Giselle Marbida – Researcher

Hello there! I am Giselle, but you can call me Gigi, Elle, or my well-known nickname, Apple.

I am a 26-year-old, soft-spoken INFJ woman from the southern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. I live in a province home to Mayon Volcano—the world’s most perfect volcano. As a homebody, I love spending my afternoons on the rooftop, watching sunsets, reading books, and exercising. I also enjoy filming everyday moments and turning them into lifestyle vlogs.

Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a Secretary—answering phone calls, sending emails, assisting clients, supporting the boss with daily tasks, and helping the company flourish. However, after graduating from college, I temporarily set that dream aside. Eager to earn money and buy the things I wanted, I took on any available job to fulfill that desire.

I started in the BPO industry as a Customer Service Representative. While the salary was good and allowed me to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, it didn’t feel like the career I truly wanted. So, I let it go and spent months job hunting.

In March 2020, I finally landed my dream job as a Branch Secretary at a financing company. I had my own little office, where I managed schedules, handled communication, maintained records, performed data entry, prepared reports, organized documents, coordinated office supplies, and supported managers with administrative tasks. Sadly, this coincided with the pandemic, and I lost my dream job. It was a devastating time, and I even questioned whether being a Secretary was truly meant for me.

Determined to find a new path, I joined a PR company as a Media Research Analyst. It was a work-from-home 9-to-5 job where I developed a strong ability to focus, manage my time effectively, and stay well-organized. Over time, I realized that I still had plenty of time to pursue my dream of becoming a Secretary—but this time, in a virtual setting.

To make this a reality, I invested in various online courses to upskill, including Amazon FBA Virtual Assistance, Social Media Management, Copywriting, Graphic Design, and Video Editing, to name a few. Even though I earned these certificates, they didn’t immediately guarantee me a job. I applied, got rejected, and sometimes heard nothing at all. But instead of feeling discouraged, I slowly started to embrace this season of waiting.

I have come to realize that there is beauty in the waiting—it teaches patience, resilience, and faith in the process. It has allowed me to refine my skills, gain clarity about what I truly want, and prepare myself for the right opportunities. I may not have landed my ideal job yet, but I believe that every rejection is simply redirection toward something greater.

There is still so much to learn, and I am ready to take on any tasks and challenges that come my way. I trust that, in time, I will find the right client who values my skills and dedication. Until then, I will keep learning, improving, and embracing the journey—because success is not just about the destination but also about the lessons we gather along the way.

For a copy of Giselle’s resume, please click here.