Before attending this event, I’ve been documenting my journey through my previous blogs—from working in the BPO industry, to making the transition into freelancing, and eventually starting my own virtual assistance agency. Each stage has been a stepping stone that shaped my perspective on career growth, online opportunities, and building something of my own in the digital space.
As part of that continuing journey, I attended the Mindanao Freelancing Summit, where I had the opportunity to be surrounded by a powerful community of coaches, agency owners, and digital entrepreneurs from all over the Philippines. The event was a meaningful gathering of individuals who are actively shaping the freelancing and online business space, especially in Mindanao and beyond.
One of the highlights of the summit was hearing from industry leaders and speakers, including Chinkee Tan, who shared valuable insights on financial discipline, mindset, and building long-term wealth. His talk stood out as one of the biggest highlights of the entire event, especially in how he emphasized practical money habits and the importance of financial freedom for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Alongside him, there were also other notable mentors, coaches, and ecosystem builders who contributed to the summit’s learning experience. This included Jaycee Tan, an agency and freelancing mentor known for guiding aspiring virtual assistants and agency owners; Nats Magno, an automation and systems expert who focuses on streamlining workflows and scaling online businesses; and representatives from the FH Moms, a well-known community in the VA and freelancing space led by founder MK Bertulfo, herself, who has been actively involved in building and supporting freelancers and agencies. The event also featured other branding and business strategy mentors and ecosystem builders who shared insights on scaling agencies, improving systems, and strengthening personal branding in the freelancing industry. In addition, there were content creators and community voices such as Sherwinabols, Ante Glads, and other VA coaches and freelancers from Mindanao who shared their experiences in growing their personal brands, building client relationships, and thriving in the digital space.
What made the experience even more impactful was the opportunity to connect personally with fellow agency owners like myself, as well as aspiring and experienced freelancers who came from different parts of the country. There were also Mindanao-based YouTubers, bloggers, and content creators who added a unique perspective on personal branding and growing influence in the digital space.
Overall, the summit was not just an event—it was a space for learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections with people who are all working toward building successful careers in the digital economy.
