Kharl Gibran Borja Lataza stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven ambition. Born into a modest family in Cebu City, Philippines, Kharl’s journey from a college dropout to one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the country is not just a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for communities far and wide. His life story exemplifies how determination and resourcefulness can help anyone build a legacy from scratch, regardless of their starting point.
Despite witnessing financial constraints in his initial days, Kharl’s parents instilled in him the value of hard work and the importance of dreaming big. His father, a small business owner, and his mother, a homemaker, taught him to embrace challenges and find opportunities in adversity. While Kharl initially pursued a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Cebu Technological University, financial difficulties forced him to leave after his second year. This moment could have been a setback, but Kharl viewed it as an opportunity to explore real-world ventures and gain practical experience.
With no significant capital or formal education, Kharl began his entrepreneurial journey by venturing into small businesses. From selling local products to starting an online shop, he made the most of his limited resources. His unique approach—earning commissions based on results rather than upfront payments—quickly earned him the trust of clients and laid the foundation for long-term collaborations. This innovative mindset became a hallmark of his career, proving that success does not require initial wealth but creativity, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.
Over the years, Kharl has demonstrated his ability to create and persevere in the face of adversity through his entrepreneurial endeavors. Beginning with KGL Softouch in 2010, he and his brother Mikhael used free internet resources to teach themselves programming. Future efforts, such as HostingVisa, a web hosting and domain registration business that Kharl eventually sold to an Australian company for $30,000, were made possible by this web development firm. After that, Kharl expanded his holdings with companies like Lataza Auto Trading and Lataza Car Rentals, showcasing his capacity to recognize consumer demands and provide reasonably priced solutions.
However, Kharl’s path was not without obstacles. The pandemic forced the closure of JuanRent Inc., and Typhoon Odette disrupted his automotive window film business, Ceramiq Inc. Despite such setbacks, Kharl never wavered in his pursuit of success. His ability to adapt and learn from failures allowed him to continuously reinvent himself. By 2023, Kharl had relocated to Dubai, UAE, where he established Sige Go Portal LLC, an eco-friendly web hosting provider, and Cryptogram.vip, a cryptocurrency platform linked to the Ora Coin Foundation.
The Ora Coin Foundation is perhaps Kharl’s most groundbreaking achievement and a beacon of inspiration for communities worldwide. Co-founded with Brian Christopher Aguilar, the foundation combines blockchain technology with environmental advocacy. For every Ora Coin minted, a tree is planted, addressing critical environmental issues like deforestation and climate change. The foundation’s One Billion Tree Planting Initiative, supported by partnerships with NGOs and institutions such as Cebu Technological University, has had a global impact. Each tree planted is monitored with 3D GPS tracking systems, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Under Kharl’s leadership, Ora Coin has achieved remarkable success, with each coin valued at $4.4 USD and generating over PHP 1.3 billion in wealth. Beyond financial gains, the initiative has empowered communities through eco-friendly projects and education while integrating Ora Coin into everyday transactions. This dual focus on innovation and sustainability exemplifies Kharl’s belief in creating businesses that benefit both society and the planet.
Kharl’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by one’s starting point but by the vision and determination to overcome obstacles. For aspiring entrepreneurs, his journey offers valuable lessons: start with what you have, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and remain committed to creating meaningful change. Kharl’s philosophy, encapsulated in his mantra “Grow with purpose,” emphasizes the importance of aligning personal ambition with societal and environmental impact.
Communities looking to establish their own empires can draw immense inspiration from Kharl’s life. His ability to turn setbacks into opportunities, build meaningful collaborations, and innovate across industries demonstrates that success is achievable for anyone willing to put in the effort. By following his example, individuals can harness their inner potential to create businesses that not only generate wealth but also make a lasting difference in the world.
Today, Kharl Gibran Borja Lataza continues to lead by example, proving that humble beginnings are no barrier to extraordinary success. His story inspires others to dream big, take bold steps, and build a legacy that uplifts not just themselves but their communities. In a world full of challenges, Kharl’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for anyone aspiring to create something remarkable from scratch.
