Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach interviews candidates seeking to join online ESL platform 51Talk

Manila, Philippines – 51Talk, together with their new Philippine brand ambassador, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, held its first-ever livestream interview via Facebook after hundreds of aspiring online English teachers signed up to get a chance to be part of the show. The livestream is part of 51Talk’s campaign to invite qualified Filipinos who are interested in taking advantage of the 30,000 home-based online teaching opportunities offered by 51Talk, where people can teach, learn, and most importantly – earn.  

Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, 51Talk is the leading online English education platform that connects thousands of Filipino teachers to foreign English language learners via an interactive virtual classroom.

More than 70,000 viewers tuned in and joined the fun and inspiring livestream which allowed them to learn more about the teach-at-home opportunity and acquainted them with the application process that can be completed in as fast as three days. Pia interviewed nine pre-selected candidates from different backgrounds who shared their heartwarming stories about how they found hope in 51Talk after losing their jobs or livelihood.

Several of the candidates expressed how the pandemic has affected their current livelihood, especially those who belong to the travel and events industries.  

Paula, a professional dancer and instructor who has been performing and teaching for 14 years, had a lot of her events and classes cancelled due to COVID-19. She came across the 51Talk online teaching opportunity and decided to give it a shot since she has teaching experience.

“I want to be able to translate my teaching skills from dance and performance arts into teaching English. I just love sharing what I know and [seeing] my students grow into the best versions of themselves,” shared Paula.  

Trina, a professional events host, found herself in the same boat as a lot of her hosting gigs were cancelled or postponed indefinitely.  

“While the situation we are in can be very disheartening, I decided to try out as a 51Talk teacher and I’m happy that I made it to this fun interview with no less than Miss Universe  Pia Wurtzbach!” exclaimed Trina. Trina gave the viewers a taste of her fun, entertaining energy as she sang songs both in English and Chinese

Pearl, another one of the candidates, candidly shared how the past few months have been very tough for those in the travel industry. She was about to return to work as a flight attendant after her maternity leave but her retraining was put on hold as travel restrictions are still in place. Having no income, Pearl said she had to find a stable and sustainable livelihood that would allow her to help her husband, especially now that they have their first child.  

“When I learned about the opportunity in 51Talk, it gave me hope and made me revisit my childhood dream of becoming an educator,” shared Pearl. “Even if I don’t have any teaching experience, I didn’t hesitate to [sign up]. I borrowed my sister’s laptop just so I could apply. I’m very excited to start teaching in 51Talk.”

According to 51Talk teacher Angelo Lex, who co-hosted the show, being an English as a Foreign  Language (EFL) teacher is very profitable as he gets to earn from the comfort and safety of his own home following his preferred schedule. He also shared his excitement when he learned of the platform’s recent announcement about the 20 million-peso incentive program exclusively for 51Talk teachers this month.  

Pia felt ecstatic and inspired since this is her first stint in interviewing candidates online. “It’s a humbling experience to interview such incredible candidates from all walks of life, to hear their unique stories, and to witness how talented and passionate they all are,” shared Pia.

Towards the end of the show, Pia said she was moved after hearing the story of one of the candidates, Pearl, the flight attendant who borrowed her sister’s laptop just so she could sign up to be a teacher at 51Talk. Pia surprised everyone as she decided to personally give Pearl a laptop to help her get started in her online teaching career.  

“We see your hard work and we’re very sorry for what you’re going through as a young mom. I find you very engaging and [with] so much potential,” said Pia

“It’s such an honor to represent 51Talk as their brand ambassador and to be able to connect to thousands of Filipinos through this livestream. I hope it inspired them and gave them joy.”  

Pia considers empowering Filipinos as her top advocacy, now more than ever when thousands of Filipinos have lost their livelihood due to the pandemic.

“I am encouraging all qualified individuals to sign up and to seize this wonderful livelihood opportunity. See you in our next livestream!” exclaimed Pia.  

Next month, 51Talk will be doing another round of interviews with a new set of candidates via the official 51Talk Facebook page. To get a chance to be interviewed, showcase your talent, and have a #DateWithPiaAt51Talk, sign up via 51Talk’s website at www.51Talk.ph

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