From Kayod to Keyboard by VA Masters

In this episode, we sit down with Ralph Caputolan, the founder of VA Rookies PH. One of the most well-known VA communities in the Philippines with over 215,000 followers. A marine engineering graduate from Davao del Sur, Ralph's dream of becoming a seaman was crushed when he was scammed out of a promised vacancy in Cebu back in 2015.Today, Ralph runs Awesome Plugins Media, leads free VA workshops across Mindanao churches, and his viral post "10 Reasons the VA Industry is Overly Romanticized" hit nearly 1 million reactions on Facebook. His motto? "There is no opportunity inside the box."In this episode you'll learn:✅ How Ralph went from marine engineering graduate to BPO agent to VA to business owner✅ The heartbreaking scam that killed his seaman dream and led him to Cebu's call centers✅ How he survived 8 months of lockdown with no income and rebuilt from scratch with an SSS loan✅ Why other VAs blocked him when he asked for help — and how he turned gatekeeping into fuel✅ The story behind the viral post that earned nearly 1 million reactions and skyrocketed his following✅ How a self-proclaimed introvert went from shaking on stage to leading workshops across Mindanao✅ Why he doesn't believe in rushed success and what the "river vs. pond" mindset means for your career✅ His sticky note + calendar system for turning goals into daily action✅ How he went from cloud chasing to purpose-driven content creation✅ The advice every bullied, rejected, and overthinking aspiring VA needs to hear right now

In this episode, we sit down with Ara, a 21-year-old student and Virtual Assistant from Cebu City who started her freelancing journey at just 19 years old with zero experience, no portfolio, and no laptop of her own.Losing her parents at the age of 13, she grew up alongside her four siblings learning what it means to be independent early. Today, Ara is a Virtual Assistant at VA Masters and the new face of the company's content. She balances school, weekend trips home to the province, and her growing career, while continuing to inspire other young Filipinos who think they're "too young" or "too inexperienced" to start.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How Ara started as a VA at 19 years old with zero experience or portfolio✅ The real story behind her coffee shop breakdown while building her first portfolio✅ How she almost got scammed for $10 and the red flags every beginner VA must know✅ Why YouTube and AI tools are enough to teach yourself video editing from scratch✅ How she handled her first client conflict and what she learned from it✅ Realistic income for a beginner VA (and how viral videos can earn you bonuses)✅ How to balance VA work with being a full-time student✅ Why rejection is not a stop sign but a redirect for every aspiring freelancer✅ The mindset shift every Gen Z VA needs to take their first big step

In this episode, we sit down with Roi Caturla, a seasoned Digital Marketer and Virtual Assistant with over 6 years of experience in freelancing, social media, and remote work.Roi’s journey didn’t start with perfect conditions. It started with curiosity, a corporate job, and the desire to explore better opportunities online. In 2020, he landed his first freelancing client while still working in a digital agency, eventually transitioning into full-time remote work through social media marketing, SEO, and digital consulting.What began as experimentation turned into a career shift, a passion for teaching, and eventually building a freelancing community that helps aspiring VAs learn how to land clients and grow online careers.Today, Roi is not only a freelancer but also a community builder, mentor, and creator of weekly webinars focused on resume building, portfolio creation, client positioning, and using AI tools to stay competitive in the VA space.In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Roi shares his full journey, from commuting life in corporate, to building his first client roster, to helping others break into freelancing through practical, real-world strategies.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How Roi transitioned from corporate agency work to freelancing in 2020✅ The real experience of landing your first VA client with no perfect setup✅ Why social media marketing and digital marketing skills are still in high demand✅ The essential skills every beginner VA should focus on (without overwhelm)✅ How AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are changing the VA industry✅ Realistic income expectations for part-time and full-time Virtual Assistants✅ Common mistakes beginners make when trying to enter freelancing✅ How to properly position yourself to land your first international client.

He left corporate with ₱4,000 in his ATM and a loan. No mentor. No playbook. Remote work wasn't even mainstream yet. He tried restaurant consulting, Bigo live streaming, mukbang content, Shopee live, financial advising and whatever it took to survive. Then, one friend recommendation changed everything.Today, Jam Blauta is a full-blown digital nomad, talent sourcer, and founder of Barangay VA: a free community helping thousands of Filipino VAs land their first client and build real remote careers.In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Jam shares everything, the pandemic grind, the multiple income streams, the viral TikTok content, the entitled applicants and why he believes positioning is the only thing standing between you and your first client.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How he survived the pandemic with zero stable income and still made it work✅ Why freelancing is not for everybody and how to know if it's for you✅ What talent sources actually see when you apply and what instantly gets you ignored✅ The biggest mistakes VA applicants make before they even get to the interview✅ How he went from general SMM to community builder to talent sourcer and found his craft✅ The truth about the digital nomad lifestyle they don't post on Instagram✅ Why "you are the niche" and how to position yourself even with zero remote work experience

