Beyond the Voice: How Zarina Mendoza Found Her "Soul Family" and Purpose in CVAPFor many, the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP) is a professional milestone. But for Zarina Alexander Mendoza (known to her community as Lavos Emperatriz), it was a surreal, life-altering intervention. In an emotional testimonial, Zarina reveals that while she entered the program to hone a talent, she left with a reconstructed core and a brand-new definition of "family." Shaking the Core: More Than a Talent Workshop Zarina admits she initially expected a typical workshop—a place to showcase her voice and learn the technicalities of the trade. However, the reality of CVAP was far more profound. She describes the experience as something that "shakes your core". The program shifted her perspective from simply earning or performing to a higher calling: using one's voice for a beautiful purpose. She credits the mentors for looking past individual skill levels and focusing on the growth of every student, ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of their initial talent.
Perhaps the most moving part of Zarina’s journey is her transparency regarding her personal struggles. Having grown up without a traditional support system and feeling abandoned by those who should have been there, she battled deep-seated insecurities (07:45). "I naging mahiyain ako because I feel like I'm not good enough... I have no one to really support the things I wanted to do." Throughout the one-month program, Zarina faced intense bouts of "imposter syndrome," constantly questioning if she deserved to be among such talented peers. However, the mentorship provided a "reason to hold on." By following the mentors' advice to always return to her "Why," she was able to navigate through depression and self-doubt to find her footing.
Zarina’s story is a powerful testament to the community-building power of CVAP. Having lacked a support system for most of her life, she found a "solid squad" within the program. She highlights her unique "tandem" with her best friend, Martin, noting how their strengths and weaknesses complemented each other—her leadership balancing his technical quietude to create a perfect team. The "voicemates" she met weren't just colleagues; they became a found family. She describes a level of mental synchronization and connection that she never thought possible in such a short amount of time. Though the program officially lasts only a month, Zarina is certain the impact is for a lifetime. The Seeds are Planted: She believes the program planted something deep within her core that will eventually "bloom into a beautiful thing."
A New Purpose: She has moved from a place of hiding to a place of leading, armed with the realization that her voice has a mission. Zarina concludes her journey with a "million thanks" to Sir Pocholo de Leon Gonzalez, the secretariats, and the mentors who allowed her to find her strength. For Zarina, CVAP didn't just certify her as a voice artist—it reminded her that she is, and has always been, enough.