Jhay, your VA Lakwatsero

09/06/2026

As a Virtual Assistant working the graveyard shift on EST, I have become used to sleeping during the day. Rest was never really a problem for me.

But the recent earthquakes and continuous aftershocks being experienced across SOCCSKSARGEN have changed that.

What makes it difficult is not the lack of opportunity to sleep. It is the uncertainty. Every time I prepare to rest after my shift, there is that lingering thought in the back of my mind: What if another strong earthquake happens while everyone is asleep?

For those who know me personally, you may know that I have been dealing with anxiety over the past few months. While I continue to manage it one day at a time, the recent earthquakes have become a trigger. Every aftershock, every sudden vibration, and every emergency alert brings back that feeling of worry and uneasiness.

Many people see the shaking that lasts for a few seconds. What they do not always see is the mental and emotional impact that remains long after the ground stops moving.

Today, I am grateful that my family, friends, and loved ones are safe. But I also know that many families across Mindanao are still dealing with fear, uncertainty, sleepless nights, and the possibility of more aftershocks.

If you have family, friends, classmates, colleagues, or loved ones in SOCCSKSARGEN, General Santos City, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Davao Region, and other affected areas of Mindanao, take a moment to check on them. A simple message asking, "Are you okay?" can mean more than you realize.

And if you can, please include Mindanao in your prayers.

Pray for the safety of our communities.
Pray for the families who are anxious and afraid.
Pray for the responders and local government units working on the ground.
Pray that the aftershocks will cease and that our communities can recover peacefully.

To everyone experiencing the same fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, you are not alone.

🙏 Pray for Mindanao.

08/06/2026

AFTERSHOCKS

On duty now 😢

08/06/2026

"Thankfully we're all safe."

That message may seem simple, but today it carried a lot of meaning.

This morning, Mindanao was shaken by a powerful earthquake with an epicenter near General Santos City. Here in Koronadal City, the shaking was intense enough to send people rushing outside their homes, offices, and establishments. Power and water services were disrupted in several areas, and many of us spent hours checking on family, friends, and loved ones. PHIVOLCS recorded Instrumental Intensity VII in Koronadal City, which means very destructive shaking was experienced in the area.

As a Virtual Assistant, I was surprised when a client from the US immediately messaged me to check if I was okay. It was a simple gesture, but it reminded me that behind deadlines, projects, and meetings are real people who genuinely care.

Thankfully, my family and I are safe. Power and water have been restored in our area, and we continue to pray for those who were affected more severely by the earthquake across Mindanao. Authorities continue to assess damages while residents remain alert for aftershocks.

Today is a reminder that life can change in a matter of seconds. Check on your loved ones. Be prepared for emergencies. And never underestimate the impact of a simple message asking, "Are you okay?"

To everyone affected by the earthquake, stay safe and take care.

25/05/2026

how time flies. it's been a year. grateful for the opportunity and still looking forward to what lies ahead. 🥹

FROM GOVERNMENT WORKER TO VIRTUAL ASSISTANT! 💻

Meet Jhay, a former government worker for 10 years, who traded paperwork for purpose — and is now thriving in the freelancing world with multiple clients! 🙌

In this episode of KAPEHAN with SURGE, we dive into his bold career shift, the fears he had to face, and the freedom he never imagined possible.

💬 “I never thought I’d be working from home, earning more, and spending time with my family — but here I am.”

If you’ve ever wondered “Pwede rin kaya ako?” — this story is your answer.

▶️ Watch now. Be inspired. Then take the leap.

Join the group to rewatch this episode: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AKTqXPEyy/

05/05/2026

On this day last year, I faced a decision that shaped my future. I chose to stay and let go of my plan to pursue the Australian dream. At that time, becoming a Virtual Assistant was only a temporary step while I waited for my student visa. I thought it was simply something to do while preparing for another path.

But life moved in a different direction. What started as a short term plan slowly turned into something bigger. One major decision led to another. I resigned from my government job after nine years. I stepped away from the life I once thought was secure. Instead of leaving the country, I built a new career online.