She started online work 18 years ago at $1/hour sometimes less. Her first client ghosted her after 8,000 pesos worth of work. She knocked on neighbors' doors begging for overflow tasks at $0.25/hour. She commuted 7 hours a day while pregnant until her doctor told her to stop. And then she built something no one could take from her.Today, Sheena Santos is a Fiverr Pro marketing automation specialist earning $800–$1,000 per project, and clients come to her.In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Sheena shares 18 years of the real homebased journey: the scams, the burnout, the agency collapse, the health crisis, and why investing 100,000 pesos in herself was the best decision she ever made.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How she went from $1/hour data entry to $1,000/project marketing automation specialist✅ Why she spent 6–8 years as a general VA before niching down and why it was worth it✅ How she became one of the first Filipina Fiverr Pro sellers in email marketing automation✅ What really happened when she lost her clients, her agency, and her identity all at once✅ How a 100,000-peso coaching investment (borrowed money) changed everything✅ Why her husband is now closing $1,000+ projects and she's proud he's better than her✅ What "life integration" looks like when work, wellness, and family finally fit together

She started online work in 2010, when there were no VA coaches, no academies, and no roadmap. She learned Photoshop by accepting a Photoshop job she wasn't qualified for. She built an agency of 10 writers. Lost it all when ChatGPT arrived. And then rebuilt — smarter, calmer, and on her own terms.In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Maia shares 16 years of the real freelancing journey — the wins, the losses, the three hundred thousand peso months, and why she now chooses to work with only two clients.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How Maia built every skill from scratch — no coaches, just YouTube and stubbornness✅ How she went from freelancer → agency owner → academy founder → solo practitioner by choice✅ What it really looks like to earn ₱300K/month as a solo VA, and what it costs✅ How ChatGPT killed her agency and what she did next✅ Why her mentees are now earning more than she did, and why she's proud of that✅ What solo moms (and every aspiring VA) need to hear about resilience and career choice💼 Ready to work with vetted international clients? Apply to VA Masters: https://vamasters.com/careers📱 Follow us: @vamasters_jobs_ph (TikTok / Instagram / YouTube)🎙️ From Kayod to Keyboard is your weekly podcast for Filipino VAs building real remote careers. Real stories. No filter. No sugarcoat.🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube: https://youtu.be/RZRQq6RTdigApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-masters/id1870772303Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRPeAuiF4zlMs87TBFb4B?si=4a62ff805ac545d0Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=us💬 Drop your questions below — Tata and Roxy might answer them in the next episode!

She worked in a corporation for 6 years. People doubted when she said she wanted to work from home. Today, she runs JTQ Global Support — an agency with a team of 10, serving international clients from startups to enterprises.In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Joyce shares her journey from general VA to agency founder — and what it really takes to build a high-value freelancing career.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How Joyce went from general VA to agency founder✅ What 'business development VA' actually means (and why clients pay well for it)✅ How she built a team of 10 and packages services for bigger value✅ The skills that separate a struggling VA from a high-earning one✅ Her advice if you're scared to take the leap into freelancing💼 Ready to work with vetted international clients? Apply to VA Masters: https://vamasters.com/careers

Imagine starting your VA career after working in a factory, no corporate background, no degree, just grit, patience, and a whole lot of resilience! 💪In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, we sit down with JM, a Customer Service VA at VA Masters who went from BPO frontliner to thriving work-from-home professional!Join hosts Tata and Roxy as JM shares her honest, inspiring journey:✅ How she transitioned from factory worker → call center agent → VA (yes, in that order!)✅ What it's REALLY like handling irate customers — including threats to "burn your house down" 😳✅ Why patience isn't something you're born with — and how to actually build it✅ The difference between BPO customer service and working as a CS VA✅ What clients are really looking for when they hire for customer service roles✅ Her advice for aspiring VAs: "Prepare 500% — make them say yes!"Whether you're coming from a call center background or wondering if customer service is the right VA niche for you, JM proves that humble beginnings are never a reason to stop dreaming big.🎙️ Follow 💼 Ready to work with vetted international clients? Apply to VA Masters: https://vamasters.com/careers🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube: https://youtu.be/ljng-8q_PuUApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-masters/id1870772303Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRPeAuiF4zlMs87TBFb4B?si=4a62ff805ac545d0Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=us

