Summary

In this episode of Level Up with Jevi, we sit down with Kuys Aldren, a man whose journey reflects the power of discipline, humility, and faith in action. From overcoming self-doubt and family pressures to finding purpose through freelancing, Aldren shares how staying grounded in his beliefs helped him move forward even when the path wasn’t clear.

This conversation dives deep into real-life challenges—how to stay motivated when results are slow, the importance of managing your time and energy, and why “faithing it” is just as important as working for it.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or on the verge of giving up—this episode will remind you that with faith, focus, and consistency, you can level up no matter where you start. 💪

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Getting to Know Kuys Aldren

03:45 – Early Struggles and the Start of His Freelance Journey

07:25 – Balancing Faith, Work, and Family

11:40 – Learning Discipline and Responsibility

16:10 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Financial Struggles

20:35 – How Faith Keeps You Going When Motivation Fades

25:15 – The Turning Point: Choosing to “Faith It”

29:40 – Managing Burnout and Staying Consistent

33:55 – The Power of Daily Routines and Goal-Setting

38:10 – Lessons Learned from Failures and Small Wins

42:00 – Advice for Freelancers and Dreamers

45:10 – Final Message: Keep the Faith and Keep Moving Forward

Key Takeaways

✔️ Faith fuels action — believing in yourself and God’s timing gives you strength to keep going.

✔️ Discipline beats motivation — small consistent habits create massive results.

✔️ Stay grounded — success isn’t about speed; it’s about staying true to your purpose.

✔️ Growth starts with responsibility — own your time, your energy, and your direction.

✔️ Never stop learning — progress is the best form of gratitude.

Quotes from the Episode

“Faith without action is like planning without starting—nothing moves until you do.”

“Your level-up journey doesn’t need to be loud. Just consistent.”

“When you focus on growth instead of comparison, that’s when you truly win.”

Final Words from Kuys Aldren

“Keep believing even when it’s hard to see the results. Because every small act of faith, every disciplined move, brings you closer to the person you’re meant to become.”

Connect with Jevi

📘 Follow Level Up with Jevi on Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

💬 Join the community — Live to Level Up on Facebook

#LevelUpWithJevi,#NewPodcast,#PodcastPH,#PodcastCommunity

[Verse 1]

I thought the climb was just a race,

A higher title, another place.

But every step was teaching me,

Success needs clarity.

[Pre-Chorus]

So I ask, I seek, I knock each day,

The doors will open, I find my way.

It’s not perfection, but the climb,

A journey steady, step in time.

[Chorus]

Live to Level Up, we rise again,

Clarity first, where it begins.

Ownership, accountability—

The power to be who we’re meant to be.

Live to Level Up, don’t stop the climb,

Reflect, refine, and take your time.

Embrace the structure, build it true,

The life you want is calling you.

[Verse 2]

I’ve faced rejection, sleepless nights,

But found my strength in faith and light.

It’s not their dream, it’s mine to hold,

A story still being told.

[Pre-Chorus - more intense]

So I ask, I seek, I knock each day,

The doors will open, I find my way.

It’s not perfection, but the climb,

A journey steady, step in time.

[Chorus]

Live to Level Up, we rise again,

Clarity first, where it begins.

Ownership, accountability—

The power to be who we’re meant to be.

Live to Level Up, don’t stop the climb,

Reflect, refine, and take your time.

Embrace the structure, build it true,

The life you want is calling you.

[Bridge]

Every setback’s just a sign,

To realign my heart, refine.

It’s not about the world’s applause,

But living true to my cause.

[Final Chorus]

Live to Level Up, we rise again,

Clarity first, where it begins.

Ownership, accountability—

The power to be who we’re meant to be.

Live to Level Up, don’t stop the climb,

Reflect, refine, and take your time.

Embrace the structure, build it true,

The life you want is calling you.

[Outro]

Live to Level Up…

It’s a journey, not the end.

In this inspiring episode of Level Up with Jevi, Jevi sits down with power couple TL Melona and TL Nikki Abilar—both thriving freelancers, tribe leaders, and proud bookkeepers at The Shepherd Virtual Accountants and Bookkeepers. From humble beginnings to building sustainable freelancing careers, they share how integrating health and fitness transformed their family life, mindset, and work performance.

