What does it really look like to work as a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines? For 19 KOICA scholars, the answer came not from a textbook but from a full day of immersion at WrkPod’s facility in Buñao, Dumaguete City.
On March 24, the trainees, accompanied by Lee Kyung Min, Project Action Officer and Senior Researcher of Hannam University’s Asia Pacific Cross-border Center, visited WrkPod as part of the AI and Big Data Management with KOICA Digital Transformation program, a collaboration between Silliman University, Hannam University in Korea, and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
A Tour Beyond the Building
From the outside, WrkPod looks like an ordinary building. Step inside, and it’s a different story.
“Outside, it’s just like a building. On the inside, it’s like a very conducive workspace,” shared Karen Claire Avenido, one of the KOICA trainees. “I’m actually impressed that it looks like this on the inside.”
During the immersion, scholars were given a full tour of the facility, had the chance to meet and interact with WrkPod’s Virtual Assistants and Professionals (VA-Ps), observed how they operate on a day-to-day basis, and even got a glimpse into proper virtual meeting etiquette, things you simply can’t learn from a seminar alone.
Learning from WrkPod’s Core Teams
The immersion also included a structured training session led by Miss Luchie Stemper, WrkPod’s Training Manager, featuring four speakers who each represented a key pillar of WrkPod’s operations:
Vir Antonio Silva (Head of Recruitment) — spoke on the Sourcing side, sharing how WrkPod finds and selects the right talent.
James Thompson (Executive Director) — represented the Visionary side, discussing WrkPod’s history, vision, and the bigger picture of what Virtual Assistance means.
Michael Rey Ramos (AirSecretary – Operations Manager) — covered the Operations side, giving trainees an inside look at how WrkPod runs day to day.
Jelo Silvano (GPHero – Appointment Setter / Training Support) — represented the Training side, sharing practical insights on what it takes to thrive as a VA.
More Than a Virtual Assistant — A Remote Professional
One message resonated deeply with everyone in the room: when you work at WrkPod, you’re not just a Virtual Assistant. You are a Remote Professional.
James Thompson challenged the trainees to build on the foundations that matter most. English fluency, confidence, and effective communication because these are what make a truly exceptional remote professional.
“I like how he framed the service not just as Virtual Assistance but rather as a remote professional,” said Karen. “It’s kind of revolutionizing what Filipinos can offer. It elevates the status, you’re not JUST doing Virtual Assistance, you’re a remote professional working for an international company.“
Trainees Ready to Take the Next Step
The immersion left a lasting impression on the scholars.
Ritchi Sumalpong Montenegro, another trainee, reflected on the experience: “I learned a lot, especially as a person without background. Seeing how the VA-Ps work and how they respond, it’s quite different from what I expected. I know there’s still a lot I need to learn. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Definitely, I would like to apply at WrkPod.”
Karen also expressed strong interest in joining the team. While she had prior experience in executive assistance, difficult night shift schedules had taken a toll on her health. WrkPod’s day shift setup stood out as a game-changer. “That’s why I love it here at WrkPod, it’s a day shift,” she said.
WrkPod: KOICA’s First-Choice Placement Company
For Lee Kyung Min and the KOICA project team, WrkPod wasn’t just a stop on the itinerary, it was the top recommendation for job placement.
“Among those companies, I think WrkPod is the most desirable company that we want to place our trainees in because it also has good working conditions and has a great vision,” said Lee Kyung Min. “This is our first goal company.”
The KOICA program, offered free of charge in partnership with TESDA, aims to train local citizens in AI and big data while actively connecting them to career opportunities in the BPO and IT sectors. Trainees who complete the program receive an NCII certificate, a recognized credential that opens doors across industries.
Building Bridges, Building Futures
At WrkPod, we believe that every person who walks through our doors, whether as a visitor, a trainee, or a new team member, deserves to see what’s truly possible in the world of remote work.
We’re proud to open our doors to programs like KOICA and look forward to welcoming talented remote professionals into the WrkPod family.
