04/11/2025
I’m so honored to work with one of the top pentesting companies in Germany, ProSec GmbH, and even represent them in this video.
Usually, you’re only allowed to represent them if you’re one of their best hackers, so yeah, I’m a bit teary-eyed while posting this 😅
It’s been one heck of a hacking journey.
Looking back 12 years ago...
I started as one of the dumbest (I guess) in the hacking scene in the Philippines.
I wasn’t a genius, just driven by pure hard work and perseverance.
Back then, things were really tough. I was ridiculed for even trying to share knowledge just because I wasn’t “the best.”
Every mistake I made was met with harsh criticism from so-called “gurus” in the PH community, ridiculed, shamed publicly, to the point where I honestly thought of ending my life several times. (Unperks of being a public person, I guess.).
Behind the scenes, that’s what really happened.
Building in public, raising cybersecurity awareness, and making mistakes in front of everyone, it was hellish at times.
To reach where I am today, where people know me as the former CEO of Cryptors, someone who helped raise cybersecurity awareness and inspired millions through books, apps, and events, a YouTuber, a hacker and startup founder who’s received multiple awards, and a Filipino guy who left PH for Europe to keep improving and chasing growth, I can confidently say,
it wasn’t just luck, and it was definitely not easy.
Fast forward to today...
I became less dumb. 😂
I still don’t call myself “smart,” though, because the moment I do, I might get complacent or arrogant.
I’d rather be a forever student.
One client once told me, “You’re a genius.”
What she didn’t know was that it took countless sleepless nights, and sacrificing time with my wife, just to fully understand that technique and execute it perfectly.
This vlog is special to me.
These are the lessons I’d tell my younger self, the one from 12 years ago who was struggling, doubting, and learning the hard way, so his hacking journey could’ve been a little less rocky.
I dedicate this video to everyone like me, those who aren’t “naturally gifted,” but still dream of thriving in this field. ❤️
🎥 Watch: The 5 Untold Tricks in Pe*******on Testing
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2hnWClRFUw