My FOPSCO Journey : Exciting Cooperative Adventure

My FOPSCO Journey : Exciting Cooperative Adventure

It all began with an invitation from a dear friend. She introduced me to a remarkable initiative that’s shaping the future of freelancers in the Philippines – FOPSCO, the Filipino Online Professional Service Cooperative.

 

Who is FOPSCO?

FOPSCO brings together a diverse group of individuals from across our beautiful islands, including:

  • Trainers

  • Online Professionals

  • ESL Tutors

  • Agency Owners

  • Rural BPO Owners

We share a common bond – our deep admiration for the RISTT program. Witnessing the transformative power of this program and recognizing the need for support within our industry, we’ve joined hands to give back and uplift the very ecosystem that brought us here.

The Vision

FOPSCO’s vision is bold and clear – to be the leading national cooperative that empowers Filipinos to excel in the digital landscape.

The Mission

The mission is powerful – to help our fellow Filipinos achieve sustainable livelihoods in the online workspace through continuous education, mentoring, and empowerment.

Core Values

At FOPSCO, the core values spell out FOPSCOO, representing the unwavering commitment to the mission:

  • F: Follower

  • O: Objective

  • P: Professional

  • S: Supportive

  • C: Committed

  • O: Organized

As a member of this cooperative, I wholeheartedly embrace these values in everything I do.

Member Benefits My journey with FOPSCO has been nothing short of transformative.

Here are some of the member benefits we can see in the future as it is slowly growing

  • Dividends
  • Work with FOPSCo’s Client
  • Training
  • Support Group
  • Referral Program Incentives:

    Personal Success Story

    Thanks to FOPSCO, I’ve achieved remarkable growth as a Course Developer and Digital Trainer.

    I seized a training opportunity to become a trainer for  Data Annotation for Beginners in  Aroroy, Masbate.

    Through the FOPSCO network, I received referrals for SEO projects, and  I had the privilege of being a Resource Person at an event organized by DTI.

    I was honored to be selected as a trainer for the training of trainers for South Korea, showcasing our expertise on an international platform.

    FOPSCO Training of Trainers

    But I’ve come to realize that as a member, my ACTIVE PARTICIPATION is the KEY. My success is linked to the cooperative’s growth, and together, we rise.

    I invite you to join me on this incredible adventure with FOPSCO as Co-owners. Together, let’s shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Filipino freelancers.

    Ready to embark on this exciting journey?

    Sign up today and be part of something extraordinary!

    Freelancers Guide : South Korea Visa Application Without COE

    Freelancers Guide : South Korea Visa Application Without COE

    Sharing my experience with the steps I took to prepare for my South Korea Visa Application for a new opportunity to be part of the Training of Trainers for Seoul, South Korea, on  Enhancing Digital Economy Participation for ASEAN Women MSME’s.

    How I Schedule a Korean Visa Application (Korean Embassy Manila)

    Booked for Appointment  HERE. 

    We were told that there is only 1 schedule every month to book an appointment.

     

    korean visa application online appointment

     

    You can either sign up or use non-membership login. I tried both since  I got no code when I tried to sign up. What worked for me was the Non-membership Login.

    The challenge:

    • It took me around 4 hours to get  that appointment, from 8 am to 12 pm
    • I used a mobile phone, laptop, and computer simultaneously to have more chances of getting into the system since it was really difficult.

    korean visa online queing

     

    South Korea Visa Requirements I Submitted 

    1. Original passport valid for 6 months above, including previous passport/s
    2. Completed application form – typewritten on A4 paper –attached
    The font should be Arial with a size of 12 for the form. Kindly ensure that the format of the page will stay at 5 pages. The page number should be placed in the upper right corner.
    3. 2 pcs photos 1.77 x 1.37 inches colored with white background studio taken
    4. Copy of Passport’s First page (Bio-data page)
    5. Original Bank Certificate (must include account type, account number, currency, current balance, opening date, 6 months Average Daily Balance-ADB, issued within 3 months)
    6. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
    7. ITR (Income Tax Return). It should include the pages with net income and total revenue
    8. Invitation Letter since I am invited by an organization in Korea
    9. Handwritten letter of explanation since I lack a Business Permit and COE

    Invitation Letter

    Handwritten Explanation Letter of Lack of Documents

    How to Fill South Korea Visa Application Form

    How to Check the Status of Your South Korea Visa Application

    Visit this link HERE and fill up your name, passport number, and birthday. While filling this up, I noticed I got different results from 2 browsers.

     

     

    Catch the AirAsia Promo Deal: 10 Million Free Seats to Malaysia & ASEAN Destinations

    Catch the AirAsia Promo Deal: 10 Million Free Seats to Malaysia & ASEAN Destinations

    Hey fellow freelancers, have you heard the news? AirAsia, the low-cost airline with the biggest fleet, widest network, and lowest fares has launched a 10 million FREE* Seats Mega Sale across Asia and Asia Pacific.

    From now until 19 March 2023, you can fly to a wide range of exciting destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Bali, Bangkok, and more, starting from just RM23* one way for domestic cities and RM60* one way for Asean destinations. The sale ends soon, so it’s the perfect opportunity to start planning your vacations early and secure the best value deals!

    For those of you who want to explore further, AirAsia has got you covered with one-way fares to destinations such as Perth, Taipei, and Tokyo starting from just RM329* all-in. If you’re looking for a little extra comfort, you can book your premium flatbed seats to long haul destinations from only RM1,299.

    So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this amazing promotion and start planning your next adventure. Don’t forget to use the promo code “BIGPAY5” if you’re a BigPay user to enjoy a further 5% off all AirAsia flights with flight code ‘AK’ for a year. Happy travels!

