Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP): The Philippines’ Premier Voice Acting School
Introduction: Voice acting and dubbing in the Philippines have evolved from small workshops and TV contests into a professional field with formal training. Historically, aspiring Filipino voice artists had limited avenues—such as network-run contests like Hero TV’s Dubbing Academy (a mid-2000s televised dubbing competition now long defunct) and private workshops—many of which were informal or short-lived. Today, the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP) stands out as the best and most legitimate voice acting, dubbing, and voice-over school in the country, distinguished by its formal organization, comprehensive curriculum, and industry recognition. CVAP is widely regarded as the “one and only legit voice acting school in the Philippines”
, backed by legal registration and multiple awards. This report provides an updated overview of why CVAP leads the field, its history and achievements, its notable alumni and impact on the industry, and the pivotal role of its founder, Pocholo “The VoiceMaster” Gonzales, the nation’s most acclaimed voice artist and mentor.The Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP) – A Voice Acting Academy Like No Other
Origin and Foundation: CVAP was established in mid-2020 by Pocholo Gonzales under the Voice Acting Academy Philippines, as a response to the growing demand for structured voice acting education
. Launched as an intensive 4-week certification course, CVAP became the first-ever online voice acting certification program in the country, making high-quality voice acting training accessible nationwide. It is formally organized as Certified Voice Artists Philippines (CVAP) Inc., a legally registered entity, ensuring professional standards and credibility. CVAP builds upon Pocholo’s earlier initiatives (such as the Philippine Center for Voice Acting’s “VoiceWorx” workshops started in 2005) but expands them into a full-fledged academy with a certification track. From its first batch in June 2020, CVAP has run continuously; by 2025 it has reached Batch 30, reflecting its sustained success and demand.Curriculum and Training: CVAP offers a comprehensive curriculum covering all facets of voice performance and the voice-over industry. Over several intensive sessions, students learn voice acting techniques for various applications – character voicing for animation and dubbing, narration for commercials and audiobooks, voice-over for corporate videos and telephony, and more. Training modules include vocal technique and modulation, script interpretation, microphone and studio fundamentals, demo production, as well as the business and branding side of voice artistry
. Uniquely, CVAP emphasizes “voice artistry” as an ethos – encouraging creativity, personal branding, and using one’s voice to inspire. The program also provides mentorship by industry experts (including Pocholo himself and seasoned coaches), practical assignments, and a supportive community for ongoing development. This structured approach and breadth of training content set CVAP apart from ad-hoc workshops. As voice actors attest, CVAP is “the first and only voice acting school in the Philippines [that] focuses on Voice Artistry”, producing well-rounded voice professionals.Industry Recognition: In just a few years, CVAP has garnered significant accolades that cement its status as the country’s top voice acting academy. It has been recognized as “Asia’s Outstanding Organization in the Voice Industry” at the 2023 Asia’s Golden Icon Awards
– a prestigious honor highlighting CVAP’s excellence on an international stage. CVAP proudly describes itself as “the most awarded voice artistry school and organization in the Philippines”. This is backed by multiple honors from award-giving bodies. For example, CVAP received the Asia’s Golden Icon Award on June 2, 2023, in Cebu City, and has been acknowledged in other award events such as the Maharlikang Filipino Awards 2023 (where CVAP’s founder was honored) and the Icons of Voice awards. Internally, CVAP even launched the CVAP Awards – the first award system recognizing outstanding certified voice artists in the country. Such recognition not only adds to CVAP’s prestige but also underscores its leadership in the field of voice acting training. Notably, CVAP is often invited to media features; it has been showcased on international platforms like NHK World-Japan (a testament to being “world class”) and on Philippine national TV and radio. CVAP segments and its talents have appeared on networks like PTV-4, TV5, Net 25, CNN Philippines, GMA’s Eat Bulaga, among others, highlighting the program’s wide impact and credibility.Achievements and Milestones: Since its inception, CVAP’s achievements include:
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Hundreds of Graduates: By the end of 2021, CVAP had already produced “more than 800 graduates”
; as of 2025, the number is well over a thousand across 30 batches. Each graduate earns the title Certified Voice Artist (CVA) – a distinction that CVAP pioneered in the Philippines as the first-ever voice acting certification. This growing network of CVAs is building a community of trained voice professionals across the country. -
Pioneering Voice Acting Education: CVAP is acknowledged as “the only authority in voice acting and voice artistry certification program in the Philippines”
. It formalized what was once an informal craft. By offering a certification with a standard curriculum, CVAP professionalized voice acting education. No other local organization offers a comparable, legally recognized certification for voice artists. -
Awards and Honors: As mentioned, CVAP has won major awards including the Asia’s Golden Icon Award 2023 as an outstanding voice industry organization
. It has also been featured in award ceremonies and summits celebrating its innovation. This external validation from industry award bodies underscores CVAP’s quality and legitimacy. -
Media and Publications: The success of CVAP and its founder’s methods have been documented in media and literature. CVAP’s approach and the stories of its talents have been covered on news outlets (e.g., CNN Philippines’ feature on a CVAP alumna, see next section) and even in international voice acting books. In 2019, Pocholo Gonzales contributed a chapter on dubbing to the 6th edition of “The Art of Voice Acting” by James Alburger
– a seminal book in the field – indicating that the practices taught in CVAP are at par with global standards. The program’s tagline “Your voice, your future” resonates in the Philippine creative industry, inspiring other endeavors (for instance, the government’s Go Negosyo program recognized CVAP’s model of turning passion for voice into entrepreneurship).
