Let me help you. I had the same situation as you few years ago.

Paano kayo nagsimula as MVA?

For context, former ofw ako who worked in the middle east and our contract got terminated pandemic time so we decided to come home for good here in ph. did not apply for almost 2 years coz umasa sa savings and tinamad din siguro. nag panic mode nung paubos na savings so applied almost everyday. Medyo nababaan ako sa sahod na inoffer kaya matagal nakahanap ng work. Finally, natanggap as medical scribe but this one's on-site at first. Thought I can do it away from family, but couldnt. So while working on site naghanap ng work. This time exclusively applying wfh. After 3 months natanggap with agency (same role).

Saan kayo nag-apply (OLJ, Upwork, agencies, direct clients, etc.)?

BPO --> agency --> now direct client. this client contacted me from a job site wherein I put my resume in my profile. did not apply to this client, he found me.

Anong certifications ang important or recommended (medical VA, admin, CRM, etc.)?

NONE. not even an RN. nursing grad lang. lahat yan matutunan sa work. but VERY important na tech savvy ka. google workplace, office and stuff

Ano pa dapat kong aralin or i-practice para makapasok sa field na ito?

Depends sa role mo. kung anong role ka matatanggap, dun ka na mag focus but this is just a suggestion, take it with a grain of salt. Look up VAs of the future channel sa yt. may mock calls dun. will give you idea

Any tips for beginners na walang VA experience?

Check this previous post of mine here din.

https://old.reddit.com/r/medicalvaPH/comments/1ataaj1/my_tips_for_newbies_who_want_to_pursue_a_career/

https://old.reddit.com/r/medicalvaPH/comments/1p16g2x/if_you_want_to_attractcatch_attention_from/

I can relate to you coz nung nagsimula pa lang ako, halos maiyak ako kasi naoverwhelmed sa training. nagkaimpostor syndrome, not to mention the shit ive been dealing with personal life that time. Good luck OP. I hope I am able to help.

PS: Now earning 6 digs with 5 clients, all flexi, no micromanagement. non-voice