G), and Bianca Cruz (Co-lead, Metaversity, a program by YGG Pilipinas) on how digital work, gig economies, and Web3 platforms are reshaping traditional career paths.
The Rise of Digital Questing and Web3 Employment
Renz Chong introduced G!G, a platform designed to facilitate micro-tasks and gig-based work for Filipinos. The initiative provides people with flexible income opportunities while enabling them to learn and gain experience in a digital-first economy.
“Filipinos are always looking for side hustles, ways to earn, and new skills to pick up. With Web3, we can bridge that gap and give more people access to meaningful digital work,” said Chong.
The discussion emphasized how platforms like G!G and Metaversity empower Filipinos by providing both learning and earning opportunities in the digital space.
Bridging the Digital Divide Through Infrastructure and Access
PLDT’s Jude Turcuato addressed the challenges of scaling digital work opportunities to a mass audience, emphasizing the importance of internet connectivity and infrastructure.
“We have the infrastructure—broadband, 5G, and a subscriber base of over 60 million Filipinos. The challenge is to make sure these digital opportunities are not just for the elite but for everyone, no matter where they are,” Turcuato explained.
To achieve this, PLDT is expanding accessibility beyond major cities, ensuring that digital jobs, esports, and Web3 careers reach even the most remote communities.
The Role of Education and Upskilling in Web3 Careers
Bianca Cruz of Metaversity highlighted the importance of structured learning paths to help individuals transition into digital and Web3 careers.
“It’s not just about taking courses—it’s about ensuring people know where those courses can lead. At Metaversity, we’re creating clear learning pathways so that when someone completes a skill track, they’re prepared for real work opportunities,” Cruz shared.
Metaversity’s free and on-demand crash courses also offer rewards, making education more accessible and incentivizing learners to complete their training.
Scaling Digital Work for the Masses
As more Filipinos explore digital work opportunities, the challenge remains in scaling these initiatives to a broader audience. Turcuato stressed the importance of leveraging PLDT’s massive reach, while Chong emphasized productizing digital quests to make them more accessible.
“We started by bringing digital work opportunities to small communities through the MFW Caravan, but to scale further, we need to streamline these programs and make them more widely available,” Chong noted.
Cruz added that YGG’s Onchain Guilds provide a unique way to organize digital workers into communities that can support and upskill each other. “Guilds are our superpower. Whether it’s gamers, freelancers, or students, we can create focused guilds that help people navigate Web3 careers more effectively,” she said.
The Future of Digital Work in the Metaverse
The panel concluded with a discussion on how digital careers will evolve. With freelance work, play-to-earn gaming, and micro-tasking becoming mainstream, the traditional concept of a 9-to-5 job is being redefined.
“The future of work isn’t about a single career path. It’s about diversifying your income streams, choosing how you spend your time, and leveraging Web3 to gain financial independence,” Cruz emphasized.
With infrastructure improvements, educational initiatives, and innovative platforms like G!G and Metaversity, the potential for digital work in the Philippines continues to expand.