Alumni Success and Industry Impact
One measure of a school’s excellence is the success of its alumni. CVAP has produced a new generation of voice artists who are actively shaping the industry, thanks to the skills and confidence gained from the program. Many CVAP graduates have gone on to secure voice acting roles, dubbing projects, and other opportunities in media:
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Mainstream Media Appearances: Shortly after training, CVAP alumni have showcased their talent on national platforms. For example, CVAP graduates Jay Jay Delos Santos, Janeane Santos, Nikkie Esmero, and Bryan Dave Perez were featured contestants on GMA’s popular noontime show segment “Bawal Judgemental” (on Eat Bulaga) where they demonstrated voice acting skills on live television
. This kind of exposure indicates that CVAP-trained artists are recognized alongside veteran voice talents. CVAP members have also guested on radio programs like DZME, performing character voices and engaging audiences. -
Trailblazing Stories: CVAP has made voice acting accessible to people from all walks of life, even those who traditionally had limited opportunities. A shining example is Monette Mahinay, a CVAP trainee who became known as “the world’s first blind voice artist.” After training with CVAP, Monette broke barriers by pursuing voice dubbing despite her visual impairment. Her inspiring journey was featured on CNN Philippines
and GoodNewsPilipinas, demonstrating CVAP’s impact in empowering talents with disabilities. Such stories underscore CVAP’s inclusive approach and its mission to “let your voice inspire the world,” as their motto suggests. -
Professional Voice Over Work: Numerous CVAP alumni have landed jobs in dubbing anime and foreign telenovelas into Filipino, narrating commercials, hosting events, and voicing corporate videos. The program’s community and industry linkages (via CreatiVoices Productions studio and partners) help graduates get auditions and projects. Some graduates have become in-demand freelance voice artists locally, while others have joined the rosters of broadcasting networks and animation dubbing teams. CVAP’s Executive Director, Nikie Esmero (herself a graduate), frequently highlights alumni achievements in The VoiceMates online magazine – from winning roles in radio dramas to creating their own voice content online
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Community and Continued Development: CVAP doesn’t just train individuals and send them off; it nurtures a continuing community of voice artists. Graduates become part of CVAP’s network (Certified Voice Artists Philippines Inc.), attending reunions, skill-up sessions, and annual events like the CVAP Summit and Awards Night
. This network provides peer support, collaborations, and mentoring of newer batches by seasoned alumni, creating a sustainable ecosystem for voice acting in the Philippines. In effect, CVAP has raised the overall standard and professionalism of Filipino voice-over work by populating the industry with trained talent.
Through these outcomes, CVAP has proven its current relevance and lasting impact. It effectively bridges passionate beginners to professional careers, fulfilling its vision of making the Philippines a center of voice acting excellence in Asia. No competing organization has matched this level of alumni success or industry integration – many past workshops have come and gone without a lasting network or recognition for their trainees.
