Imagine a world where every transaction you make helps plant a tree. Now imagine that idea fueled by cutting-edge blockchain technology. This is not a distant dream but the reality that Kharl Gibran Borja Lataza, a 30-year-old Filipino entrepreneur, has created through his groundbreaking work with the Ora Coin Foundation.
Lataza’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unshakable commitment to making a difference—not just in the tech world but for the planet. Born on December 2, 1993, in Cebu City, Philippines, Lataza has risen from humble beginnings to become a trailblazer, showing the world that technology and sustainability can thrive hand in hand.
Lataza didn’t grow up surrounded by luxury or privilege. His father, Gaudioso, worked as a security manager, while his mother, Ma. Anelita managed the home and encouraged her children to dream beyond the confines of their fisherman village roots in Dalaguete, Cebu.
As a teenager, Kharl had big ambitions and pursued a degree in Information Technology at Cebu Technological University. However financial struggles forced him to leave after two years. While many would have viewed this as a setback, Lataza saw it as a launching pad. He took his education into his own hands, diving headfirst into entrepreneurial ventures.
Lataza’s first steps into entrepreneurship were modest but strategic. He started small—selling local products, running an online store, and freelancing to make ends meet. His breakthrough came in 2010 when he co-founded KGL Softouch, a web development company he started with his brother. By teaching themselves programming, the duo built a foundation for future success.
By 2014, Lataza expanded into web hosting and domain registration with HostingVisa, a venture he later sold to an Australian firm. His ability to pivot across industries became evident as he ventured into the automotive world, establishing Lataza Auto Trading and Lataza Car Rentals. These businesses offered affordable vehicles to customers but also taught him valuable lessons about adapting to market challenges, especially when JuanRent, his car rental platform, closed during the pandemic.
Undeterred by setbacks, Lataza launched multiple ventures, including Ceramiq Inc. and JuanPOS, before relocating to Dubai in 2023. There, he founded Sige Go Portal LLC, introducing eco-friendly web hosting under the brand Gomommy.ae to the MENA region.
The pinnacle of Lataza’s career came in 2024 when he co-founded the Ora Coin Foundation with Brian Christopher Aguilar. Ora Coin is more than just another cryptocurrency—it’s a symbol of what technology can achieve when paired with purpose. Each Ora Coin is tied to a tree-planting initiative, a groundbreaking model for integrating blockchain with environmental action.
Through the foundation’s “One Billion Tree Planting Initiative,” Lataza has transformed the way we view cryptocurrency. No longer just a tool for transactions, it has become a vehicle for sustainability, proving that tech innovation can align with ecological goals.
Lataza’s journey has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized for his contributions across industries:
- Honored by Cebu Technological University for his work in technological innovation.
- Celebrated by NGOs in the Middle East for eco-friendly blockchain initiatives.
- Named one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the Philippines.
Despite these accolades, Lataza remains deeply connected to his roots. “Simplicity keeps me grounded,” he often says. Whether spending time with his family or giving back to his community, his focus remains on creating meaningful impact.
Kharl Gibran Lataza’s story is far from over. As blockchain technology evolves, his vision for combining innovation with sustainability is likely to inspire countless others. For Lataza, it’s not just about building wealth—it’s about building a future where technology serves humanity and the planet.
If his journey teaches us anything, it’s that setbacks can be stepping stones, and big dreams often grow from the most humble beginnings. In the hands of visionaries like Lataza, the future of technology looks greener than ever.
