Play2Enrich | Grit, Grind, and Grace: Pushing through your limits where it counts

Everyone needs a solid roof over their heads.

And when there’s rain and the roof is not leaking, there’s a sense of stability, safety, and security whenever you’re home. For Early Tirambulo Mahilum, a scholar from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental (PH), the Avocado DAO is fast becoming that — a shelter from life’s storms.

Like many Axie scholars, Early is also trying to balance gaming with the pressing realities of living life in a pandemic.

“I was hesitant about this game until a neighbor showed me her earnings,” she said, recalling the first time she heard of GameFi.

Early and her partner have three kids together. She’s out of work, while her partner works as a tricycle driver earning a total of Php 250 to 300 (approx. $5–6) a day — even less when you deduct the daily rent fee. And when the government imposed the “one tricycle, one passenger policy,” his earnings were not enough.

“We were deep in debt. It was hard trying to get by every day. And every time one of my kids is sick, I had to rely on herbal remedies because I can’t afford to bring them to a physician,” Early shared. “So when more of my friends began playing Axie Infinity, I was eager to find a scholarship.”

But the time and effort Early spent applying to Axie scholarships barely holds a candle to the time and effort she put into preparing one of the most important weapons in her arsenal: her attitude.

For many, she said, the hardest part is getting a scholarship. It took about a month of applying to different guilds. Her cousin encouraged Early to apply to the Avocado DAO. Then a couple of days later, she’s welcomed into the Avocadian community.

“I’ve seen and interacted with people who also come from disadvantaged families and want to rise above their circumstances. Some have lost their jobs and limited capabilities, and so the Avocado DAO became their lifeline,” she said.

Through watching video tutorials and managing and memorizing her cards, Early learned the language of blockchain gaming and the value of the daily quest grind.

“I enjoy playing Axie Infinity because it’s fun, especially when I’m winning because that means I’m earning,” she said.

By the time the first payout rolled around, Early had made sure to pay back all her loans. She then indulged her children in a meal out.

“It was a rare occasion for us,” she said. “To me, it’s priceless just seeing them eating and enjoying the food. Their smiles are ingrained in my heart and mind.”

Early was reasonably embarrassed when she admitted she failed to take even a single photo of the moment. But then again, she was soaking it all in. Too occupied committing the moment to memory to reach for a camera or pose for a picture. And it was with a great sense of relief, she realized what she can now provide for her family.

“It’s challenging to get your family through the rainy season here in the Philippines. Our house needs a lot of repairs, and our roof is leaking,” Early shared.

So after ensuring her family meets their basic needs, Early devoted her earnings to fixing their house.

“Thank God for our kind Avocado DAO managers. I was able to gradually address issues and problems within my house. The roof and bathroom are almost done,” she said.

From her application to her first payout, Early makes it seem easy to believe that the determination and hope of the human spirit are limitless.

She was committed to earning for her family and encourages scholars to carefully consider their priorities.

“Spend your earnings wisely. If possible, help others who are in need. The Avocado DAO, through Axie Infinity, is helping a lot of people who are suffering financially. I hope it never goes away,” she said.

With the same spirit as Avocado DAO’s local community events and initiatives, Early is looking forward to giving food packs when she receives her next salary as a way to share her blessings and help others in need.

For her future outlook, aside from making sure their children are happy and healthy, Early and her partner plans to get married, but that’s something that will have to wait until they have enough saved up.

For now, Early is grateful to have a good roof over her head. And it’s no coincidence when she says she’s thankful for it because she really, really is.

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