I Once Dreamed of Samgyupsal. Now I’m Dreaming Bigger.

Written by Ann Fronda, Business Development and Revenue Manager

at Olivia Professional Solutions

Not too long ago, my life revolved around survival.

I was a recruiter for three years, learning how to connect with people, build relationships, and keep going even when things felt heavy. Eventually, that path led me to Olivia, where I joined as a recruiter once again. What I didn’t know then was that within two weeks, everything would change.

I was offered the role of Business Development Associate—and from that moment on, my life took a turn I never saw coming.

Before Olivia: Working, But Not Living

To understand why that opportunity meant so much, you need to know where I came from.

I have a degree in Physical Therapy, and during my internship, I was living a life of constant motion and exhaustion. My days were simple but intense:

• Eight hours of internship

• Eight hours of night work

  
  

Sixteen hours a day. Almost every day.

I worked young—not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. I had to support my studies and help my father. There was little room for rest, joy, or dreaming. Life felt heavy, and sometimes I wondered, “I have a degree—why does life still feel this hard?”

I wasn’t really living. I was just getting through each day.

The Moment Everything Shifted

When I stepped into my role at Olivia, something changed—not just in my career, but in

my life.

For the first time, I experienced work-life balance. I could work from anywhere. I could breathe. I could plan my days without feeling like I was constantly racing against time. It was a kind of freedom I had never known before.

Then came a moment that still feels surreal to this day.

My First Airplane Ride

I had never been on an airplane. Not once.

So when Olivia asked me to join a job fair in Dumaguete, with everything covered, I was overwhelmed—in the best way possible. That trip became my first-ever airplane ride, and I documented everything: the airport, the flight, the city, every small detail. I wanted to remember it all.

What made the experience even more meaningful was meeting people who were genuinely interested in becoming Virtual Assistants. Seeing their curiosity and hope reminded me why this work matters. Being a VA isn’t easy—but the opportunities it creates can truly change lives.

That entire week didn’t even feel like work. It felt like growth, discovery, and joy all wrapped into one unforgettable experience.

A Dream as Simple as Samgyupsal

Here’s something I’ll always remember.

During my final interview with our CEO, I was asked about my short-term goal. My answer was honest and simple:

I wanted to be able to afford eating at a samgyupsal buffet.

At the time, that felt like a big dream. When I was in college, samgyupsal was booming—but I couldn’t afford it. I would have needed to work and save for three months just to eat there once.

That was my reality.

Today, I can eat whatever I want—and every time I do, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come.

Dreams Turning Into Milestones

This year alone, I achieved things that once felt impossible:

• My partner and I bought a car

• I traveled to Taiwan, my dream destination

• I explored a country outside the Philippines for the first time

• I gained confidence, freedom, and joy I never thought I’d experience

Even now, it still feels unreal. I’m often on cloud nine, just reflecting on how much has changed.

Where I Am Now

In a few weeks, it’ll be my birthday—and honestly, I can’t imagine asking for anything more than what I already have.

I used to doubt myself.

 I used to question why life felt so heavy.

 I used to dream of the life I’m living today.

Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve been promoted to Manager of the Business Development & Revenue Department—a role I once couldn’t even imagine for myself.

If There’s One Thing I Want You to Know

Don’t settle.

Dream bigger.

Believe in yourself—even when it feels hard.

I was once a working student pulling sixteen-hour days.

I once dreamed of riding an airplane.

I once thought samgyupsal was a luxury.

Now, I’m dreaming of seeing the world—and this is only the beginning.

And if there’s anything my journey has taught me, it’s this:

The life you’re dreaming of might be closer than you think.