Their candid story weaves through mental health struggles, family friction, and the discovery of systems that work—from Kaizen fitness to time-blocking and meal tracking. It’s a conversation about love, discipline, teamwork, and leveling up together, with powerful takeaways for freelancers, parents, and anyone committed to continuous growth.

💼 From Housewife and Technician to Freelancers & Team Leaders

TL Melona was a full-time housewife and TL Nikki worked in water treatment—until freelancing changed the game. Their story began with humble beginnings and evolved into building multiple income streams while raising toddlers and managing multiple clients.

🧠 Mental Health and the Wake-Up Call

Nikki shares how mental health struggles, panic attacks, and physical symptoms became his wake-up call to take health seriously. Melona supported him wholeheartedly, even when it meant adjusting her own lifestyle.

💪 Kaizen and the Fitness Reset

The couple opened up about enrolling in Season 7 of Kaizen after years of inconsistent gym efforts. With Kaizen, they embraced sustainable habits, tracking, and routines that finally stuck—and made health a core family value.

🕰️ Time Blocking, Tracking & Systems That Work

Learn how they manage multiple roles, clients, and parental duties through habits like food tracking, step goals, gym progress logs, and daily planning systems.

👟 Healthy Habits that Stuck

From prioritizing steps over showering (literally!) to integrating nutrition knowledge into daily cooking, they share practical habits anyone can start with—even on a tight schedule.

🏋️ The Power of Partnership

They dive deep into the dynamics of working on fitness as a couple—from scheduling friction to gym solitude, from macros misunderstandings to tag-team grocery runs.

💖 Defining Success Through Simplicity

Success for the Abilars isn’t about luxury—it's about health, family, presence, and purpose. Their advocacy work and desire to care for their children and future grandchildren keep them grounded and motivated.

📈 Live to Level Up Mindset

Hear how their goals keep evolving—from losing weight to gaining strength, from taming anxiety to becoming role models in fitness, finance, and faith.

✔️ Prioritize your health—it’s the center of everything.

✔️ Track your time, meals, and workouts for real progress.

✔️ Build a strong support system, especially in your own home.

✔️ Success is about service, simplicity, and sustained growth.

✔️ Fitness isn’t separate—it’s integrated into your whole life journey.

0:00 – Meet TL Melona & TL Nikki + Their Humble Beginnings

1:30 – Motherhood, freelancing, and managing home chaos

3:33 – Nikki’s field job to freelance + mental health struggle

6:38 – First attempts at fitness and failing forward

7:39 – Realizing the deeper reason behind their health goals

10:14 – Frictions in marriage and fitness tracking misunderstandings

12:21 – Challenges and adjustments as fitness partners

16:20 – Understanding “the dip” and pushing through

18:06 – Habits they developed: Steps, food tracking, gym, daily planning

25:20 – Pain relief and body transformation through proper...

Summary:

After a two-month pause to level up behind the scenes, Jevi returns with a deeply reflective episode featuring Niña Anna Mariano—freelancer, executive assistant to Coach Harry (Kage), and former nun. Niña shares her winding life journey from the convent to freelancing and the powerful process of rediscovering her identity. Her story dives into the struggles of burnout, the confusion of life after a long spiritual commitment, and the value of finding direction and clarity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of the next step. Niña’s vulnerability and wisdom remind us that we’re all works in progress—and that with patience and reflection, we can reshape our lives.

Highlights:

🌱 Pre-Level Up Life: From Convent to Confusion

Niña recalls her bold decision to enter the convent just days after graduation, spending nine years in service and spiritual formation before choosing to step away and face a world she no longer recognized.

💼 Freelancing, Burnout & Breakthrough

From book editing to juggling multiple freelance clients and corporate work, Niña candidly shares her experience of burnout and how it forced her to slow down, reflect, and rebuild with intention.

🧠 Knowing Oneself & Identity Clarity

Niña discusses the challenge of identity loss, comparing herself to others, and the journey to truly understand who she is outside of the expectations and labels she once embraced.

🌟 The Role of Mentors

She highlights the importance of having the right mentor—not just any guide, but someone aligned with your values who offers fresh, unbiased perspectives to help you grow.

🧘 Habits that Shape Identity

Niña shares practical habits that supported her healing and growth—10k steps, online workouts, and audio journaling—as part of her commitment to self-care and identity building.

