The VoiceMaster Inspires the Youth in the Zamboanga Peninsula for a 4-Day Run of DTI’s YEP HOORAY Event

Inspired more than 1000 Youth of Dipolog

The youth always have a special spot in the VoiceMaster’s heart. Despite his busy schedule as an entrepreneur, organization leader, VO expert and director, mentor, and motivational speaker, he always finds time to share his knowledge and insights for them. Just recently, he flew to the Zamboanga Peninsula upon the invitation of DTI Region IX for their youth-centered event, the YEP HOORAY.

The VoiceMaster in Pagadian City 

YEP HOORAY (Youth Entrepreneurship Program – Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth), is a special one-day program that was presented in four different cities in Region IX which are Dipolog, Pagadian, Ipil, and Zamboanga from Sept. 24-27, 2019. It was announced by DTI Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain.

Here is the roster of prominent speakers who gave their talks in this worthwhile event:

Hon. Roberto Y. Uy (Governor, Zamboanga Del Norte) for the welcoming remarks

Maridel D. Dengal, CPA (Provincial Director, DTI-ZDN) "Overview of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program"

Sitti Amina M. Jain, Ph.D. (Regional Director, DTI IX) "The 7Ms for Accelerating Competitiveness of Young Entrepreneurs"

Engr. Rolando A. Soliva (President, Dipolog City Chamber of Commerce and Industry) "Opportunities of Youth Entrepreneurs in ZDN Area"

Carlo Edmund C. Calimon (PCE Mentor/Director, Start-Up Village) "Getting Started: The Entrepreneurial Mindset"

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales (Go Negosyo Mentor and Speaker) "The Future of Youth Entrepreneurship: Passion-Driven Business"

Mr. Dexter Kim Y. Patron (Operations Manager and Board Secretary, Sindangan FACOMA) and Mr. Joel S. Rubi, CPA, MBA (Vice President for Operations, Katipunan Bank Inc.) "Start-up Essentials: Big Dream with Small Budget: Ways to Fund your Business (Panel)"

Mr. Rambert Gnousis Ybanez Barbaso (Owner, Zi Photography) and Mr. Michael C. Tamonan (Owner, Busog28 Chinese-Style Food Concept Store) "Negosyo Goals: Success Stories of Youthpreneurs (Panel)"

Engr. Al-Zamir I. LIPAE (Asst. Regional Director, Department of Trade and Industry) for the closing remarks

The VoiceMaster, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, delivered a heartwarming and motivating talk for his topic “The Future of Youth Entrepreneurship: Passion-Driven Business”. Aside from being a motivational speaker, author, voice-over expert, and entrepreneur, he is a GoNegosyo mentor and speaker too.

The VoiceMaster in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

Hundreds of students were inspired by his talk. Many of them even approached him after his time on the stage to take a picture, share their admiration, and thank him for inspiring them. Although he has done these motivational talks for the youth several times, he never runs out of vigor and excitement for them. In this short interview with him, he shared more of his insights.

Zamboanga City

Q: How does it differ that you’re doing motivational speaking or talks for the youth compared to your other speaking engagements?

“It differs because I always believe in the youth not just the future but also the present...so if I inspire and motivate them now, they will become whoever they are in the future. I love the youth because I used to be a youth before and I recognize I will become old someday, that’s why I become who I am right now. I always tell them they become what they think they are.”

Q: What’s the role of the youth today in shaping the future of Filipino entrepreneurs?

“Of course, just what I said they are not just the future but also the present. I used to be a youth and I know I’m not a youth anymore. I think I’m the best and the most influential speaker for the youth today. I’m a very effective speaker because I am dealing with young people and I used to be the founder of the Voice of the Youth Network and many organizations.”

Q: What’s your message for aspiring youth entrepreneurs who are hesitating to pursue it because of various challenges?

“Challenges will always be part of any endeavor. Wala namang madali sa mundo. There’s no such thing as free lunch because it’s not easy. And free lunch is not free, someone paid for it. I believe that we will have a better future if we have better mindset for Filipino. Part of my talk is not just focusing on yourself but everything around us especially the environment. We have to protect it because this is our only world. This is our only home. Entrepreneurship for me is solving other people’s problems using your skills and talents.”

Truly, the VoiceMaster will not slow down and stop in inspiring youth through the different talented ways he can. No need to wait for the future because we can already help and motivate the youth at present times.