Rica Ann Dalangin – General Virtual Assistant
Looking back, I suppose I might say that luck was on my side when, despite my inexperience, the president and CEO of a mining company in my own country hired me as her executive assistant before I even finished college. Her belief in me and her commitment to her career motivated me to strive for her level of success in my own right.
To be honest with you, I even chickened out of the position offered to me and left her for a few months, as I felt that only an entry-level position would suffice for a neophyte like me at that time. I suppose God was on my side since he provided the direction that brought me back to her. I have therefore worked for her ever since and spent five years living under her wing. She gave me a lot of advice on how to do secretarial tasks and responsibilities and provide administrative support. And I’ll always remember her.
The recession, which had a negative impact on her company, forced me to leave. I began working in the contact centre sector after that, managing a variety of foreign accounts for clients who were primarily from the US and Australia. Over the course of five years, I worked as a customer service representative, technical support agent, and sales representative before switching to become a virtual assistant in 2021.
When my domestic partner and I made the decision to go to Negros because of the high COVID-19 cases in Manila, I was a mother with a 6-month-old kid at the time, and the pandemic was still in full swing. Making ends meet was difficult because we needed to get a job as soon as possible and our savings were steadily being depleted. We were unable to accept that. Unfortunately, the pay in the province is poor in 
comparison to when we were still working in Manila. Up until we tried our luck applying for a position as a virtual assistant, which changed our lives. One of the best choices ever, I’d say!
I only have a year’s worth of experience as a virtual assistant, but I plan to stay in this line of work until I retire since I love being able to work full-time in the comfort of our home and still see my kid. Not to mention, there’s a decent payout here too!
Ah! I can still remember my first employer, who was the person who gave me the motivation I needed to succeed in life, and even though I haven’t quite arrived there yet, I’ll keep working to get there. I also hope to come across a client who will be like my first employer, who believed in me despite my lack of training and experience. However, I’ll work my way up and prepare for the future by getting fit for the job. Finally, I will say for sure: I will do my best to be an asset to my client’s company rather than a liability!
I’m ready to serve!
For a copy of Rica’s resume please click here.