Thinking about becoming a VA but don't know which skill to learn first? Web design might be your answer — and you can start for FREE. 👇In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, we sit down with Anthony Meneses, founder of Website Academy PH, who started as a beginner VA and grew into a full-time web designer and funnel strategist earning from international clients.He shares everything applicants wish they knew BEFORE applying. In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why web design is one of the highest-paying VA niches you can break into✅ What a sales funnel is — and why clients are willing to pay big for it✅ How Anthony started with ZERO clients (his first work was free — and why that was the right move)✅ What soft skills recruiters and clients actually look for — hint: it's not perfect English✅ How to price yourself as a beginner VA ($5/hr and why that's okay at first)✅ Why community and networking matter MORE than your portfolio when starting out✅ His free course that teaches you web design from scratch — no experience neededIf you've been putting off learning a new VA skill because it feels too technical or too expensive — this episode is your sign to start.🎓 Free Web Design Course by Anthony:Website Academy PH → https://websiteacademyph.com/💼 Ready to apply as a VA? Check open positions at VA Masters: https://vamasters.com/careers🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube: https://youtu.be/r-pskes5p14Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-masters/id1870772303Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRPeAuiF4zlMs87TBFb4B?si=4a62ff805ac545d0Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=usFrom Kayod to Keyboard is a podcast by VA Masters — real stories, real careers, real freedom.

Imagine being a brand new VA and getting assigned to Finance, Creatives, AND Operations all at once — no training wheels, straight to Formula 1! 🏎️ In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, we meet Princess, VA Masters' newest team member who's already juggling three departments!Join hosts Tata and Roxy as Princess shares her incredible journey:✅ How her diverse background (admin assistant, discrepancy encoder, graphic designer) prepared her for anything✅ What it's REALLY like handling Finance tasks — expenses, invoices, payroll✅ Switching from "stoic finance mode" to "creative mode" for content and social media✅ Operations work: onboarding documents and keeping things organized✅ How she manages time when tasks come from THREE different departments✅ Advice for beginners: "Stop being self-critical — you're still learning!"Whether you're a new VA feeling overwhelmed or wondering if you can handle multiple roles, Princess proves that saying YES to opportunities — even scary ones — is how real growth happens.💼 Ready to work with vetted international clients? Apply to VA Masters: https://vamasters.com/careers📱 Follow us:Instagram: vamasters_jobs_phFacebook: VA Masters - VA Jobs in the PhilippinesLinkedIn: VA Masters - vamasters.com🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube: https://youtu.be/4iecjIvhBnQApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-masters/id1870772303Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRPeAuiF4zlMs87TBFb4B?si=4a62ff805ac545d0Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=us💬 Drop your questions below — Earvin, Tata, and Roxy might answer them in the next episode!📲 DM us on socials for VA opportunities at VA Masters.From Kayod to Keyboard is a podcast by VA Masters — real stories, real careers, real freedom.

In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Tata and Roxy sit down with Earvin, a Video Editor and Multimedia VA who turned his passion for editing into a thriving work-from-home career.From learning Adobe Premiere at a young age to handling high-profile clients’ video projects remotely, Earvin’s journey shows that with skill, dedication, and the right mindset, you can build a successful VA career in video editing.In this episode, you'll learn:→ How Earvin started his video editing journey from scratch→ Tools, software, and workflows every beginner VA should know→ How to find clients and position yourself in the video editing niche→ Tips on handling client expectations, deadlines, and branding→ Why video editing is a high-demand skill for Filipino VAs looking to grow📱 Follow us:Instagram: vamasters_jobs_phFacebook: VA Masters - VA Jobs in the PhilippinesLinkedIn: VA Masters - vamasters.com🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube: https://youtu.be/5EBEE21roB4 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-masters/id1870772303Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRPeAuiF4zlMs87TBFb4B?si=4a62ff805ac545d0Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=us💬 Drop your questions below — Earvin, Tata, and Roxy might answer them in the next episode!📲 DM us on socials for VA opportunities at VA Masters.From Kayod to Keyboard is a podcast by VA Masters — real stories, real careers, real freedom.