     

    As a freelancer, there’s nothing more exciting than the prospect of travel. Whether it’s a much-needed break, a chance to work in a new environment, or an opportunity to explore a new culture, traveling is an important part of the freelance lifestyle. But let’s face it, travel can be expensive, and for freelancers on a tight budget, it can be difficult to find affordable flights to exciting destinations. That’s where AirAsia comes in. With their 10 million free seat sale, freelancers can finally make their travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

    AirAsia is known for their low-cost fares, and this sale takes it to a whole new level. From now until March 19, 2023, freelancers can take advantage of free seats to destinations across Asia and the Asia Pacific. Whether you want to explore Malaysia’s stunning Langkawi island or soak up the vibrant culture of Bangkok, AirAsia has got you covered. Plus, with a travel period between September 4, 2023, and August 13, 2024, you have plenty of time to plan your dream trip.

    But let’s talk about the numbers. With AirAsia’s free seat sale, freelancers can fly to domestic cities like Langkawi, Penang, and Johor Bahru from as low as RM23 (that’s less than $6 USD) one way. For those looking to venture further afield, seats to exciting destinations in ASEAN like Jakarta, Bali, and Ho Chi Minh City are available from just RM60 (less than $15 USD) one way. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, AirAsia X has got you covered with all-in one-way fares to destinations like Perth, Taipei, and Tokyo starting at just RM329 (less than $80 USD). And if you’re in the mood for some luxury, premium flatbed seats to these and many other long-haul destinations are available from RM1,299 (less than $315 USD).

    But why choose AirAsia over other airlines? For starters, AirAsia is the low-cost airline with the biggest fleet, widest network, and lowest fares. With their commitment to providing affordable and accessible flights to everyone, AirAsia has become a favorite among budget travelers and freelancers alike. And with their recent expansion to more destinations across Asia and the Asia Pacific, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of their free seat sale.

    Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. The free seat sale excludes airport tax, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharge, and other applicable fees, and it doesn’t include optional extras like checked baggage, meals, and preferred seats. But with such low fares, it’s easy to overlook these extras and focus on the excitement of your upcoming trip.

    But the best part of this sale? The chance to finally make your travel dreams a reality. As freelancers, we often work hard and sacrifice a lot to maintain our independence and pursue our passions. But with AirAsia’s free seat sale, you can take a break from the daily grind and experience the world around you without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for?

    Book your free seat today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime : CLICK HERE

    My 2019 Reflection, Getting Ready for 2020

    My 2019 Reflection, Getting Ready for 2020

    My Y2019 Reflection

    Another year has started and before I fully leave 2019, I thought it would be good to look back on what transpired in my life.

    What hightlights me the most was about going through the pain of business failures, broken relationship, betrayal in the workplace and health problems .  It was not a great year for me , but nevertheless it was a season of learning more about myself and life. I guess, I went through with what we call as “Midlife Crisis” as what other people called it.

    Overcoming of all those challenges  was not really easy, but I thank the Lord for giving me the grace and strength to slowly overcome it. Because of that season, I find myself  getting into rediscovering the within me and focused on learning new things towards personal growth.

    With that, allow me to share the 7 questions I ask daily that helped me figure out exactly what I need to find myself again.

     

    Getting Ready for 2020

    Y2019 was full of losses, but it was full of learning experiences. As I get ready for 2020, 2 things that set me now.

    • “Those things that hurt, instruct.” —Benjamin Franklin”
    • As what John Maxwell said,  “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn. ” Life is full of ups and downs , but it can be better and more fulfilling if If I look at negatives​ as a way to learn and grow.

    Failure was there to give me the change to rise up with full force for one more time. And if I have to choose a word for 2020, it’s EXPLODE. Explode the power within me.

    I am so excited for Year 2020 and praying for all the breakthroughs we all deserve. 

    Happy New Year! 🙂 

    How To Overcome Betrayal in the Workplace

    How To Overcome Betrayal in the Workplace

    How to overcome betrayal in the workplace?  This has been the question that I have pondering for the last few weeks because I can’t believe and I can’t accept that I have to go through trust betrayal. But what is trust betrayal? According to Merriam-Webster,  it is “to do something very bad and hurtful to someone that causes a loss of respect”. Betrayal is a state where there is intentional actions or omissions of a trusted person.   Betrayal affects the brain that may include but not limited to the following: damaged self-esteem, self-doubting, shock, loss & grief, and anger. On my end, I eat up all the anger within me that I wanted to rant in social media so I could just release my anger but I know it’s not proper to do it. I wanted to move on but I cannot really help it. There is so much pain and moving on is very difficult but as these days passed by, I am reminded with few things.

    1.  I have 3 choices: Define me, Destroy me, or Strengthen me.

    2.  In your ANGER do not SIN.Do not give the devil a foothold. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful of building others up. Ephesians 4: 26-29

    3.  For a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  James 1:20

    4. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

    5.  I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born says the Lord. Isaiah 66: 9

    As I look into the question on how to overcome betrayal in the workplace?

    1. Be still. Let Go and Let God. Psalm 46:10

    2.  Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. Luke 17:4

    John 16:33 says, In this world, you have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world.  Looking back, I overcome the world

    • when I was diagnosed with ameloblastoma (jaw tumor) check it here.
    • when I lost freelancing jobs, check out here.
    • when my mother died, check it here.

     As of this writing, yes, I am still in pain but I believe and by the grace of God, I know I can overcome the pain of betrayal. Moving on with a better perspective in life.