Open University Guidelines

Bonafide Filipino Freelancers believe that it is important to study and become an expert in our niche. We do not believe in get rich quick, scammy money making online schemes.

We are talented, intelligent and loving people who wants to create a meaningful life.

We believe EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE. We are equal. We are all learners of life. We aim to be a blessing and be that helpful person who will inspire another person who needs help.

We are a family. We promote kindness and generosity. Loving one another is the purpose of our life. If we hurt one, we are hurting ourselves too.

Everyday we strive to give encouragement in every simple way we can.

Everyday is a training day. We pursue our passion and we don't stop chasing our dreams.

We believe that every new day is an opportunity to improve and another day to heal our wounds. We don't fake positivity. Instead, positive power comes from our faith and personal inspirations.

We are always thankful for what we have and happy for what we don't have.

We celebrate life as it is and we aspire to be be better everyday.

Because we believe this mantra…

“Follow someone ahead of you. Help someone behind you. Never forget that God is always above you.”

A graphic designer earning 6-figures a month moves to a modern and luxurious house near the beach working anytime anywhere he wants.

A mid-30’s couple working as virtual assistants at a stable company to make enough money to provide for their families while living in a nice house in a safe neighborhood and fun vacations whenever they want to.

A young college student hopes to graduate soon and earn money as a highly paid digital marketer, who can travel around the world and live a digital nomad lifestyle.

Is this what our life is all about?

Are we only meant to achieve our earthly goals and die?

We believe life is not about getting a comfortable life here on earth.

We like to see ourselves like a tree. We are meant to grow and to bear fruit.

We are meant to grow in God and be that person God wants us to be. (Heavenly purpose)

Also, we are meant to bear fruit for the benefit of others whether a client or someone who needs us. (Earthly purpose)

So, when it's time for us to come home back to God, we can say that we lived a meaningful life and that we are ready to see our God.

When we live in sync with what God wants us to do and the responsibilities we have here on earth, we believe that is an “unwasted life”.

Our success or happiness is not directly proportional to our income. Money will always come as we genuinely serve people and continuously pursue and enjoy the process of becoming an expert for the benefit of our clients and the people around us.

I plead with you, do not waste your life.

No matter how difficult life is right now, do not waste it.

Make your life count, like a Bonafide Filipino Freelancer.

But, how do I become a Bonafide Filipino Freelancer?

I started as a specialist. I was a customer service representative. My expertise is with Google Products and Customer Service for one company.

When I jumped into freelancing, I was broke and broken physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

But still, I know that in order for me to become a successful Freelance Social Media Manager. I had to learn a lot of General Knowledge about business, working with clients, project management, money, negotiation, marketing, taking care of myself and a lot more. So that I can work on my own, choose my own client and be not tied up to a single company. Most importantly, I can work anywhere and anytime I want.

10 or more years ago, it’s easy to find a good-paying client who would pay you for doing some simple admin tasks because freelancing is not that popular yet. After the boom of social media and after the pandemic, there are now millions of people who know about freelancing. The competition became tighter and difficult.

A lot of people are just lost, cannot move forward, and stuck with their freelancing journey.

We are bombarded with lots of information but they seem overwhelming.

We know that we need hand-holding in this process. That is the main goal of this community. To help you in every step of the way.

If you do any of these 7 things, you will get a warning and potentially be removed.

1. No one should collect money from you. This is free. However, some of the websites of the online courses may require money or payment method. E.g. LinkedIn Learning, SkillShare, etc. But no person should collect money from you except Shela or The SWAHG Team for the MasterClasses and BFF Blueprint. Other than that, everything here is free.

2. No selling of anything inside the group without Shela's Permission. We want to know first the quality of your product or service before selling it to the group.

3. No sending of links to Group Chats to Self Promote unless approved by the admins.

4. No rude speeches and no swearing.

5. No imposing of faith or religion. We can openly express what we believe but we should not condemn or criticise someone else's belief.

6. No borrowing of money inside the group. Except, someone is willingly offering a financial help.

7. No handling of special cases. (i.e. those who need professional, medical or legal counsel) If someone gives you an advice, it is at your own risk to follow that advice. Shela or the team are not responsible for any loss or damage it may cause you.