Finding Your Voice: Pocholo Gonzales on Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance

Bryan Dela Cruz and Pocholo Gonzales (The VoiceMaster)

When you think about iconic voices, you might think of legendary radio personalities, famous voice actors, or even that unforgettable commercial jingle that gets stuck in your head. But in the Philippines, one name stands out in the world of voice artistry: Pocholo Gonzales, also known as "The VoiceMaster."

In a heartfelt and inspiring conversation hosted by Bryan Dela Cruz on Inspirations Unlimited, Pocholo shared his journey—one that goes beyond just lending his voice to characters and commercials. It’s about finding purpose, embracing passion, and using his talent to inspire others.

From Humble Beginnings to Becoming The VoiceMaster

Pocholo's story is one of grit and determination. He reminisced about his early days, growing up with a fascination for radio and voice acting. He recalled listening to iconic anime dubs and classic radio dramas, unknowingly laying the foundation for his future career.

With no formal school for voice acting in the Philippines at the time, Pocholo took it upon himself to create opportunities—not just for himself, but for aspiring voice artists. He founded Creative Voices Productions and the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP), proving that passion paired with action can lead to success.

Passion with Purpose: More Than Just a Career

For Pocholo, voice artistry isn’t just about making a living—it’s about making a difference. He emphasized how important it is to use one’s voice to uplift and inspire. “It’s not about how many voices you can do, but how many lives you can change with your voice,” he shared passionately.

Through his work, Pocholo has mentored thousands of individuals, helping them turn their love for voice acting into a sustainable career. He encourages aspiring artists to focus not only on skill but also on developing a strong sense of purpose.

Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Success

Despite his success, the journey wasn’t always smooth. Pocholo shared the struggles he faced—doubts, rejections, and even people who told him his dreams were impossible. But rather than allowing negativity to define him, he used it as fuel to push forward.

One of the key lessons he imparted during the interview was the importance of resilience. “You will hear ‘no’ many times before you hear ‘yes.’ The secret is to keep going, keep improving, and believe in yourself,” he advised.

AI and the Future of Voice Artistry

With the rise of artificial intelligence in creative industries, many voice artists fear being replaced. But Pocholo remains optimistic. He sees AI as a tool rather than a threat. “Technology can never replace human emotion and authenticity. What AI can do is enhance our work, not take it away,” he explained.

He encourages artists to evolve with technology, use AI creatively, and find new ways to integrate their human touch into the digital space.

Final Words of Wisdom

As the interview wrapped up, Pocholo left listeners with a powerful message: “Your voice is your identity. Use it to inspire, to educate, and to create positive change. The world needs your voice.”

For those who have ever doubted their potential or felt lost in their careers, Pocholo’s story serves as a beacon of hope. Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, passion, and the willingness to keep moving forward, no matter the odds.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of using your voice to make an impact, take it from The VoiceMaster: Speak up, show up, and never stop chasing your passion.