Freelancer Fair 2017: Spelling Out Freedom With Freelancing

What comes to mind when you think of Freelancing?  Do you see it as merely a sideline job or as what we Filipinos informally call ‘Raket’?  By common definition, Freelancing is when you are self-employed, by offering your skills and services to clients or businesses, without necessarily being bounded to a single employer or a long-term contract. If you haven’t dipped your toes in Freelancing, then perhaps now is the time to consider.

Did you know that according to Upwork, a leading global online jobs platform, the Philippines is the third highest - earning country in the world when it comes to freelancing? In fact, more than 1.4 million Filipinos are registered in the platform alone!

With the sheer power of that number, it only attests to an overwhelming number of individuals who have found their fulfillment and achieved their #Lifegoals in Freelancing. This is not to ignore that like any other profession or job, Freelancing does have its own unique struggles, but if you’re the kind of person who wishes to feel and be more empowered in one or in all aspects of your life, then allow us to sum up what Freelancing can give you: F-R-E-E-D-O-M.  And yes, we do intend to spell it out literally, by giving you our take of what that word means in the world of Freelancing.  So if you’re an aspiring freelancer or entrepreneur, or avoiding a potential bout of “FOMO”, then read on!

1)      F - lexibility and Autonomy

We live in the Digital Age, so it should come as no surprise the technologies that can allow us to work anytime and anywhere, and provide services to clients from anywhere in the globe! Say goodbye to long commutes and hello to telecommuting! Also, the nature of Freelancing can give you the flexibility and autonomy to work at your own pace and choose the clients and projects you want to work on.

2)      R – ewarding Career

Who says that Freelancing can’t be a career or profession? For many who have gone this route, it has paved way for them to pursue their dream jobs without the constraints of a fixed job description or the frustration of being stuck in a mundane ‘9-5’ office job. As a self-employed professional, you are fully empowered to pursue projects that would nurture your skills and passions.

3)      E – ndless possibilities

As a freelancer, there is no limit to the opportunities and possibilities you can pursue, now that you have full control of your career, profession and time. Whereas before, the most part of your day and energy would be spent in long energy-draining meetings and long commutes, Freelancing lets you color and fill each day with activities that you consider truly aligned in attaining your life goals.

4)      E – nables you to design your own lifestyle

Are you a night owl who is most productive in the evenings? Dreamed of having your own 4-Hour Work Week? Or what about getting down to finally working on that business plan for your dream start-up? With Freelancing, you can get creative on how you design your typical week, that would specially cater to your unique personality, interests and quirks.

5)      D – o things your way

Always had a need to be in full control of your work, surroundings and growth? Then Freelancing will definitely give you that! Being your own boss is one of the great perks of being a Freelancer, and that means getting things AND results done just the way you envisioned it.

6)      O – wn your time

Ever wondered how it would be like to respond to emails in your swimwear, with your toes brushing the sand as it points towards a breathtaking view of the beach? Well, in the Freelancing Handbook, you are free to take a vacation in the middle of the week, just as long as you get the job done and your clients happy. Becoming a Freelancer means taking full control of your time and schedule.

7)      M – ake room for the people and things that truly matter

And here’s the most important part. Freelancing enables you to spend more time with your family, and other things that truly make life meaningful. With Freelancing, it has paved way for the rise of thousands of hands-on mommies, who find fulfillment in being able to nurture both their families and careers. Whilst for many others, they found it in more time spent in pursuing volunteer work, or in endeavors which define their passions and values.

There you have it. That’s how you spell Freedom with Freelancing!

And if you’re itching to learn more about the boundless opportunities of being a Freelancer, then you’re in luck. This year, Manila Workshops, with the support of the Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT), will be holding the 2nd Freelancer Fair on Sept. 2, 2017, to be held at the Bayanihan Center, Pioneer, Pasig City.  It is the country’s first and largest event for Freelancers, which would gather together freelancers, business owners and brands for a whole day of talks tackling the Freelancing Landscape and the different opportunities in store for both existing and aspiring freelancers.  The theme for this year’s full day event is Cultivating Relationships, as inspired by the mission to cultivate, nurture and help more people discover how Freelancing can help them achieve their professional and personal goals.

