The "Metaverse Filipino Worker" (MFW) series dives into the experiences of Filipinos redefining work through web3 technology, transforming how individuals connect to the global economy. Written and directed by Leah Callon-Butler, who also wrote and narrated the influential documentary "Play-to-Earn: NFT Gaming in the Philippines" (produced in 2021 by Emfarsis in partnership with Yield Guild Games and Delphi Digital), this new five-part series showcases the lives of web3 professionals across the Philippines, revealing the potential of blockchain and decentralized economies to reshape the nation’s workforce.

Play-to-Earn Gaming

Originally fueled by the play-to-earn gaming trend of 2021, the concept of the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) has grown beyond gaming to encompass diverse roles within web3, a shift that highlights the adaptability of Filipino workers. The series introduces audiences to members of YGG Pilipinas, a local branch of the popular Yield Guild Games (YGG) community, where roles range from community managers and esports captains to social media influencers, all united by their pursuit of opportunity within the metaverse.

From P2E to Professional Careers

The rise of web3 work opportunities began with play-to-earn games, particularly with Axie Infinity, developed by SkyMavis. During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Axie Infinity became a source of income for many Filipinos in cities like Cabanatuan, where lockdown restrictions had a severe economic impact. Players could earn money by breeding, battling, and trading digital pets called Axies, with earnings coming from nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrency. By 2021, the game was a major source of income for many Filipinos, especially after media coverage sparked a surge in new users, ultimately growing the local player base to tens of thousands.

The 2021 short film, "Play-to-Earn: NFT Gaming in the Philippines" (which won several awards), documented this phenomenon, featuring the lives of various Filipino players—including young entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and even senior citizens—who found unexpected financial support through blockchain gaming. This evolution from casual players to professionals in the web3 space reflects a larger transition within the Philippines, where digital opportunities are being embraced by a tech-savvy workforce looking for more sustainable and global income sources.

Axie Infinity Logo and Key Art

New Generation of Digital Workers

As the series shifts from gaming into broader web3 roles, it provides insight into the ways Filipinos are building sustainable careers within the metaverse. Featured individuals include guild leaders who oversee online communities, community managers who cultivate player engagement, and social media influencers who provide outreach and promote the web3 ecosystem. This movement marks a shift from traditional work models, presenting web3 as a borderless frontier where skills and innovation outweigh geographic boundaries.

With original music by L!NE OUTS!DE, the creative team of Apl.de.Ap from the Black Eyed Peas and Edgar Sinio (also known as Artek606), the series celebrates the resilience and adaptability of Filipino digital pioneers. The stories of these workers demonstrate how web3 technologies are paving new paths for career development, especially for individuals in regions where traditional job markets may be limited.

MFW Series: Celebrating Filipino Innovation in the Metaverse

The MFW series will debut on November 20, 2024, at SM Aura Premier cinema, as part of the YGG Play Summit week. This premiere will bring together prominent leaders and innovators from Manila, reflecting a shared interest in advancing the Philippines within the global digital economy. The series aims to raise awareness of web3’s role in creating diverse, inclusive, and accessible career paths, resonating with audiences interested in the intersection of technology, culture, and economic growth.

Economic Context: Adapting in a Challenging Landscape

The Philippines faced economic hardship during the pandemic, with GDP contracting by 9.6% in 2020—the largest decline in recorded history. Around a quarter of the population was affected by subsequent lockdowns, leading many to explore alternative income sources. The adaptability of Filipino workers in embracing blockchain and decentralized technologies underscores their resilience and willingness to innovate despite these challenges.

Final Thoughts

Through this five-part series, "Metaverse Filipino Worker" showcases a new generation of digital workers who are reshaping their careers and participating in a global economy without borders. As web3 technology continues to evolve, Filipino digital pioneers are leading the way in defining what work looks like in a decentralized future. The MFW series illustrates how creativity, resilience, and technology can converge to build new opportunities in challenging times, making it a significant milestone in the Philippines' digital journey.