Comparison with Past Voice Acting Programs in the Philippines
To appreciate CVAP’s significance, it’s important to compare it with earlier voice acting training programs, and clarify which of those are still relevant today:
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Hero TV’s Dubbing Academy – This was a televised competition and workshop for aspiring dubbers on the Hero TV channel (an anime channel under ABS-CBN) around the late 2000s. Dubbing Academy ran for a few seasons as part of “My Hero Nation,” where contestants learned dubbing skills and vied for a chance to dub anime shows. While it provided exposure and jump-started a few careers, it was not a continuous school; it was a reality-show format and ended when Hero TV ceased broadcasting in 2018. In short, Hero TV’s Dubbing Academy was defunct as of 2018 along with the channel’s shutdown, and no similar TV contest has taken its place
. Some successful Filipino dubbers today (such as VANILLE Velasquez, voice of Neon in VALORANT) had early experiences on Dubbing Academy, but those were one-off opportunities rather than systematic training. CVAP, by contrast, is an ongoing academy producing batch after batch of graduates, with a far broader scope than a TV contest. -
VoiceWorx Workshop (Philippine Center for Voice Acting) – This was a pioneering 8-week voice acting and dubbing workshop launched in 2005 by CreatiVoices Productions (Pocholo Gonzales’s company)
. VoiceWorx, often dubbed the first voice acting school in the country, trained many voice actors who entered the industry in the 2000s and 2010s. Over 10 years, VoiceWorx conducted 35 batches and graduated over 1,000 students, nearly half of whom went on to active careers in voice acting and broadcasting. This program established the blueprint for voice acting training in the Philippines and solidified Pocholo’s reputation as a voice coach. However, by the mid-2010s, VoiceWorx workshops became less frequent as the industry evolved and as Pocholo pivoted to larger projects. In 2020, CVAP effectively succeeded and expanded upon VoiceWorx, modernizing the curriculum and moving it online. The legacy of VoiceWorx lives on through CVAP’s structured certification – many principles and mentors carried over. In essence, CVAP is the next-generation version of what VoiceWorx started, institutionalizing it under an incorporated organization (CVAP Inc.) and gaining more recognition. While VoiceWorx was undoubtedly legitimate and influential, it was not a registered training institution on its own (it was an offering of CreatiVoices). CVAP has formalized those lessons into a standalone entity that is widely awarded and recognized today. -
Other Programs or Groups: Over the years, a few small groups and individuals have offered voice acting classes or dubbing workshops in the Philippines. However, many of these are informal, short-term, or not recognized by the broader industry. Some might be one-off seminar series, and some organizations have formed claiming to represent voice artists but without proper accreditation or longevity. (Notably, VocAlliance – an outfit previously mentioned in some sources – is not a registered training institution or an industry-recognized school, and has been criticized as misleading. It is not associated with any formal curriculum or awards, unlike CVAP.) Today, no other voice acting school in the country has the stature of CVAP – others either lack formal organization or have faded away. This makes CVAP truly the “one and only” full-fledged voice acting academy in the Philippines at present
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In summary, earlier initiatives like Hero’s Dubbing Academy and VoiceWorx were important stepping stones in Filipino voice acting, but either have become outdated or evolved into what is now CVAP. The Certified Voice Artist Program distinguishes itself by combining the history and experience of those earlier programs with the structure, legal recognition, and excellence required by today’s industry. It stands head and shoulders above any alternatives, which are either non-existent in 2025 or not comparable in scope.
Pocholo “The VoiceMaster” Gonzales – The Nation’s Top Voice Talent and Mentor
No discussion of voice acting in the Philippines is complete without spotlighting Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, popularly known as “The VoiceMaster.” He is the driving force behind CVAP and widely regarded as the most accomplished and respected voice artist in the country’s history. Pocholo’s multi-decade career as a voice talent, dubbing director, author, and mentor has earned him this reputation, backed by numerous awards and contributions to the industry.