💡 Defining Success & Building a Joyful Life

For Niña, success means peace, joy, financial security, and quality time with loved ones—not necessarily six figures, but stability and intentional living.

🗝️ Advice to the Lost & Confused

To those struggling with identity or constantly comparing themselves to others, Niña offers simple yet powerful advice: be patient with yourself, seek mentors, and don't fixate on one future. We’re all evolving, and that’s okay.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Your identity is a work in progress—don’t fixate on one version of yourself.

✔️ Slow down when you’re lost; reflection and patience lead to clarity.

✔️ Mentors offer crucial perspectives—choose one who aligns with your values.

✔️ Cultivate simple habits to ground yourself daily.

✔️ Success isn’t just income—it’s peace, direction, and joy.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome back! Meet Niña Anna Mariano

1:41 - Niña’s journey from convent life to teaching

4:03 - Burnout, breakdown, and letting go

7:33 - Finding direction through the Clarity Challenge

10:19 - Niña’s greatest challenges: identity confusion and comparison

17:24 - What sparked her to level up?

21:08 - The importance of having a mentor

24:09 - Daily habits that helped shape her identity

27:22 - Redefining success through peace and intention

32:41 - Advice for classmates who feel lost or behind

36:40 - Measuring identity progress—where is Niña now?

38:49 - Why we’re all works in progress

41:08 - Final reflections: “Life is good, and it can always be better.”

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

🌐 Join the Level Up community on Facebook

📲 Follow Jevi on TikTok, Instagram & Facebook Reels

Summary:

In this insightful episode of Level Up with Jevi, Jevi is joined by his "brother" Vincent Valderama, a fellow Tribe Leader in The Freelance Movement Tribe (TFMT) by John Pagulayan. Vincent shares his inspiring journey—from spending 15 years in the corporate world as a nurse and call center professional to transitioning into freelancing, where he now works as a Utilization Review Nurse from home.

He talks about the struggles of finding the right path, overcoming self-doubt, and discovering freelancing as a viable career for nurses who want to break free from traditional hospital work. Vincent also opens up about the power of emotional intelligence, personal growth, and taking action toward one’s goals. Whether you're a corporate worker, a freelancer, or someone looking for change, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you level up.

Highlights:

🔄 From Corporate Nursing & Call Centers to Freelancing:

Vincent’s 15-year journey working in the corporate sector—starting as a licensed nurse, shifting to call center work, and eventually finding his way back to nursing through freelancing.

💻 Utilization Review Nursing as a Work-from-Home Career:

How Vincent transitioned to a remote Utilization Review Nursing role, proving that nurses don’t have to work in hospitals to earn well. He encourages other nurses to explore freelancing opportunities in this field.

📧 Discovering the Power of Email Marketing & Lead Generation:

His experience with email marketing, storytelling, and building a lead generation agency that helped him transition into freelancing.

🛤 Finding Alignment & Passion:

The importance of aligning work with personal interests and how passion can be developed over time.

🧠 Emotional Intelligence & Personal Growth:

Vincent shares how he overcame anger issues, improved communication, and practiced self-awareness through meditation and gratitude.

🚀 Breaking Through Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome:

The importance of stepping up, embracing feedback, and taking ownership of one’s personal and professional growth.

💡 Advice for Finding Your Passion & Taking Action:

Vincent shares insights on discovering purpose, embracing challenges, and taking small steps toward success.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Nurses can work remotely through Utilization Review Nursing.

✔️ Passion can be discovered or developed—keep exploring.

✔️ Align your work with what brings you joy and fulfillment.

✔️ Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in success.

✔️ Take action—knowledge without execution is wasted potential.

✔️ Success is not just financial; it’s about impact and presence.

Timestamps:

⏳ 0:00 - Introduction: Meet Vincent Valderama

⏳ 1:40 - Vincent’s Pre-Level Up Life: 15 Years in Corporate Nursing & Call Centers

⏳ 2:54 - Finding Freelancing & Transitioning to Utilization Review Nursing

⏳ 6:02 - What Inspired Vincent to Keep Leveling Up?