In this episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, Tata and Roxy sit down with Darwin, a Salesforce System Administrator and VA with over a decade of experience across multiple industries and clients. From a free IBM training that changed everything, to handling a fintech company's entire Salesforce system solo, Darwin's journey is proof that you can completely rewrite your career.In this episode, you'll learn:→ What Salesforce actually is and why businesses are paying a premium for specialists it→ How Darwin went from zero IT background to certified Salesforce Administrator→ What a typical day looks like as a Salesforce VA→ Why this niche is still wide open for Filipino VAs who are willing to invest in the skill📱 Follow us:Instagram: vamasters_jobs_phFacebook: VA Masters - VA Jobs in the PhilippinesLinkedIn: VA Masters - vamasters.com🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube Podcast: https://youtu.be/gnA4vB71JhEApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-masters/id1870772303Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hRPeAuiF4zlMs87TBFb4B?si=4a62ff805ac545d0Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=us

No tips. No lists. Just the raw truth about why we became VAs.Roxy and Tata open up about family responsibilities, mental health struggles, and how being a VA gave them the flexibility to show up for the people they love.From becoming the family provider to normalizing coffee dates with aging parents—this is the side of VA life nobody talks about.If you've ever felt disconnected or wondered if there's more to remote work than just earning, this episode is for you.Remember: We all have different timelines. Respect your journey. 🌟💼 Ready to Apply?At VA Masters, we don't just connect you with clients—we help you build sustainable, healthy working relationships. 🌐 Apply now: https://vamasters.com/careers

🎧 Got questions about becoming a Virtual Assistant? We’ve got answers.In this Q&A episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, hosts Tata and Roxy answer the most asked questions from aspiring and current VAs — straight, honest, and no sugarcoating.Whether you’re coming from corporate, BPO, or government work, or you’re still testing the waters, this episode is for you.💼 Ready to Apply?At VA Masters, we don’t just match you with clients — we help you build healthy, sustainable VA careers.🌐 Website: https://vamasters.com/

In this raw and honest episode, Tata and Roxy sit down with Anne—VA Masters' Training & Operations Manager and supermom of two—for a conversation that might just save your health (literally).Anne's wake-up call? Hospitalization. Major surgery. All because she didn't know how to set boundaries.This isn't your typical "self-care" podcast episode filled with generic advice. This is REAL talk about:✨ Why "home = office" is destroying your mental health✨ The guilt that keeps you working when you should be resting✨ How to actually turn off work mode (spoiler: it's not just closing your laptop)✨ Managing multiple clients without losing yourself✨ The one principle that eliminates VA guilt foreverHosted by: Tata & RoxySpecial Guest: Anne (Training & Operations Manager, VA Masters)Duration: ~35 minutes of real talk, zero fluffCONNECT WITH VA MASTERS:🌐 www.vamasters.com📧 [email protected]#WorkLifeBalance #VirtualAssistant #BurnoutPrevention #FilipinoVA

Think being a Social Media VA is just posting pretty pictures and hoping for engagement? Think again! In this second episode of From Kayod to Keyboard, we reveal what it REALLY takes to succeed as a creative VA and social media manager.Join hosts Tata and Roxy as they share honest lessons from their own experience managing social media for multiple clients:✅ What Social Media VAs actually do (content creation, scheduling, analytics, client management)✅ Essential tools you need: Canva, CapCut, Meta Business Suite✅ How to start with ZERO clients using mock projects✅ The biggest mistakes creative VAs make (and how to avoid them!)✅ Why "pretty" doesn't always equal "good" for clients✅ Setting boundaries to avoid burnout from endless revisionsWhether you're an aspiring social media manager or a general VA looking to specialize, this episode gives you practical skills and strategies to stand out in the creative VA space.💼 Ready to work with vetted international clients? Apply to VA Masters: https://vamasters.com/📱 Follow us:Instagram: vamasters_jobs_phFacebook: VA Masters - VA Jobs in the PhilippinesLinkedIn: VA Masters - vamasters.com🎧 LISTEN ANYWHERE, ANYTIMEYouTube: https://youtu.be/WMJRRvnT464Player FM: https://player.fm/series/from-kayod-to-keyboard-by-va-mastersPodbean: https://fromkayodtokeyboardvamasters.podbean.com/Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id6972317?country=us#VirtualAssistant #WorkFromHomePhilippines #VAJobs #FreelancingPH #OnlineJobsPH #VAMasters #RemoteWork #FilipinVA #HowToFindClients

🎙️ Episode 1: How to Actually Find VA ClientsHosts Roxy & Tata sit down with VA Masters’ Anne and Brill to answer the #1 question: "How do I find clients?" Learn the 3 main routes (platforms, social media, agencies), hear real VA horror stories, and get insider tips to stand out. Discover what makes a VA ready, how to avoid scams, and why preparation is key.⏱️ 47 mins | Subscribe for weekly episodes!Submit your applications at www.vamasters.com/careers 🌐