How long does it take for a typical working Filipino to be able to afford a house of their own? Some would say 10-15 years, while others push their luck on lottery as their only possible chance of buying the house of their dreams. 

Filipinos, however, are hard-working enough in finding side jobs and money-making opportunities. Within our research, we encounter stories of people earning a lofty, seemingly-impossible income just by selling online or freelancing.  And these are stories of average Filipinos. No shortcuts. No hidden wealth. Just pure heart and hard work. 

I’m sure some of you might have encountered the story of a freelancer who was able to purchase a house in a record time of one year. His story became viral because many, myself included, are curious about how he managed to do that. What was his job? Was he born of money? How is it possible? These are just some of the questions that crossed our minds. Luckily, he was kind enough to share his secret with the world. 

Meet Ronilo C. Palama. He’s a hustling freelancer specializing in web design and proud owner of the said house. He started as a general virtual assistant but eventually niched down to web designing. In his spare time, he mentors other freelancers and imparts some of his knowledge and best practices to them. Let’s get to know more of the man who made the impossible possible.

From Humble Beginnings

Ronilo or “Ronskie” started as a working student in college. Hard work was already in his blood as he experienced several jobs from home electronics to fast-food chains. He came to a point where he thought of searching for a side job just to earn extra income. His goal wasn’t ambitious as he was just aiming to at least earn an additional PHP 3,000-5,000 a month. 

In the middle of his search, he came across a Facebook post by Jason Dulay which was about freelancing. He was skeptical at the first thought of it, but never closed his doors. After a month of lurking and gathering information about freelancing, he encountered a success story he never thought would eventually change his life. 

Inspiration Impacts

Anna Soriano was one of the coaches of VA Bootcamp. Right before freelancing, she almost lost her home due to financial difficulties. Just like everyone else, she also struggled during the early moments of her freelancing career but she never gave up. She persevered and her hard work came to fruition. After two years, she was able to purchase a house and a car. 

Her story was so compelling that it convinced Ronskie to make a life-changing decision. His research came to an end and decided that it was time.

Challenge Accepted

Ronskie wasted no time and enrolled in the VA Bootcamp Starter Course (presently known as Accelerated Course). He dived into the world of freelancing with neither prior knowledge nor experience. Yet he still ventured on, only bringing with him Anna’s success story which served as his roadmap towards his own goal -- to purchase a house within a year of freelancing.

He took part in the Guided Hustle Challenge, one of the programs offered to qualified bootcamp graduates that would help them land their first client. The challenge lived up to its expectations as Ronskie was able to land his first client in just 2 weeks. Due to his hard-working nature, he was able to achieve the goal he set for himself. 

He made an impressive record that got everyone curious as to how he did it. Not only was he able to acquire his very own home in the first year, but also reached his first $10,000 in earnings on Upwork. 

The Hustle Never Rests

What was truly admirable about Ronskie is that he continues to challenge himself. Others may consider a home as their end goal but it wasn’t for Ronskie. He upskilled by upgrading to the Complete Course where he discovered his passion for web designing. 

It was no secret that he didn’t come from an IT background but it was his curiosity and desire to learn that attracted him to the niche that eventually helped him become an expert in the field. His journey proved that formal education is not a prerequisite if you want to succeed in freelancing. It only depends on how much you are willing to work for it. The following year, he reached his second $10,000 milestone on Upwork. 

“Knowledge is wasted when it isn’t shared" -J.M. Cornwell

Aside from purchasing his own house (which was from his earnings as VA alone), he was offered a mentor position by Jason Dulay and immediately said yes without hesitation. This is his way of saying thank you and giving back to the community that molded him into the success that he is right now. 

I had a rare opportunity to sit down with Ronskie himself to get more insights into his journey in a quick 15-minute interview (knowing I couldn’t afford his time by the hour).

What was your initial perception of freelancing?

Nagmasid muna ako ng isang buwan sa FLIP (FreeLancers in the Philippines - by Jason Dulay Facebook Group) kasi hindi ako naniniwala. After all, na-realize ko, ang pinakamaganda (pagmasdan ay) yung FLIP at JasSuccess. Dun ako sa JasSuccess na-convince kasi masyadong raw (ang testimonials ng freelancers). After siguro ng isang buwan, nag-try ako at nag-enroll.

What was the most defining moment that changed everything for you?

Nung nalaman ko lang na totoo pala siya. Yung rate ko sa corporate na-i-compare ko siya. Kaya kong kikitain sa isang linggo lang yung isang buwan sa corporate. Ito na yun. 

How did you handle your very first client?

Follow instructions lang. Ito nalaman ko ‘to sa course natin. Pag ‘di mo alam anong gagawin mo, you have to ask para walang masayang na oras. Ask lang ako then nanghingi ng video instructions kasi gusto nila ‘yun na nakikipag-coordinate ka with the business, para mabilis at hindi paulit-ulit. 

Did you ever come close to giving up and think of just going back to the corporate world? How did you overcome it?

Actually, hindi eh. After ng first client ko, ‘yun na ‘yung sign na hinahanap ko eh. May hesitation ka pa din. Pero dumating ‘yung sign na totoo palang may client. Totoo palang may ganito, ganyan. Tinuluy-tuloy ko na siya. Nawalan na ako ng doubt. Siguro sa una lang pero ewan ko lang kung swerte ako o sinunod ko lang talaga yung sa VA Bootcamp.

Impressive talaga kasi you followed what you’re really passionate about. Hindi ka ba napanghinaan ng loob?

Isang word lang naman kasi kailangan ko eh. Gusto ko ng change. Basta alam mo lang yung why mo. 

Now that you are a mentor, what is the common mistake that newbies are unconsciously making?

Nag-skip sila sa course pa lang. Kasi andun na lahat eh. Marami na din akong mga mentees. Wish ko lang sana: ‘Wag silang mag skip sa course kasi outline na siya eh. Andun na lahat ng kailangan mo. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to 2018 Ronskie who is about to get started on his freelancing career?

Mag take action talaga kasi ‘wag lang puro ‘how’. Wag lang ‘sana all.’ Kasi wala kang makukuha dun. ‘Di mo siya makukuha kung ‘di mo i-experience.  

Things continue to look up for Ronskie. As he continues to be a blessing to others, he has been receiving the same tenfold. As of this writing, he is earning probably more than $20,000 (based on his disclosed earnings) and continues to work with one of his first clients. It wouldn’t have happened if his client never offered him a raise. That alone speaks a lot of his ability as a freelancer.

Not only that, he is starting his freelancing agency too. He created a platform that paves the way for his mentees to receive the rare opportunity of being exposed to an actual client setting. 

Ronskie is a firm believer of VA Bootcamp’s courses because this is where he found success, proven and tested. He strongly encourages those who have been constantly asking him “how,” to take action and do what he did. According to him, everything you need is in there. 

Watch Ronskie tell his full story in his JasSuccess interview. You can also check out his YouTube channel where he shares different tips and tricks relating to freelancing.

Interested to know more about VA Bootcamp courses?  Find more details here.