Inspiring
Former OFW Finds Success as VA in the Philippines after Difficulties in the UAE
A former OFW finds success as VA (virtual assistant) in the Philippines, years after experiencing struggles and difficulties while working in the UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Former OFW Finds Success as VA
So many Filipinos believe that success in life and getting rich or financially stable can only happen if you find a job abroad.
In fact, it is the primary goal of many Filipinos to work abroad so they can provide a better life for their families.
That’s exactly what Paolo Solomon thought when he was younger.
He shared that he grew up in a poor family and had to sell pandesal from a tita’s bakery for his allowance in school. Starting when he was just 14 years old, he would wake up early to start selling at 5AM, allowing him time to earn before his classes start, usually at around 8AM.
His father was in charge of paying for his tuition fee, but his world turned upside down when he lost his dad. He was just 17 years old at the time.
Becoming the family’s breadwinner at such a young age, he had to quit school. He worked at Jollibee, then at a department store where he became a full-time employee. Yet he also wished to work abroad.
After experiencing so many financial struggles and anxiety as breadwinner, he decided to apply abroad – and was luckily accepted. At just 21 years old, he’s the youngest of the batch.
Sadly, he was put down by so many people because he wasn’t able to graduate from college. So many people discouraged him from leaving his job in the Philippines to work abroad.
And when he reached the UAE, though his employers were awesome and he was chosen to serve the CEO, he experienced bullying from his co-workers and roommates.
He thought this would be his ticket to success but he ended up suffering a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with clinical depression and bipolar disorder. He got deported.
But his story didn’t stop there. When he finally recovered, he found a job as VA (virtual assistant). The work-from-home job helped him grow his copywriting career and open his own VA agency.
Today, he’s enjoying the fruits of his success and is finally able to buy a house for his family, something he had always dreamed of when he wanted to work abroad.
“I thank God na he blessed me to work as a freelancer. God use my VA work para maabot ko yung mga goals ko,” he shared, while posting photos of their new home on Facebook community, Home Buddies.
“Pwede pala na ibless ka ni Lord sa di mo inaasahang way. He make all things work together for our good. Now I’m still pursuing my dreams na kasama ko family ko.”
Congratulations po!
What’s the Work of a VA?
A VA (virtual assistant) is a remote worker (usually hired as a part-time freelancer) who offers administrative support for a business. They usually do tasks that are typically done by an executive assistant, including making phone calls, scheduling appointments, organizing emails, or arranging travel.
Inspiring
SHS Student Brings Photos of Late Parents on Graduation Day
A senior high school (SHS) student brought framed photos of her late parents on her graduation day, touching many hearts and making netizens cry.
Her story has gone viral, with many netizens cheering her on and praying for her success in life…
SHS Student Brings Photos of Late Parents on Graduation Day
Graduation day is one of the best days in a student’s life, but it’s not always the happiest for all.
Some also experience a bittersweet moment because their loved ones aren’t with them. While many are due to having OFW parents who can’t be home for the special, others are because the parents have already passed on.
SHS student Juvelyn Dela Torre Eugenio, 18, of North Cotabato made netizens cry after she carried her parents’ framed photos as she marched and posed on stage to receive her diploma.
She explained that during recognition days and other special events when she was younger, it was always her mother who would accompany her on stage.
She wants to share her success and milestones with her parents, but they’re no longer around.
They lost their father to heart failure in July 2020.
In 2022, the siblings decided to let their mother enjoy a vacation with her older children in Manila, only to discover that she was sick and already in the terminal stages of a stage 4 battle with the Big C. They lost her shortly thereafter.
Juvelyn shared that losing their parents took a toll on her mental health, especially because she had to stand as a parent to her younger brother.
On graduation day, she vowed that she wouldn’t cry despite seeing all the other students with their parents.
But she broke down on stage when a concerned teacher asked her about her parents and offered words of consolation after she showed her their photos.
Despite the challenges, Juvelyn plans on continuing her journey as she dreams of becoming a lawyer someday.
