Building the power of my voice through the Certified Voice Artists Program (CVAP). 

I wanted to learn something new for this year so I searched for activities which can be done without much exposure. My search showed voice over work, podcasting, ASMR and audio experiences, creative and digital content creation, writing, audiogram or sound based social media, among others. Among the choices, I got interested in voice overs – as the name suggests -voice may be used for it. So I narrowed my search to any program which caters to voice artistry in the Philippines. My search then showed CVAP, VoiceWorx, among others. Further search showed that CVAP has a scheduled zoom lessons for July. I then saw that the CVAP was founded by Mr. Pocholo Gonzales – that he is the best in the industry and that he created CVAP to align with his vision to make the Philippines the center of voiceover excellence in Asia. Without any thought, I registered and paid the registration fee of PHP 5000, and waited for July. 

First day high 

I was excited to join the program. But, I did not have any idea of what is in store for me as a  participant. I have never attended any class related to arts – and the closest thing I have seen then was when I saw some kids in an acting program at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. So for me – the CVAP program is like a revelation – it has more to give – and it is packaged to advocate the promotion of voice artistry. 

I had no idea of what will be done during the Program –.But, when it started – I got wonderfully impressed. It is polished and structured. 

For our first day – we were greeted by the funny duo of Tito Jac and CJ. I laughed out so loud, with their antics as they kept the happy spirit of the participants in the Program. All participants were was assigned in a Breakout (BR) group – and each breakout group has its own assigned marshals. Marshals – are like the guidance counselor and cheerleader for the BR. 

For our first topic, we heard the presentation of CVAP Assistant Head Trainer Mr. Navi Garcia. He threw in, for us newbies, #Pochology – which CVAP use as a yardstick. He also discussed what it takes to have artistic discipline and a #Pochology message that someone out there needs to hear your voice. He also busted some myths about voice acting – such as having a good voice does not make you a voice actor – as it is the message that counts. He also threw in the recipe for being a voice artist – that is one must have the creativity and imagination, firmness in mindset and heart set, the value of being a team player, and that money should not be the primary goal. He also discussed how we can develop our voice brand and shared with us guide questions to establish our brand. 

For our second topic, Ms. Dine discussed the rudiments of multimedia production. She also shared the best practices on content creation, particularly on audience engagement. Ms. Dine also emphasized that we need to work as one team as a batch. 

The common theme in their presentation is the tight knit community which CVAP and Mr. Gonzales fosters among its members. 

Other than the lessons, the support given by the team, the Program delivery is complemented by the able secretariat, and group marshals- thus, making the journey to voice artistry easier. I hope. 

My co-participants are also marvelous. Some of them have had experience in voice artistry – and some of them knowledgeable about presentations and multimedia production. I just so love being in a group who already has experience in the field. 

And just before 5 o’clock in the afternoon – our head secretariat gave us our assignments – or the Skill Building Exercises for Week 1 – majority of which we are required to submit at the end of the program. Disastrous ingredient for procrastination. Some of the items need to be submitted earlier – so there – . 

Voice artistry and me 

I am here to learn a new hobby. At first stop – does the program align with my goals. Does this fit me at all? 

While, I am not artistic – nor do I have any ready skill set for voice acting–it is worth a try. 

Sir Navi and Ms. Dine’s dedication to voice artistry and their guidance deeply rooted and powered by Mr. Gonzales, is compelling. The CVAP is a game changing advocacy – to propagate the art of voice of artistry in the country.  It may also be good to consider to be part of something great- such as being a part of the CVAP community. So for now, I am working of some community goals with CVAP. 

Now back to the SBXs — I will share some of it in this space – particularly so for my certification as a voice artist with CVAP. I look forward to doing the SBX and to learn something out of it. I can do this and I will be a voice artist – as to what kind – I hope a good one. 

And for now- I’m building a list of voice over activities I want to do – so like I want to do the three o’clock habit – one which I am so familiar with because of the rich baritone voice used in its delivery – so deep but with twang – so smooth to the ears – and the Rustans Marketplace announcements – which permeates them marketplace – where the voice used has such a smooth and sultry pangmayaman tone. If I can pull off these two items – then I am ready to be very happy.