Biography of Carlo Ople: Founder and CEO of Unbox GH & Unbox PH- Entrepreneur
The Journey of Carlo Ople
Early Passion for Gaming
Carlo Ople’s journey into the tech and business world began
with his childhood love for gaming. He fondly remembers playing games like Battle
City and Street Fighter on the computer with his father and older brother.
These early experiences with technology sparked a lifelong passion that would
later shape his career.
Sneaker Obsession and Michael Jordan
Another significant influence in Carlo’s life was his
admiration for basketball legend Michael Jordan. Growing up watching Jordan
play, Ople developed a fascination with sneakers, particularly the iconic
Jordan 5. Although he couldn’t afford them at the time, his mother eventually
bought him a pair, cementing his love for sneakers.
Career Beginnings in Digital Marketing
After his initial interests in gaming and sneakers, Carlo
entered the corporate world. His professional journey began with roles in
various companies, including Level-up! Games Inc., where he managed popular
MMORPGs like Ragnarok Online. His efforts led to a significant revenue increase
by transitioning the game from a subscription model to a free-to-play system.
Pioneering Digital Media at TV5
Ople’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined TV5 as New
Media Head. Here, he established the network’s New Media Department, focusing
on integrating digital marketing strategies into the company’s broader
marketing mix. His work included creating digital campaigns for TV5’s programs,
which garnered several awards.
Leading Digital Strategy at DM9 JaymeSyfu
In 2013, Carlo became Managing Director and Partner at
Digit, the digital agency of DM9 JaymeSyfu. Under his leadership, the agency
achieved profitability within a year and won the prestigious 4A’s Digital
Excellence Award. This success led to Digit being acquired by Dentsu, one of
the world’s largest advertising agencies.
Transition to PLDT and Smart
Carlo’s next major role was as Vice President for Digital
Strategy and Consumer Disruptive Business at PLDT and Smart. His
responsibilities included overseeing digital marketing strategies and
disruptive business initiatives, further solidifying his reputation as a leader
in the digital space.
Founding Unbox.ph
In 2011, Carlo took a significant step in his
entrepreneurial journey by founding Unbox.ph, a tech blog that quickly became
one of the most visited tech sites in the Philippines. His dedication to tech
journalism earned the site numerous accolades, including Best Technology Blog
at the Globe Tattoo Awards.
Expansion into Digital Content and Creator Networks
Carlo didn’t stop at Unbox.ph. He expanded his
entrepreneurial ventures by establishing the Unbox Group of Companies. This
includes Unbox Content Network, which manages top tech and street culture
websites, and Unbox Creator Network, which represents leading talents in
various fields.
Digital Production and Event Management
The Unbox Group also ventured into digital production with
Unbox Content Studios, serving major brands in the Philippines. Additionally,
Unbox LIVE was created to manage events, including the popular Unbox CON, which
became a major collectible convention in the country.
Retail Ventures with Unbox GH
In 2022, Carlo launched Unbox GH, a retail and events space
located in Promenade, Greenhills. This venture further diversified the Unbox
Group’s portfolio, blending retail experiences with event management.
Biography of Carlo Ople: Founder & CEO of Unbox GH & Unbox PH- Entrepreneur/ AGe/Net worth/Investor/retail and events space/tech blog/Carlo Ople story
Collaborating with SNK ATK
Carlo’s business acumen extended to fashion through his
involvement with SNK ATK, a leading fashion technical design company in the
Philippines. As a shareholder, he contributed to the company’s growth and success
in the fashion industry.
The Growth of Unbox Con
Unbox Con, an event created by Carlo and his team, became
one of the most anticipated pop culture conventions in the Philippines. The
event showcases collectibles, toys, cards, and tech, attracting a large and
enthusiastic audience.
Embracing NFTs and Digital Innovation
This year’s Unbox Con featured NFT tickets, reflecting
Carlo’s commitment to embracing new technologies and trends. This innovative
approach further heightened the excitement surrounding the event and reinforced
its status in the tech community.
A Focus on Networking and Community Building
Carlo emphasizes the importance of networking and building
relationships through his hobbies and professional ventures. His approach to
collecting and business has allowed him to connect with like-minded
individuals, which has been instrumental in his career success.
TEDx Speaker and Industry Thought Leader
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Carlo is
recognized as a thought leader in digital marketing. He has delivered over 300
talks, including TEDx presentations, sharing his insights on digital transformation
and business strategy.
Balancing Passion with Responsibility
Carlo advises fellow collectors to “collect responsibly,”
setting budgets and managing their collections wisely. His own collection of
sneakers and memorabilia reflects both his passion and his disciplined approach
to collecting.
Continuing the Journey
Carlo Ople’s career is a testament to the power of combining
passion with strategic business acumen. From his early days in gaming and
sneakers to his current role as a leading digital entrepreneur, his journey
continues to inspire many in the tech and business communities.
The Legacy of Carlo Ople
As Carlo Ople continues to innovate and expand his ventures,
his legacy as a pioneer in digital marketing and entrepreneurship grows. His
story reflects a blend of early passions, strategic business moves, and a
commitment to community building, setting a high standard for future digital
leaders.
Timeline for Carlo Ople story
Childhood (1980s) - Develops a passion for gaming and
sneakers, influenced by Michael Jordan.
2004 - Begins career at Level-up! Games Inc., transitioning
MMORPGs to a free-to-play model.
2008 - Joins TV5 as New Media Head, creating award-winning
digital campaigns.
2013 - Becomes Managing Director at Digit, leading to its
acquisition by Dentsu.
2014 - Takes on role of Vice President for Digital Strategy
at PLDT and Smart.
2011 - Found Unbox.ph, a leading tech blog in the
Philippines.
2018 - Expands with Unbox Group of Companies, including
Unbox Content Network and Unbox Creator Network.
2022 - Launches Unbox GH, a retail and events space in
Greenhills.
2023 - Features NFT tickets at Unbox Con, embracing digital
innovation.
2024 - Continues to inspire as a TEDx speaker and thought
leader in digital marketing.