⏳ 7:08 - Defining Success & Its True Meaning

⏳ 10:50 - Emotional Intelligence & Overcoming Anger Issues

⏳ 15:42 - The Role of Communication & Active Listening

⏳ 18:12 - Developing Habits for Growth & Mindfulness Practices

⏳ 21:21 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Personal Growth

⏳ 23:59 - Finding Alignment & Staying Focused on Your Goals

⏳ 27:31 - How to Measure Growth & Success

⏳ 32:14 - Advice for Nurses...

Summary

In this episode of Level Up with Jevi, we sit down with Kuys Mark Bahala, a former call center agent and Grab driver who successfully transitioned into the freelancing world as a Technical Virtual Assistant (Tech VA). Mark shares his inspiring journey—how he navigated career shifts, overcame financial struggles, and ultimately built a sustainable freelancing career through persistence and smart decision-making.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job or struggled to make ends meet, this episode will give you the motivation to take charge of your future.

Highlights

🚗 From Call Center to Grab Driver

Mark spent 8 years in the BPO industry before transitioning to Grab driving to increase his income. He shares the challenges of juggling two jobs and why he ultimately left his corporate career.

⚡ The Pandemic Shift: Taking the Leap to Freelancing

When the pandemic hit, Mark faced a tough choice: return to the office or take a risk in freelancing. Learn how he decided to invest in himself and join Kuys RJ’s Technical VA course.

💻 Building a Career in Tech VA

Mark walks us through his struggles of finding clients, dealing with financial instability, and the lessons he learned in the process. From almost being scammed by a client to finally landing high-paying freelance projects, his story is packed with insights for aspiring freelancers.

🛠 Overcoming Challenges & Learning New Skills

Discover the automation tools Mark specializes in—Zapier, Make.com, GoHighLevel, and Power Automate—and how he continuously improves his skills to stay ahead in freelancing.

💰 From Struggles to Earning 6 Figures

Mark’s freelancing career skyrocketed in just a few months, going from zero clients to earning over PHP 100,000 monthly. He shares his tips on closing deals, refining his proposals, and attracting premium clients.

🌱 The Importance of Community and Giving Back

Mark credits his success to the supportive freelancing community and now finds joy in helping new freelancers. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and why showing up consistently is key to growth.

🛤 Defining Success & Future Goals

For Mark, success means achieving financial stability, having a flexible work schedule, and eventually being debt-free. He dreams of working with just one high-paying client while having the freedom to travel.

Key Takeaways

✔️ If you’re stuck in a job you don’t like, start exploring other options—invest in learning new skills.

✔️ Freelancing isn’t easy, but with persistence and the right mindset, you can succeed.

✔️ Showing up daily, even when you’re struggling, is the key to long-term success.

✔️ Surround yourself with a supportive community that pushes you to grow.

✔️ Giving back and helping others can be a fulfilling part of your journey.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction: Meet Kuys Mark Bahala

1:17 - Mark’s life before freelancing: Call center and Grab driving

3:00 - The decision to leave corporate work during the pandemic

6:30 - Enrolling in the Tech VA course & transitioning to freelancing

10:46 - First client struggles and financial challenges

15:13 - Hitting six-figure earnings in freelancing

18:02 - The power of continuous learning & refining skills

21:34 - What success means to Mark

24:11 - Advice for aspiring freelancers

27:53 - The value of community and giving back

29:14 - Closing thoughts & final advice

Connect with Mark Bahala

📌 Interested in becoming a Tech VA? Check out the course by Kuys RJ!

Connect with Jevi 💪😁

📩 Follow and...

Summary:

In this powerful episode of Level Up with Jevi, we sit down with Coach Mark Hui, a well-respected coach from The Freelance Movement Tribe (TFMT). From struggling with odd jobs to breaking into freelancing and eventually becoming a coach, Coach Mark shares his gritty, no-excuses journey to success.

His story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and taking bold action despite obstacles like not finishing college and facing multiple rejections. Through freelancing, he found financial freedom, built a thriving lead generation agency, and now helps others do the same.

This episode is packed with real talk, valuable lessons, and no-fluff advice for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their next steps. If you're a freelancer looking for direction or someone trying to figure out their next move, this episode is for you.

