LODI: Mr. Bernard Factor Canaberal

LODI—Lots Of Drive Inflicted. Indeed. A great talk by the a great man, I can say. Even without the talk, his presence is already a motivation to me—a newbie on this industry.

His life of ups and downs and ups and downs and ups and continuously moving up and down is truly full of inspirations and good lessons for me, personally. The roller coaster of his journey is really the representation of the quote, "the only constant in this world is change." Changing colors. Changing shapes. Changing smell. Changing everything. 

That is obviously what we are living for, for change and to change. Everything was already planned, we just have to go above the flow. It's not with or in the flow but above it, because we should still always see where we are going—it's just for us to know where we are going.

Chapter 4 of 4: The Finale and The Start

We started the day for another tongue twisters, me, myself, was eager to have that speech exercise. But unfortunately, my name was not called—so I just simultaneously recite with those who were picked. I did that to also wake up my self on a freezing morning.

For the sessions, there are number of speakers invited. Their points mainly runs about doing the best practices to take care of the voice and we really need to have good tools or instruments to make quality recordings for our clients—we are starting to invest on these tools to cope up. Sir Pocholo presented the things that we can do after the program. Gave us some advices about sites, fees, costs on being a voice artist.

Afternoon session was really enjoyable. We finally tried dubbing. We did our group dubbing and it's so satisfying that our listeners liked what we did. That was the only activity out of the four activities that we felt and already claimed that we are certified voice artists.

We ended the day without goodbyes because as what our mentors and seniors assured to us, they will continually help us on this journey. The end of the program is not the end—that was the start of my chosen path.

Chapter 3 of 4: The Determination

The day that Manila was woke up by a strong earthquake and some parts of the country has heavy rains, was strongly flooded and their electricity was blocked that why only some was able to attend the class. But they are, we are, so determined that they find ways to attend even in hardships. A commendable spirit.

On the first our of the day, sir Pocholo presented the CVAP Mantra. He explained the content of the mantra that he personally wrote. Did you the feeling of while reading it, your passion was energized and made your drive to be in fire to continue the program? That's what I felt. It made my heart happy.

For that week's session, sir Pocholo and the other presenter made us realize that practicing is so important. He said that we should self-direct and give feedback to our own works which is truly helpful because the only person you knew you and know how to make yourself better is you. The day was good, we did a speech exercises—tongue twisters. Your teachers really made you recite all of that not to give you burden but to give you a way to make your speaking ability be better or even best.

Lastly, for our activity—we did a radio drama that the program entitled, zoom-arte. We just presented our story plot. That was an exciting activity and the group, in complete attendance, enjoyed the discussion alot.

Chapter 2 of 4: The Struggle

"Kakayanin." The line I literally said after day one ends—with all the pressure on coping and the burdened feeling when I received the assignment I rarely tried to do before. From the day after day one to the second Saturday, I had only establish platforms and none of my assignments were created. I lost my focus because of the busy week, it made me think that maybe I can't continue with this. "Kaya ko ba talaga."

More questions were building up as day two of the program was approaching. Questions left unanswered until the day came.

"Ano nga ba talaga ang Voice Artistry? What could I do? How can I do it?" Queries of an infant voice artist and I got the answers right away that day from the first speaker. The Voice Scout made me realize that those things are not new to me, from the platforms to the equipments that'll be used. I've been there, I touched everything—my mind just lied to me that I'm innocent enough that in fact, I wasn't. It moved me, made me step a level higher.

As the day was running, it made me think about the questions I have and I am slapped by the truth that all were just excuses. Sir Choy and the other CVAP leaders sprinkled salt to my wounded leg of passion and made me want to run the mile. "Hindi ko namamalayan na nakikinig na pala ako ng mabuti na hindi masyadong ginawa noong unang araw." A hypocrite lake turned into a pushed forward flowing stream.

"Nagkaroon rin ako ng ganang magpatuloy nang nabigyan ako ng pagkakataong magsalita sa activity for day two." I was super nervous at that time, it was like "nanlalamig ang katawan ko ngunit natutunaw ang loob." Conquering my fear on speaking or presenting at a virtual stage to number of people is another leap and I survived.

Day two really punched me and kicked my ass to continue this path specially when Mr. Robinson presents. He was the real deal and the proof that I don't have questions and doubts—it was all excuses. "Kinaya niya—bakit hindi ko kaya?" It was a motivational day for an unmotivated voice.

—Bannie "BBVoice" Bandibas

Youtube Channel: BBVoice TV

Facebook Page: BBVoice

Tiktok Account: BannieBunny

Chapter 1 of 4: The Choice

Scholarship. I received the news that I was accepted as a scholar for Creative Voice Artist Program Batch 8 one day before the first day of the four classes. I got the slot from a challenge in tiktok given by Ms. Grace, also known as Voice Grasya or Grasya Raketera—I was in shock and I felt extreme excitement and overjoy. But the joy and burning fire comes with the wind of doubts and fear that made me nervous on a journey that I only got less idea about. It was a choosing moment and I choose to walk inside that forest. 

Day one, the starting point, of the program and I have only my smartphone and a white samsung earphone that has attached microphone. I had the cheapest investment, thinking maybe I won't gain much on this—that's what I thought.

The hosts. I was amazed by the hosts, they told us that they were products of the same program I'm in. The moment they shared that, I suddenly had a thought on my mind that maybe this is worth it. I felt fortunate. 

As the program continues, the presentation of the speakers starting to flame up my excitement on the class. I can't help myself on smiling, felt happy for my self accepted the next level of the challenge. That was not I game but I am moving victoriously.

Until Mr. Pocholo "The Voice Master" Gonzalez had his talk and can't believe that I'll be meeting him, even virtually—his words still lingers in my heart. His story touches me like a father giving advices and words of wisdom to his son. That moment was the rebirth of a shy and silent boy to a loud beating passionate man of art. 

Yes, I am an artist since I first written my words and became a formal writer in my teenage years. Now, the voice of a spoken word artist who summoned the public speaking has now a drive to continue on being the voice of literature, art, and healthy advocacy. 

I became a fan of voice artistry and what happened that day made me realize—I should be a fan of my self first, a believer of my talent and skills to move forward on this path I'm taking. Gratitude is all I felt.

—Bannie "BBVoice" Bandibas

Youtube Channel: BBVoice TV

Facebook Page: BBVoice

Tiktok Link: BannieBunny