From "Cringe" to Confidence: Xena Bondoc on Embracing the Power of the "Love Wabida" VoiceThe sound of one's own voice can often be a source of deep-seated insecurity, particularly when it doesn't align with how we perceive ourselves. For Xena Bondoc, professionally known by her voice brand "Love Wabida," the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP) was the catalyst for a radical shift in perspective. Her journey is a masterclass in turning perceived vocal "weaknesses" into unique professional strengths.
For years, Xena struggled with vocal self-consciousness. Her voice consistently sounded much younger than her actual age often being mistaken for that of an 18-year-old. This led to a sense of jealousy toward women her age who possessed more mature, "adult" tones.
CVAP challenged this "cringe" factor by teaching Xena that every voice has its own specific market and personality. Today, Xena has traded her jealousy for pride, embracing her youthful range as a versatile tool that sets her apart in the industry.
While mindset was a major hurdle, the physical mechanics of speech were equally important. Over the intensive one-month program, Xena achieved significant technical breakthroughs:
Controlling the Pace: As a naturally fast speaker, Xena mastered the art of pacing, learning when to breathe and how to let a script "land."
Precision and Clarity: She actively worked to eliminate the habit of "eating her words" a common struggle where syllables are rushed or mumbled resulting in a much cleaner, professional output.
Xena highlights that CVAP is far from a passive online workshop. She emphasizes that the program is defined by its rigor and a heavy volume of assignments designed to test a student's "voice chops" in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach forced her to navigate various formats, including:
Radio Advertisements: Focusing on punchy delivery and timing.
TV Commercials: Learning to sync vocal energy with visual narratives.
Reality-Based Training: Beyond just acting, the trainers and coordinators provided a "no-nonsense" look at the industry's professional expectations.
Xena acknowledges that the future of a creative career is often an "unknown." However, she no longer views this with fear. Through CVAP, she has developed a professional flexibility that transcends specific gigs.
She now understands that being a voice artist isn't just about landing a single dubbing role; it's about the ability to adapt and the confidence to utilize her voice as a professional tool in any situation. Whether the world needs "Love Wabida" or a more refined corporate tone, Xena is ready to deliver.