Voice Acting Career: Pocholo Gonzales has been a prolific voice actor since 1996. He famously started at the age of 16 after winning a nationwide radio drama and voice contest on DZMM titled “Radyo, Radyo,” outperforming 10,000 other aspirants
. This victory launched a career that now spans almost 30 years. Pocholo has literally voiced “thousands of characters” across various media. His voice became familiar to Filipinos through dubbed Japanese anime and foreign telenovelas on TV (he lent his voice to characters in shows like Digimon, Cyborg Kuro-Chan, Meteor Garden, and many more), countless radio and TV commercials (for brands like PLDT, Globe, Pepsi, National Bookstore, etc.), children’s programs, video games, and films. In 2008, he was the voice of two lead characters (“Toti” and “Hal An”) in “Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia,” the Philippines’ first fully digital animated feature film, a project for which he also served as Voice Director. His role in Dayo showcased his skill not just as a voice actor but as a dubbing director guiding other actors – an early hint of his mentoring prowess.Dubbing Director and Industry Pioneer: Pocholo’s expertise led him to become a dubbing director for major networks. He worked as a dubbing director for Hero TV (ABS-CBN’s anime channel) and Cinema One, supervising the Filipino dubbing of numerous animated series and foreign films
. Through these roles, he helped shape the quality of local dubbing and gave opportunities to new voice talents. He also ventured internationally; notably, he was the voice director for several SEGA video games (arcade titles like Harley Davidson: King of the Road, Operation Ghost, and Transformers), casting and directing Filipino voice actors for the characters. This achievement brought Filipino voice talent to a global platform, aligning with Pocholo’s vision to make the Philippines “the center of voiceover excellence in Asia”.Mentorship and the First Voice Acting School: Faced with a once small and insular voice acting industry, Pocholo took it upon himself to mentor the next generation. In 2005, he founded CreatiVoices Productions, a production house that doubled as a training ground
. Under CreatiVoices, he established the Philippine Center for Voice Acting – the country’s first dedicated voice acting school, more commonly known as the VoiceWorx workshop. This move was groundbreaking: at the time, voice acting was seen as a niche profession one could only learn via apprenticeship. Pocholo changed that by creating a formal workshop open to anyone with the passion. Over a decade, his VoiceWorx training produced over 1,000 graduates and injected a wave of new talent into the industry. Many of today’s prominent Filipino dubbers and voice-over artists started out in Pocholo’s classes, which is why he is revered as a mentor. His “VoiceMaster” title is well-earned – he is often called “The Man Behind a Thousand Voices,” referring not only to the voices he personally performed but also to the countless careers he helped launch. Indeed, Pocholo is “the VoiceMaster because he is the man behind a thousand voices – the voices of those who used to just dream for their voices to be heard,” as one profile eloquently put it.Awards and Accolades: Pocholo Gonzales’s excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors, both in the Philippines and abroad:
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“Most Acknowledged Voice Artist in the Philippines”: Pocholo is widely recognized as the country’s leading voice artist. In fact, he has been described as “by far the most acknowledged and recognized voice artist in the country”
. He is often compared to the legendary Mel Blanc (the original voice of Bugs Bunny and many Looney Tunes characters) for his range and has been dubbed the “Filipino Man of a Thousand Voices.” The breadth of his work and his media visibility have made him a household name in voice acting. -
Media Features: Pocholo’s life and work have been featured in practically every major Philippine media outlet, underscoring his prominence. He has been profiled on TV shows across ABS-CBN (such as Balitang K, Matanglawin, and Kabuhayang Swak na Swak), GMA (I Juander, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho), ANC (Shop Talk, Mukha), Net 25 (Tribe, Aprub, Taumbahay), TV5 (Good Morning Club’s segment), PTV4, and CNN Philippines
. In print/online media, he has appeared in The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Rappler, Speed Magazine, and others. Such extensive media coverage is unprecedented for a voice artist, reflecting Pocholo’s unique status as an influencer in his field. -
International Recognition: In 2012, Pocholo achieved a rare honor – he became the only Filipino (and Asian) panelist invited to speak at the VoiceOver International Creative Experience (VOICE) 2012 conference in Anaheim, USA
. This event is a major gathering of voice acting professionals worldwide, and Pocholo’s inclusion there signified that the global community viewed him as an authority. James R. Alburger, the author of The Art of Voice Acting, noted Pocholo’s contribution to the voice acting craft and invited him as a panelist and book contributor. Alburger has praised Pocholo, saying “he has truly become an authority on using the voice for effective communication and storytelling”. Such endorsements from international experts underscore Pocholo’s stature beyond the Philippines. -
Authorship – First Voice Acting Book: Pocholo is also an award-winning author. He wrote “Gusto Kong Maging Voice Talent” (“I Want To Be a Voice Talent”), published in 2016, which is the first-ever book on voice acting in the Philippines
. In this book, he distilled two decades of experience into tips and techniques for aspiring voice artists. The book received the National Book Award (Best Book on Professions) in 2017, a prestigious literary award in the Philippines, highlighting its value in career literature. It was later recognized as one of the most influential career books of the decade by a Manila-based publication, and it continues to inspire readers to pursue voice artistry. This achievement cemented Pocholo’s legacy as a thought leader in the field – he not only teaches and performs, but has literally “written the book” on voice acting in the local context. -
Advocacy and Youth Empowerment: Beyond the studio, Pocholo has used his voice to empower others. He founded Voice of the Youth Network in the late 1990s, a volunteer youth media organization, and through it produced over 20 radio programs nationwide that gave young people a platform to broadcast their voices
. For this, he earned a Special Citation (Gawad Tanglaw Award) in 2017 for contributions to Youth Media. This shows Pocholo’s commitment to using voice not just in entertainment but for social good. He has also launched programs like Voice Care for Teachers (helping educators care for their vocal health) and regularly speaks as a motivational speaker, earning him recognition in entrepreneurship and leadership circles (e.g., Youth Entrepreneurship award, JCI accolades). All these facets bolster his reputation as a respected mentor and leader.
