Finding My Voice: My CVAP Journey
By John Michael Serrano Leona
Stepping into something new can often feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure of what lies ahead. That was exactly how I felt when I first heard about CVAP. At the time, I didn’t even know what the program was about, and I was hesitant to join. Thankfully, people who believed in me encouraged me to take the leap. Because of the encouragement of Sheila Mee and the help of Ma’am Gloria in assisting me with my enrollment, I decided to begin what would become a meaningful and unforgettable journey.
A Surprising Start
On the first day of CVAP, Ma’am Pao introduced us to the world of voice artistry. Listening to the overview was both exciting and overwhelming. There was so much information to take in about the industry, the skills needed, and the opportunities available. Despite feeling a bit “windang” from all the new knowledge, I felt incredibly grateful that I accepted the opportunity to be part of the program.
That same afternoon, another highlight of the day was meeting my fellow BRs, mentors, and voicemates. Getting to know the people who would accompany me throughout the journey was truly special. I realized that this experience would not only help me grow as a voice artist but would also connect me with individuals who share the same passion.
Of course, the first day also came with a lot of assignments. At first, it felt overwhelming, but with determination—and with the help of many supportive people—I managed to complete them. I’m especially thankful to Ma’am Ting for guiding me in creating my website, which was a new and valuable skill for me.
Learning the Technical Side
The second day of CVAP focused more on the technical aspects of voice work. Sir Josh introduced us to the fundamentals of audio recording, which gave me a deeper understanding of how important sound quality and proper setup are in voice artistry.
We also learned about dubbing techniques from Sir Ramir. This session opened my eyes to another exciting path in the voice-over world. It made me realize that voice artistry has many possibilities—whether it’s dubbing, narration, commercials, or other creative projects.
Once again, the assignments were plentiful, and it felt a bit overwhelming at times. But I was fortunate to receive help and encouragement from my fellow BRs—Alan Caspe, Brian De Los Reyes, and Zorin. Their support made the process lighter and reminded me that this journey was not something I had to face alone.
Discovering Voice Techniques and Care
Day three felt a little lighter in terms of assignments, but it was still filled with valuable lessons. We learned about voice care, which is essential for anyone pursuing voice artistry. Protecting and maintaining the voice is just as important as learning how to use it effectively.
We also explored techniques in voice changing, which was both fun and fascinating. It showed me how versatile the human voice can be when used creatively. I was also grateful for the help of some of my fellow youth participants who assisted me in editing some of my outputs. Their willingness to help made the learning experience even more enjoyable.
Understanding the Professional Side
On the fourth day, Ma’am Lean shared insights about contract signing and the business side of voice artistry. She discussed the importance of identifying yellow flags and red flags in contracts, which is crucial for anyone entering the industry.
This session was particularly eye-opening because it highlighted the importance of protecting oneself professionally. I took plenty of notes and realized how valuable this knowledge will be when I start pursuing voice-over opportunities in the future.
Although the assignments once again made me feel “windang,” I reminded myself that every task was part of the process of chasing my dreams.
A Colorful and Meaningful Experience
Looking back, my CVAP experience has been truly wonderful and colorful. It was filled with learning, challenges, friendships, and personal growth. More importantly, it helped me realize that voice artistry is not just about speaking—it’s about storytelling, creativity, and connection.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey—my mentors, my fellow voicemates, and everyone who believed in my potential.
As the saying goes, someone out there needs to hear my voice. With the knowledge and confidence I gained from CVAP, I look forward to continuing this journey and hopefully working with my voicemates in the near future.
Thank you, CVAP, for this incredible opportunity. Maraming salamat.