In a heartfelt testimonial, Ed Gkalikai—also known as “The Green MindEd Voice”—shares how the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP) Batch 13 became a turning point in his creative life.Like many creatives, Ed’s routine was disrupted when the pandemic put a pause on in-person activities. As an active member of Igers Manila, an online community for Filipino Instagrammers, he was used to creating, collaborating, and expressing himself through shared experiences. When those routines suddenly stopped, Ed found himself searching for new creative outlets in the digital space. That search led him to an unexpected discovery: a CVAP voice-over challenge on TikTok. Curious and eager to grow, Ed decided to take the leap and enroll in the program. At first, his expectations were straightforward. He thought CVAP would mainly focus on the technical side of voice acting—refining vocal delivery, learning industry techniques, and upgrading his skills. While the program certainly delivered on that front, Ed quickly realized it offered something far deeper. CVAP didn’t just train the voice; it reshaped the mindset and touched the heart. Despite being conducted entirely via Zoom, the training sessions were far from passive. Ed describes them as highly engaging, thanks to the trainers’ careful preparation and the sharing of valuable “pathologies”—real-life lessons drawn from professional experience. The hosts further elevated the experience by incorporating interactive icebreakers, keeping the atmosphere light, dynamic, and welcoming. CVAP, however, was not an easy ride. The program demanded commitment and perseverance. Participants were required to complete numerous assignments that pushed them beyond their comfort zones. These tasks challenged them to uncover hidden strengths not only in voice acting, but also in scriptwriting, acting, audio editing, and video editing—proving that becoming a certified voice artist requires versatility and discipline. One of the most meaningful aspects of the program for Ed was the community. CVAP brought together “voicemails”—fellow students from diverse backgrounds, professions, and life experiences. This diversity fostered mutual respect, appreciation of individual talents, and a spirit of collaboration that extended beyond the classroom. As Ed reflects on his journey, gratitude stands at the forefront. He expresses his heartfelt thanks to Sir Pocholo De Leon Gonzales for initiating the Certified Voice Artist Program, as well as to the trainers, mentors, and secretariat who generously shared their time, effort, and knowledge.
What began as a personal pursuit of growth ultimately became something much bigger. Ed entered CVAP with a mindset focused on “me and I,” but he finished with a sense of “we and us.” More than a training program, CVAP became a family—one that reshaped his creative path and strengthened his belief in the power of community.