For more information about this year’s  The Freelancer Fair, visit their Event Page. Get your ticket and see you at the Fair!

Php 200 Off for this event: Use this code TFF17blog_LF200off

PROGRAM & SPEAKER SCHEDULE: 

8:30 am to 9:00 am: Registration

◊ Part 1: FREELANCING: AN OVERVIEW
9:00 am to 9:15 am: Opening Remarks: Cultivating Relationships w/ Ginger Arboleda, CEO of Manila Workshops
9:15 am to 9:35 am: The Freelancing Industry in the Philippines w/  Mon Ibrahim, Director of Department of Information Communications & Technology (DICT)
9:40 am to 10:00 am: Freelancing Association: Introduction of DCAP w/ Genesis Reonico, Founder of OnlineJobsUniversity.com

◊ Part 2: FREELANCING AS A PROFESSION: SUPPORT & SERVICES 
10:00 am to 10:20 am: Business Registration and Taxation w/ Dandy Victa, President of Manila Civil Service Review & Mark Ong of Taxumo
10:20 am to 11:00 am: Freelancers’ Funds Flow: Local and International w/ EON & PAYONEER
11:00 am to 11:20 am: Freelancers: Finding Your Purpose w/ Jackie Cañiza, Founder of Haraya Coaching
11:40 am to 12:15 pm: Freelancing Opportunities and Tools w/ Fitz Villafuerte, Founder of 199jobs.com
12:15 pm to 1:00 pm: Lunch Break

◊ Part 3: ONLINE FREELANCING
1:00 pm to 1:20 pm: Building Relationship Through Email w/ Allan Ngo, Founder of Digital Solopreneur
1:20 pm to 2:00 pm: Building a Brand and Relationships as Freelancers (Panel) w/ Nix Eniego, Marketing Head of Sprout Solutions & CJ Maturino, Founder of Online Freelance Community, together with successful & seasoned freelancers – Allie Pasag, John Pagulayan, Nina Mendoza & Liberty Baldovino
2:20 pm to 2:40pm: Fitness Freelancing Opportunities and Tips (Panel) with Rach Bonifacio of Treehouse Yoga, & Allan Enriquez, Fitness Blogger

◊ Part 4: SOFTWARE & SERVICE FREELANCING
3:00 pm to 3:15 pm: Financial Freelancing w/ Bong Fajardo, Jr., Regional Sales Manager of SunLife Financial Philippines
3:15 pm to 3:30 pm: Real Estate Freelancing w/ Carl Dy of Spectrum Investments

◊ Part 5: CREATIVE DESIGN & FREELANCING
4:00 pm to 4:20 pm: Creative and Design Freelancing w/ Francis Miranda, CEO of Tagline Communications Inc.
4:20 pm to 4:45 pm: Creative Freelancing: Opportunities and Tips (Panel) w/ Ria Lu, CEO of Komikasi Games Charlie Aquino, Managing Director of SophieCreatives; Dennis Abad, Co-founder of SHOOT! Practical Videography School
5:00 pm: Closing Remarks

WHO YOU’LL MEET: 

• Industry Experts & Influencers
• Freelancers and Entrepreneurs
• Small and local Businesses, Organizations and Partner Communities
• The Manila Workshops Team! 

To learn more about Manila Workshops, the organization behind this event, connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also view their upcoming workshops by visiting their official website.

*About The Freelancer Fair:

The Freelancer Fair is an annual event started last by Manila Workshops, headed by the team’s CEO – Ginger Arboleda, a former employee, freelancer and now a serial entrepreneur / technopreneur, and mom blogger. The Freelancer Fair was built especially for aspiring and existing freelancers, companies, brands and organizations who want to support the Philippines’ freelancing industry.