“I’m Here to Discover What I Can Do With My Voice”: The Five-Minute Moments That Turned Ada Cuaresma From Doubtful Student to Purpose-Driven Broadcaster


When Ada Cuaresma first stepped into a voice workshop led by Voice Master Pocholo “Sir Choi” Gonzalez, founder of CreatiVoices Productions, she felt like she didn’t belong. Around her were participants confidently shifting between characters and voices. Ada, a theater arts major, sat quietly at the back of the room, unsure of what she could offer. When asked why she joined the workshop, her answer was simple: “I’m here to discover what I can do with my voice.”


At the time, she thought it was an ordinary reason. Looking back today, it was the beginning of everything. After completing the workshop, Ada’s first opportunity came through CreatiVoices Productions, where she recorded a radio drama; her first real experience in voice acting. During that time, Gonzalez asked her a question that would shape her path: What is your dream in life?


Ada answered honestly: training and public speaking. Recognizing her potential, Gonzalez began mentoring her personally. Ada started joining him at speaking engagements across the country. Initially assisting behind the scenes, she soon found herself unexpectedly called to the stage during his talks, given five minutes to speak in front of audiences. Those spontaneous opportunities became her training ground. Over time, Ada learned to craft her own message, grow in confidence, and eventually take on bigger roles. She later became a proxy speaker for Gonzalez and co-facilitated training sessions with him in various events.

Her journey expanded further in 2014, when Gonzalez produced a youth-oriented radio program on DZMP and invited Ada to become one of its hosts. What started as a new experience turned into three years of weekend broadcasting across several stations. Through radio, Ada sharpened her ability to think quickly, ask meaningful questions, and communicate with listeners she could not see skills that strengthened her voice as both a broadcaster and speaker. Beyond the microphone, her work with CreatiVoices allowed her to travel across the Philippines for training programs and speaking engagements; what Gonzalez often calls “traveling with a purpose.” These experiences gave her the chance to inspire audiences in different communities and share messages that could make a difference in people’s lives.


Today, Ada looks back on that first workshop moment with gratitude. What once felt like uncertainty turned into a journey of opportunity, mentorship, and growth.


“Sir Choi made everything possible for me,” she said.


And it all started with a simple intention to discover what she could do with her voice.




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