How Crypto Pareh turned a $21,000 loss into success

Most people would call it a disaster. For Crypto Pareh, losing $21,000 in the crypto markets became the push that launched his unexpected second act as a marketing strategist and key opinion leader.

Speaking to The Crypto Radio at Philippine Blockchain Week, Pareh shared how he went from disillusioned investor to key opinion leader (KOL) by focusing on what many marketers overlook: genuine connection.

Pareh’s crypto journey began in 2020 with a sharp financial blow. “I’ll play about $6,000, and then when [Elon Musk] showed up, I was down by $21,000,” he said. But instead of walking away, he pivoted – building a presence as a crypto educator and strategist.

His approach is anchored in a straightforward belief. “You gotta connect with your audience,” he said. “You gotta be genuine. Don’t fake it. First and foremost, you gotta speak from the heart.”

Marketing with meaning

For Pareh, authenticity became the antidote to a space flooded with hype and impersonal content. It’s not just about gaining followers – it’s about earning trust.

One of his most notable achievements came through his work with crypto trading platform Bitget. In just his second month, he helped onboard 20,500 users – not by blasting out promotions but by focusing on education. “It should be more about being genuine, helping people, educating them about what your product is,” he said.

“People are looking for genuine content. Right now, people want something that they can trust.” Hard selling, he warns, doesn’t work in markets where skepticism runs high. Instead, Pareh emphasizes the need to slow down, explain, and build real relationships.

Adapting to each market

Tailoring crypto strategies to Southeast Asia’s mobile-first audience means understanding local habits and needs. Photo: Unsplash / Z

Pareh is keenly aware that no two markets are the same. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all type of thing,” he said. Whether working in the Philippines or elsewhere, he tailors his approach by studying local audiences – understanding their habits, concerns, and needs.

For startups looking at Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines, Pareh offers both encouragement and realism. With its lower marketing costs and mobile-first population, the country offers unique opportunities – but success still depends on smart investment.

“If you’re looking for an iPhone, you gotta have the budget, right? And if you’re looking for a Nokia, then you get a Nokia,” he said, stressing the importance of matching ambition with resources.

The right role for AI

As artificial intelligence reshapes content creation, Pareh takes a measured view. “AI is a tool. It’s a vehicle for you to get there faster from point A to point B,” he said. But while AI can speed up processes, he’s clear that it shouldn’t replace human creativity or decision-making.

Rather than automate everything, Pareh uses AI to optimize – helping with routine tasks while keeping strategy, voice, and vision firmly in human hands. “It’s more about using AI to help what you’re already doing,” he said, cautioning against the temptation to let technology take over.

Consistency above all

At the heart of Pareh’s philosophy is something deceptively simple: showing up. “You gotta show up every day,” he said. Whether creating content, nurturing a community, or refining strategy, Pareh believes consistency is what separates short-term noise from long-term success.

For him, marketing is not about viral hits or sudden fame – it’s about sustained, honest effort. And that’s a message that goes beyond crypto or marketing circles; it’s a life lesson.

Pareh’s journey from financial loss to respected strategist offers more than personal redemption – it’s a reminder of what really matters in digital marketing today. In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms and automation, human connection remains the most powerful tool.