A Real Experience from the CVAP Workshop
Entering the world of voice acting can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially for someone stepping into the industry for the first time. For one participant in the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP), the journey has been exactly that—a mix of discovery, challenge, exhaustion, and determination.
From the beginning, the CVAP journey introduced a wide range of lessons that go far beyond simply speaking into a microphone. The program covers everything from how to start in the voice industry, what equipment to use, and how to properly take care of one’s voice. Participants also learn about habits that can affect vocal performance, such as avoiding certain drinks like coffee that may strain the voice. These are things that many aspiring voice artists may not think about at first, but they are essential parts of building a sustainable career.
When asked whether the workshop brought new learnings, the answer was a definite yes. The sessions opened the participant’s eyes to aspects of the voice industry that had never crossed their mind before, such as how voice artists actually find gigs and earn from their craft. Initially, the main intention for joining the program was simply to observe and understand what it feels like to be part of the world of voice acting. But along the way, the experience started to reveal deeper layers of the industry.
One interesting realization came from interacting with fellow participants. Among them was someone with an incredibly impressive voice—so powerful and polished that it seemed capable of fulfilling a mentor’s dream of hearing a student’s voice featured in Philippine Airlines announcements someday. Hearing such talent was both inspiring and humbling. Compared to that voice, the participant jokingly described their own voice as sounding like a “voice lata,” or metallic and plain. Yet moments like this also highlight the diversity of voices within the industry, reminding everyone that each voice carries its own unique potential.
Despite the intensity of the program, the hosts and mentors manage to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. Even when participants are running on very little sleep, the energy of the hosts keeps the sessions dynamic and enjoyable. They incorporate mini-games related to the lessons, which help reinforce the concepts while making the learning process more interactive and memorable.
Still, the reality of balancing the workshop with everyday responsibilities can be challenging. Many participants are either working professionals or students, juggling their schedules while trying to keep up with assignments and sessions. For someone working an 8-to-5 schedule, staying up late to complete tasks can be a real struggle. Interestingly, the assignments themselves are not necessarily difficult—the real challenge lies in finding the time and energy to complete them.
Creativity also plays a major role in the process. For some participants, producing creative outputs requires inspiration rather than pressure. Creating something artistic while feeling exhausted can be difficult, and forcing creativity sometimes leads to less satisfying results. Fatigue from work and limited sleep can make it feel as though the creative energy has temporarily run dry.
At one point, the participant even considered postponing the journey and joining a future batch instead, hoping to prepare more thoroughly next time. However, doing so would mean starting over again from the beginning—a thought that ultimately strengthened the resolve to continue.
With only a few hours left to complete the remaining tasks, the participant chooses not to give up. Despite the fatigue, the determination to finish the journey remains strong. Instead of stepping away, they decide to push forward and ride the journey all the way to the end.
The CVAP experience is not always easy, but it is undeniably meaningful. It challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, manage their time wisely, and tap into their creativity even during moments of exhaustion. More importantly, it reminds aspiring voice artists that every journey toward a dream requires persistence.
And sometimes, the most important lesson is simply learning not to quit—no matter how tiring the road may be.