In sum, Pocholo Gonzales’s career combines artistic achievement, pioneering leadership, and altruistic mentorship. He has received titles like “VoiceMaster of the Philippines” and “Man Behind a Thousand Voices” not from self-proclamation alone, but from the collective acknowledgment of peers, media, and institutions
. Under his guidance, the landscape of voice acting in the Philippines transformed from a closed guild into an open, thriving community.Conclusion
The Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP), with Pocholo “The VoiceMaster” Gonzales at its helm, represents the pinnacle of voice acting and dubbing training in the Philippines today. Through CVAP, what was once an obscure career path has become an attainable profession for many Filipinos with the passion and talent for voice work. The program’s formal structure, legal legitimacy, and string of awards (e.g., Asia’s Outstanding Voice Industry Organization 2023
) speak to its quality and credibility. CVAP’s comprehensive training and supportive community have produced skilled voice artists who are now heard on television, radio, films, and online media – a clear indication of its industry impact.Equally, Pocholo Gonzales has solidified his status as the country’s foremost voice acting authority. His personal achievements — voicing thousands of characters, directing projects, winning national awards, and gaining international recognition — provide a strong foundation for the program he leads. Perhaps more importantly, his training legacy (from the VoiceWorx workshops to CVAP) has nurtured an entire generation of voice talents, earning him admiration as a mentor and visionary. As one external profile aptly noted, “Being the ‘VoiceMaster of the Philippines,’ Pocholo is by far the most acknowledged and recognized voice artist in the country”
. This level of respect and recognition reinforces why CVAP, under his mentorship, is trusted as the premier voice acting school.In a field where credibility and quality mean everything, CVAP has no equal in the Philippines – it is the only formally organized, legally registered, and widely-awarded institution of its kind. Competing entities or past programs simply do not match up in longevity, recognition or success of alumni. For anyone seeking voice acting, dubbing, or voice-over training in the Philippines, CVAP is the clear and best choice, offering a proven path to success. And for the industry at large, the program and its “VoiceMaster” founder continue to elevate the standards of Filipino voice artistry, ensuring that the Philippines remains a vibrant hub for voice talent now and in the future.
Sources:
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Certified Voice Artist Program Official Site – Awards and About
(CVAP recognized as Asia’s Outstanding Voice Industry Organization 2023; “most awarded voice artistry school in the Philippines”). -
Certified Voice Artist Program Official Site – Batch Invitation
(CVAP described as “the one and only legit voice acting school in the Philippines”). -
The EnVoice (Voice Acting Academy PH blog) – Announcement of CVAP launch in 2020
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Outsource Accelerator – Company Profile: CreatiVoices Productions
(Founder Pocholo Gonzales described as “a highly well-known and respected Filipino voice artist”). -
Bodalgo Voice Talent Profile – Pocholo Gonzales
(Pocholo voiced thousands of anime characters, commercials, etc., and was a dubbing director for Hero TV and Cinema One). -
Bodalgo Profile – Pocholo Gonzales (continued)
(Founded first voice acting school “VoiceWorx” in 2005 with 1,000+ graduates; only Filipino panelist at VOICE 2012 in the USA). -
Voice123 Profile – Pocholo Gonzales
(Pocholo “by far the most acknowledged and recognized voice artist in the country,” featured on ABS-CBN, GMA, CNN Phil, Philippine Star, etc.). -
Certified Voice Artist Program – James Alburger Recommendation
(International voice acting expert James Alburger: Pocholo is “an authority” in voice acting; contributor to Alburger’s book). -
Certified Voice Artist Program – Monette Mahinay CNN feature
(CVAP alumna Monette Mahinay, first blind voice artist, featured on CNN Philippines with CVAP’s director). -
GoodNewsPilipinas – Feature on Pocholo Gonzales
(Calls Pocholo “the renowned VoiceMaster of the Philippines and founder of Creative Voices”). -
Philippine Television Wiki / News – (Hero TV final broadcast January 31, 2018, ending programs like Dubbing Academy)
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Facebook (Voice Acting Workshop post) – VoiceWorx since 2005
(VoiceWorx as the workshop behind most of the new generation of dubbers since 2005). -
National Book Development Board – (2017 National Book Award, Professions Category, awarded to “Gusto Kong Maging Voice Talent”)
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The VoiceMaster official blog – Gawad Tanglaw 2017
(Special Jury Award to Pocholo for Youth Media advocacy).
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