How I Started as a Virtual Assistant

It was in October 2011 when I started my first online jobs through odesk.com. With my frustration and stress in the office routine, I turned to attend a series of webinars hosted by Mr. Jomar Hilario, a well-renowned online marketing guru in the Philippines. There were days when I wanted to participate in one of his live seminars/workshops on how to become a virtual assistant, but my schedule does not permit me to do so. Good thing he offered an audio version of his How to Become a Virtual Assistant seminar and I quickly purchased it online. After I finished the audio seminar and after I have read blogs of people who had the similar dilemma as mine, I got so inspired and confident that I can change my life 360 degrees and become a full-time Virtual Assistant.

Soon as I learned about odesk.com in 2011, I started out my profile but never really paid attention to how to improve it. I was not that determined. Thus, I left it hanging incomplete for quite some time. When I learned more about how to boost my "marketability" in odesk, I quickly overhauled my odesk profile and took the tests which will reflect my expertise in writing. Writing is my passion, and I was thinking that I ought to make a career out of it if I am going to pursue my Virtual Assistant career. 

My first gig as a Virtual Assistant (online writer) was to blog about a variety of topics. It was for an American client who is maintaining a sort of Wikipedia website (Usenet) hence, I started with the work in October 2011, and up until now, I am still writing articles for this client. Then, I realized I can manage to handle some more work perhaps, try out the fixed-price contract available in odesk. I did get a few and found it very fulfilling when clients are very pleased with the articles that I submit, and some would even pay me a bonus. Opportunities and job offer came in one by one, and I was definitely happy about how things are working out for me as a newbie Virtual Assistant. I admit that starting at a lower rate per hour was a stepping stone. So, as I gained more experience and confidence, I eventually increased my hourly rate. 

Now, I am happy to be working on a part-time basis for several clients whom I am writing articles for website content and some as a research assistant. What I even appreciated more is the fact that I can use my background in Psychology for some projects I handled. I also get to have my fair share of demanding clients, and when they ask too much of my effort which I know I cannot accommodate, I just end the contract rather than carrying on with the project which I cannot deliver on their expected schedule. But overall, my Virtual Assistant experience is indeed an eye-opener that I can actually start a career by working at home as long I have the determination, motivation, and yearning for change. It is just a matter of time to hone my skills and brave the world of becoming a full-time Virtual Assistant. 

R & R at Casa Ibiza Antipolo

Thanks to cashcashpinoy that my friends and I were able to get a good deal at Casa Ibiza in Antipolo City. It was January 14-15 this year when we spent an overnight weekend at Casa Ibiza, and it also served as a shower party for our dear friend's upcoming wedding in February.

The budget was around Php 2,000 for an overnight stay, including fare for commuting, food (from outside Casa Ibiza) and the contribution for the room accommodation (Php 700 each). There were 13 of us who went to Casa Ibiza, and we all came from Laguna. I think the place has an excellent marketing strategy because we were curious about how the place looks like since we have witnessed it being featured in some local television shows.

Commute Guide: from Megamall Building B, there's an fx terminal near the supermarket exit just make sure you take the Antipolo City route. It costs Php 50-60 for each person. Then from Antipolo (bayan), just take the tricycle going to Casa Ibiza which costs Php 60 per special trip.

Food: Food at Casa Ibiza can be quite expensive like per menu item will cost you around Php 150 and above. So, we opted to explore Antipolo and bought some snacks from Shopwise.

The Resort: Casa Ibiza is like a row of houses that you can rent out for a weekend getaway with family and friends. They have a restaurant, swimming pool for kids and adults, cabanas to hang out with your companions, events reception area ideal for wedding and other parties.

Here are some photos that I would like to share...

If you look at it from outside, it's like a row of houses/apartments just like any other subdivision or villages. Casa Ibiza's units are quite colorful to keep up with the Mexican-Mediterranean theme.

This is how it looks it from outside

When you go inside, the units are simple, quaint, just comfortable for you to relax. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of the room but, in the "blue" unit that we availed, there were 3 rooms -- 1 master's bedroom with private bathroom and 2 additional rooms with 1 shared bathroom.

stuff for hygiene :)

living room area

kitchen (but you cannot cook)

dining area

This is how the swimming pool looks like. As what others say, "looks can be deceiving" because when you look at Casa Ibiza's flyers and photos, it'll make you feel like you wanna head over to the place and experience R & R. Well, I couldn't say it was awful perhaps, just the average kind of resort.

pool for kids at 2-feet

pool for adults at 5-feet

This is their so-called restaurant. We had our complimentary breakfast in here and again, food was very plain you won't feel very full, but it was enough to satisfy your hunger.

Casa Ibiza - restaurant

Entrance

So, there....I hope I satisfied your curiosity on what to expect if you are planning to spend a weekend at Casa Ibiza. I would rate it an overall score of 3 out of 5. It was a nice place but nothing extravagant. The bottom line is don't expect too much. What's important is I enjoyed my friends' company, and that's one thing to be thankful for.

Food Tripping in Tagaytay City

We went on a road trip to Tagaytay one weekend. A road trip which turned out to be a food trip as well. Years back we visited Gourmet Restaurant in KM 52 Aguinaldo Highway Tagaytay City. It has an old-vintage feel with a grand piano on the center of the restaurant. After 3 years, we visited the place and it has transformed into a whole niew modern Greek-inspired restaurant. I must say that I miss the old restaurant which has the "homey" and warm atmosphere as compared to what it is now which is like a one big reception hall.

Well, just to share some photos of the food we ate:

menu

fish and chips

i forgot the exact name of this dish but it was chicken with olive oil and herbs

 After lunch, we proceeded to Cliffhouse in Tagaytay and splurge on a variety of crepes for dessert at Cafe Breton.

I wonder where will be our next food trip this holiday season. Happy Food Tripping everyone! :)