About ECT VA
A Filipino-founded placement service built on trust
ECT VA is a Filipino-founded Virtual Assistant Recruitment & Placement service connecting qualified Filipino remote talent with businesses around the world.
Our Story
ECT VA was born from experience—not from a business plan.
Before creating ECT VA, I worked as a Virtual Assistant for multiple clients and experienced firsthand how quickly business decisions can change. Sometimes, even when the working relationship was strong, clients had to make difficult decisions that meant letting contractors go.
What surprised me was what happened afterward.
Some of those same clients came back and asked, "Do you know anyone who could do what you were doing?"
They weren't necessarily looking for an agency. They wanted someone they could trust, while avoiding the additional costs and structure that often come with traditional agency arrangements.
So I started connecting them with qualified Virtual Assistants I knew and trusted.
And it worked.
VAs found opportunities. Businesses found people they could work with directly. And I realized there was something bigger here.
Why should this only happen through personal referrals?
That's where ECT VA was born.
Our goal is to create a better way for businesses to find Virtual Assistants — one that focuses on people, fit, and direct working relationships, rather than putting unnecessary distance between the client and the VA.
We believe businesses should have access to qualified talent without carrying the traditional costs of an agency model, while Virtual Assistants should have the opportunity to earn more from the value they bring.
ECT VA is here to make that connection scalable.
Not just through referrals. Not just through who you happen to know. But through a professional, personalized placement process designed to connect the right business with the right Virtual Assistant.
— Emil Cris Tobias, Founder
The People Behind ECT VA
Behind ECT VA are three people who care about making the right connection. We bring a personal approach to helping businesses find support and Filipino professionals find opportunities where their skills are valued.
Nate De Guzman
Co-Founder & Business Lead
Nate leads ECT VA's business relationships and is the main point of contact for businesses exploring virtual assistant support. He works closely with clients to understand their needs and helps guide them through the placement process. His approach centers on clear communication, trust, and building strong working relationships between businesses and Filipino professionals.
Connect with Nate
Emil Cris Tobias
Founder
Emil's experience as a virtual assistant, listing coordinator, and transaction coordinator inspired the creation of ECT VA. He brings a practical understanding of dependable remote support and the importance of finding the right fit. His perspective helps shape ECT VA's approach to connecting businesses with Filipino professionals.
Crizza Mae Tobias
Team Assistant
Crizza supports the everyday work that keeps ECT VA moving forward. She helps the team stay organized and gives attention to the details behind the scenes. Her support helps create a thoughtful, welcoming experience for the people connecting with ECT VA.
Connect with CrizzaOur mission
We believe businesses deserve access to qualified talent without the overhead of traditional agency models — and that Virtual Assistants deserve to earn more from the value they bring.
ECT VA bridges that gap through a professional, personalized placement process focused on people, fit, and direct working relationships.
"We do the sourcing, screening, and matching work so you can focus on running your business."
What we stand for
People first
Every placement starts with understanding the person — the business owner's goals and the VA's strengths. We don't match resumes. We match people.
Direct relationships
We believe the best working relationships are built directly between the client and the VA — without an agency sitting in the middle.
Transparency
One flat fee. No hidden costs. No monthly retainers. You know exactly what you're paying and why.
Opportunity for Filipino talent
The Philippines produces world-class remote professionals. We're here to make sure they get access to opportunities that reflect their skills.
Why the Philippines
The Philippines has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Asia, a strong culture of service, and a deep pool of professionals skilled in administrative, creative, and technical roles.
Filipino VAs are known for their reliability, adaptability, and genuine commitment to the businesses they support. That's not a stereotype — it's something we've seen firsthand.
As a Filipino-founded company, we understand this talent pool deeply. We know how to find the right people, and we know what it takes to build a working relationship that lasts.
Ready to find your next great hire?
Tell us what you need and we'll get to work finding the right match.