How to Become a Lawyer in the Philippines
- Complete a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Arts or Sciences.
- Pass the PhiLSAT (Philippine Law School Admission Test)
- Complete law school.
- Complete the law internship.
- Pass the bar exams.
Did you know that lawyers in PAO (Public Attorney’s Office) with an entry-level position (Public Attorney I) earn a basic salary of Php95,000 (salary grade 25)?
Inspiring
Elementary Students Praised for Playing “One Day” Using Ukuleles
Elementary students at a school in Mindanao earned praise online after playing “One Day” using their ukuleles for a presentation.
Many netizens were impressed about their skills, with some commenting that it’s a difficult piece to play on a ukulele, yet most of them nailed it! Wow.
Elementary Students Play “One Day” Using Their Ukuleles
A lot of people these days have this mistaken notion that kids are only fond of using cellphones and no longer enjoy playing with traditional toys or learning how to use a traditional musical instrument – because you can find lots of options for those online or with their phones.
But a group of students from Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School impressed netizens with their skills in playing the ukulele as they presented “One Day” for the school’s 100-year celebration.
Seated on the steps of their school, the kids played the musical instruments seamlessly, except for a few issues.
And while some netizens pointed out that one of the kids appear to be struggling with the proper chords and kept shifting around during the entire performance, the overall presentation is still quite impressive!
Many netizens even commented on the post of the Facebook page “Kung Taga-Oroquieta City Ka” that they were deeply touched by the kids’ presentation and were crying while watching. Awww.
A lot also praised the coaches who made this possible – and others felt proud of the children even if they had no idea who these little ones are.
It’s also quite impressive to see that the class had so many ukuleles. It is unknown whether the kids own the musical instruments or if the school provided them, but what’s clear is that their presentation is truly admirable.
What’s a Ukulele?
A ukulele is a type of string musical instrument that’s smaller than a guitar. It usually has nylon strings as opposed to the metal used in standard guitars.
The instrument also has four strings but isn’t considered a “kid’s instrument” only. Instead, it can be played by kids and adults alike.
Inspiring
Proud Vendor Dad Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Board Exams for Teachers
One proud vendor dad offered free taho for everyone when his daughter passed the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers).
Netizens were even more impressed to learn that the young lady passed after doing a self-review.
Truly amazing, right?
Vendor Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Teacher’s Board
Passing the board exams is truly a milestone that everyone can be proud of – and most of the time, the parents are their children’s proudest cheerleaders!
Of course, spouses and kids also feel the same thing. For example, a taxi driver offered free rides after his wife passed the LET.
The proud parents of a student who passed that same LET are also offering free taho to their customers.
Bobby and Rose Torallo happily got a tarpaulin up to celebrate the success of their daughter, Rosebel Cielo Torallo. The young woman had graduated cum laude from Baao Community College in Baao, Camarines Sur.
Apparently, based on her mom’s post on Facebook, she had also self-reviewed for the licensure exams – and this made her success even sweeter for the family.
In the post of her mom, Rose, it showed that the family’s main source of income is from selling taho. It was through this that the parents were able to send their kids to school.
Rose lamented that there were times when people looked down on their because they are “just” taho vendors.
Thankfully, the family didn’t mind what these people are saying. Instead, they persevered and put their faith in God.
She thanked all her kids for cooperating and striving hard to succeed in their studies even if their parents are only supporting them by selling taho.
How to Celebrate Passing the Board Exams
There are many ways to celebrate passing the board the exams. Some of these are:
- Throwing a party
- Buying cake
- Going on a trip
- Treating your family, friends, or even strangers to something (such as a free rides from taxi drivers or free taho from vendors)
SHS Student Brings Photos of Late Parents on Graduation Day
Elementary Students Praised for Playing “One Day” Using Ukuleles
Supermarket Goes Viral for Flag-Inspired Instant Noodle Display to Honor Independence Day
Proud Vendor Dad Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Board Exams for Teachers