🎯 Highlights:

🔥 Mark’s Pre-Level Up Life

• Grew up without parents and had to hustle early on.
• Worked as a car wash attendant, warehouse assistant, and call center agent.
• Struggled to get a call center job due to his lack of English fluency but pushed through.

💡 Breaking into Freelancing

• Discovered freelancing by overhearing a conversation at work.
• Started learning about Virtual Assistance (VA) and eventually resigned from his BPO job.
• Took a loan to enroll in a freelancing course and bet on himself.

🚀 From Freelancer to Agency Owner

• Focused on LinkedIn Lead Generation and found success.
• Built a lead generation agency and started helping others.
• Realized that documenting processes helped him scale his business.

👨‍🏫 The Shift to Coaching & Consulting

• Started coaching others for free and later monetized his knowledge.
• Emphasizes real experience over theory—only teaches what he has tested himself.
• Advocates for clarity, patience, and consistency in freelancing.

🔑 Defining Success Beyond Money

• Success isn’t just about money—it’s about time freedom and living life on your terms.
• Moved into his own home after years of renting.
• Believes freelancing is a vehicle for financial and personal freedom.

📈 Advice for Classmates Feeling Stuck

• If you feel stuck, you lack clarity—get clear on what you want.
• Seek mentorship and guidance—don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Small wins matter—track progress one step at a time.
• Stop hopping from one opportunity to another—commit and push through challenges.

⏳ Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction: Meet Coach Mark Hui

1:26 - Mark’s early struggles: No college degree, hustling in odd jobs

6:17 - Discovering freelancing & the power of betting on himself

12:10 - Transitioning from BPO to freelancing

18:30 - Building a lead generation agency & scaling up

23:50 - From freelancer to coach: The power of sharing knowledge

35:50 - Redefining success: More than just money

44:20 - Advice for freelancers feeling stuck

51:53 - Final thoughts & gratitude

💡 Key Takeaways:

✔️ You don’t need a degree to succeed—work ethic and strategy matter more.

✔️ Clarity leads to action. Know your goals, and align your actions accordingly.

✔️ Consistency beats talent. Keep pushing...

Summary:

In this empowering episode of Level Up with Jevi, Jevi welcomes Kuya Mic, husband of Coach Eloi from ValuePOD Podcast VA School. Kuya Mic shares his transformative journey of resilience and growth, embodying the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. From struggling with serious health challenges to finding strength through community, fitness, and a strong support system, his story inspires anyone facing adversity. Packed with actionable advice and heartfelt lessons, this episode is perfect for anyone seeking to embrace personal growth during the holiday season and beyond.

Highlights:

🎯 Kuya Mic’s Pre-Kaizen Life

Discover how his stressful BPO lifestyle and unhealthy habits led to serious health conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

💡 The Turning Point

Learn how Mic's journey with Kaizen began, influenced by his father’s fitness habits and a supportive community like the Kaizen Minimalist Fitness program.

🌟 Overcoming Health Challenges

Mic shares his struggle with severe illness, hospitalizations, and the road to recovery, aided by family, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

📚 Kaizen's Impact

Explore how Kaizen, with its holistic approach to fitness, habit-building, and community support, helped Mic rebuild his strength and mindset.

🎄 Holiday Reflections and Success

Mic reflects on the meaning of success, from achieving health milestones to financial stability and cherishing simple joys with family.

🔑 Advice for Classmates

Practical tips on financial management, health, and staying committed to progress, especially when facing life’s toughest challenges.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Embrace the Kaizen mindset: small, consistent improvements lead to big changes.

✔️ Build and lean on a strong support system during tough times.

✔️ Prioritize health through mindful eating and daily activity.

✔️ Practice gratitude and journaling to nurture a positive mindset.

✔️ Define success on your own terms—it's about progress, not perfection.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction: Meet Kuya Mic

3:30 - Mic’s life before Kaizen and health struggles

10:06 - Joining Kaizen and rebuilding habits

19:30 - Recovery journey and support system

35:02 - Redefining success: health, family, and financial stability

44:04 - Advice for overcoming challenges

51:28 - Closing reflections and shout-outs

Connect with Kuya Mic:

Mic invites listeners to join the free Kaizen webinar this January to start their own journey of transformation.

Connect with Jevi 💪😁:

Follow Jevi on Facebook, YouTube, and Podcast Channels: Level Up with Jevi