Today I work as a full time Virtual Assistant. The path changed, but the purpose became clearer. Sometimes the plans we release create space for the opportunities that truly fit our lives. Looking back, letting go of that dream allowed me to build a different one.

"From Australia to Here: Choosing the Life I Didn't Expect to Be Living"
by Jhay, your VA Lakwatsero

I had to make a difficult decision today.

Last year, I applied to study in Australia — a big leap I had been preparing for since November. And just recently, the school sent me my official school invitation. It’s been sitting quietly in my inbox for a long time. All I’ve been waiting for is the visa approval. Everything was lining up.

But instead of moving forward… I paused.
And today, I said NO!

As soon as I made the decision, all the emotions rushed in. I broke down — tears falling, heart pounding — not from regret, but from release. From the realization that I’m already living the life I once prayed so hard for.

A life of freedom. Flexibility. Peace.

Years ago, when I was still in the government, I was drowning in stress. Sleepless nights. Hard work that went unseen. I felt like I was always trying to please someone else, always chasing validation that never came. I was exhausted. Lost.

But now? I wake up in a different world. One where I can breathe. Where I can create. Where I feel seen. Becoming a virtual assistant — living this digital nomad life — wasn’t part of my original plan. But somehow, it became the answered prayer I didn’t realize I had already received.

The Australia dream was huge. It held so much promise. But I kept asking myself… Will it be worth leaving the life I’ve finally found joy in?

And honestly? My heart said no.

This VA journey may be slower, quieter, more uncertain — but it's also full of soul. Full of meaning. It’s a life where I can be me. Fully.

I’m so grateful that my partner supported me without hesitation. He simply said, “I’m happy because you’re happy.” And that was everything I needed to hear.

So yes, it hurt to say no to something so big.
But I’ve said yes to something even greater: a life where I am free, fulfilled, and finally… home.

This is me — Jhay, your VA Lakwatsero.

Still dreaming, still traveling, and still trusting the path I'm on.
This is just the beginning.

03/05/2026

You reach your 30s and suddenly life feels heavier.

People expect you to have it figured out. A stable career. Clear direction. Solid plans. Yet many of us are still trying to understand where we truly belong.

This stage brings quiet pressure. We compare our timelines with people around us. We see friends reaching milestones. We scroll through social media and see achievements, travels, businesses, families. Without noticing, comparison starts shaping how we see our own lives.

Sometimes it leads to doubt. We overthink the paths we chose. We question decisions we made years ago. There are moments when we feel behind, lost, or unsure if we are doing life right.

But the truth is simple. Many people in their 30s feel the same way. They just do not always say it out loud.

That is why support groups matter. Friends who understand the struggle. Friends who listen without judgment. Friends who remind you that you are not alone in figuring life out.

Recently we talked about gathering again. Not for anything grand. Just to pause. To clear the mind and soul. To talk honestly about life. To laugh. To remind each other that we are still moving forward, even if the pace is slow.

Maybe our 30s are not meant to be perfect. Maybe this decade is about learning, healing, and building a life that truly feels like our own.

If you are also navigating life in your 30s and sometimes feel lost, know that you are not the only one. Share your story. Talk to your people. And if you have a support group, hold on to them. They make the journey lighter.

01/05/2026

Ngayong Mayo 1, ipinagdiriwang natin ang 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚.

Salamat sa sipag, tiyaga, at dedikasyon ng bawat manggagawang Pilipino. Kayo ang patuloy na nagpapatakbo ng ating mga komunidad, negosyo, at pangarap.

Ang bawat oras ng inyong trabaho ay may halaga. Ang bawat ambag ninyo ay mahalaga.

𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨.

29/04/2026

gutom yern

28/04/2026

Latest Dollar to Peso Rate.

28/04/2026

documenting myself creating a pubmat for labor day and our dogs decided to sabotage me 😅