How MK Bertulfo Built a 500K+ Community for Filipino Virtual Assistants - E688

How MK Bertulfo Built a 500K+ Community for Filipino Virtual Assistants - E688

Author: Jeremy Au April 20, 2026 Duration: 40:54

In this episode of the BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast, Jeremy Au sits down with MK Bertulfo, the visionary founder of Filipina Homebased Moms (FHMoms). MK shares her raw and inspiring journey transitioning from an overworked, underpaid BPO call center agent in Manila to building the largest online community for work-at-home mothers in the Philippines, now boasting over 540,000 members globally.

We dive deep into the realities of the freelance economy, bridging the gap between international employers and Filipino virtual assistants (VAs), and navigating the intense pressures of startup growth and "mom guilt." MK also breaks down the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence and shares her strategies for upskilling freelancers to prevent them from being left behind by AI agents, pushing them to eventually become SaaS entrepreneurs themselves.

Whether you are a startup founder looking to hire remote offshore talent, or a professional aiming to scale an organic community into a profitable tech platform, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and localized Southeast Asian insights.


00:00 - Introduction to FHMoms & MK Bertulfo

02:44 - Surviving the BPO Call Center Industry

06:33 - The Transition to Being a Virtual Assistant

10:20 - Juggling Motherhood, Freelancing, & "Mom Guilt"

13:50 - Building FHMoms: From Facebook Group to Tech Startup

17:45 - Bridging the Gap Between Employers and Remote Talent

25:14 - Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Virtual Assistants?

31:30 - The Future: Transitioning from VA to SaaS Entrepreneur

34:55 - Overcoming Early Backlash & Staying Brave

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/mk-bertulfo-fhmoms-virtual-assistants

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at https://www.bravesea.com

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#Philippines #VirtualAssistant #EdTech #Startup #Founder #Podcast #southeastasia #techpodcast


There’s a unique energy building across Southeast Asia, a sense of possibility that’s palpable from Singapore’s skyscrapers to the bustling streets of Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech captures that momentum by going beyond the headlines and funding announcements. Host Jeremy Au, a venture capitalist and serial founder with a background from Harvard and Berkeley, steers these conversations with a distinct perspective-one that balances the hard metrics of growth with the very human elements of leadership and personal development. Each episode feels like a candid, in-depth dialogue, whether he’s speaking with a first-time founder navigating early traction or a seasoned investor mapping regional trends. You’ll hear genuine stories about building companies, the tough lessons learned from failures, and the often-overlooked journey of staying grounded while scaling rapidly. This isn’t about presenting a polished facade of success; it’s about the real work of creating something meaningful. With over eighty thousand regular listeners, this podcast has become a key resource for anyone invested in the region’s tech ecosystem. Jeremy brings his own experiences as a sci-fi enthusiast and a father into the mix, often exploring how broader perspectives on the future and empathy shape better leaders. Tune in for practical insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and management, all framed within the vibrant and complex tapestry of Southeast Asia. New conversations arrive every Monday, offering a thoughtful pause to reflect on how we build what’s next.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)
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