PROUD TO BE PINOY

Once in a while, rays of light break through the darkness. Good news that trickles in to inspire and encourage us thankfully push aside the usual stories of corruption, ineffiency, and an economy under siege. This December, JobsDB presents two Filipinos who have shown us that we can be --- to use that often-quoted word ---- “world-class.” Our Celebrity Profile showcases the first Filipina to capture the Ms. International Crown in two decades.

This Special Section highlights our second profile: Jed Madela, the hometown boy of Iloilo who was catapulted into the international limelight by winning the Grand Champion in the 2005 World Championships of the Performing Arts in Hollywood last August; along with Filipina friend and colleague Rizza Navales, he bested 3,000 talents from 51 countries, proving that Pinoys can more than hold their own in the global arena.

JED MADELA: ILONGGO KID TO INTERNATIONAL TALENT

Interview by Cora Llamas

How did you feel when Universal Records brought you and Rizza to compete in the World Championship?

In a way, pressured kami kasi pioneer kami. We didn’t know what was going on and what was supposed to happen. Naging underdog kami ni Lizza. We were just in one corner, supporting each other.

What boosted your spirits?

There were five of us including the road managers. Lani Misalucha’s people [Jed sang in Lani’s concert in the US a couple of years ago – Ed.] helped us with our make-up and drove from Las Vegas all the way to Hollywood. We made friends with the other participants from the UK, South Africa, and Pinoys in the US team who had grown up in America.

How did you feel when you first heard your name announced as the Grand Champion?

I felt na ok na ito, happy na ako, [because] I had six medals. But when they announced, “The Grand Championship Prize goes to the country of the Philippines….Jed Madela”--- nakita sa video, blank ako.

You’ve played in bands in the province before making it in Manila. Your dad also didn’t want you in the music industry because he wanted you in a more stable career, like a flight steward or a medical representative. How did you break this impasse?

In 2003, I won the People’s Choice Award and the Best Voice of Asia Male Singer in Kazakhastan. That was the time when my dad, who was a choirmaster in Iloilo, let me go. I was iin a talk show in Manila and he had flown in from Iloilo. They told me that there was a surprise waiting---and it was my dad. I didn’t know he was there, he congratultaed me.

After the show, I went out with my tita and my manager. My dad said to me that he had accepted me. He told me, “Pinagkait ko sa iyo ang happiness. I didn’t want to let you go because ayoko kitang makitang masaktan. Like any father, I wanted the best for my son, but I can clearly see that you are happy with what you are doing.”

I was crying the whole time he said this. Happy and sad at the same time. That was the time that he gave me his blessing.

What are the pressures in this business and how do you cope with them?

I’m not settling for what I have right now. I’m still honing my craft and striving for more. [To continue in this business] you have to maintain the quality of the voice. Improvise. Don’t stay like before. Magsasawa ang tao sa iyo. Diversify yourself like what Madonna is doing. She changes her look all the time.

Where do you go from here?

I just want to make a lot of songs, reach out and touch a lot of people with [them]. I want to iinspire the young ones who are aspiring to be big singers. I want to be someone whom they can ask for advice or look up to.

What advice would you give them if they do approach you?

There are 3 Ps I tell people.

First is be Patient. Huwag mong ipilit iyan. Everything has its own time. Kung hindi mo pa-time, huwag mong ipilit.

Then Persevere. Work really hard. Kung hindi ka pa napapansin, baka may kulang pa. You have to strive really hard, hone your craft, develop yourself.

Pray. I come from a religious family. My grandparents were active in church, my parents belong to Couples for Christ, I’m with Singles for Christ. [Prayer is] one of the strongest foundations especially in a career like this [where] madali ka ma-sway, magkamali ng landas. You have Someone to [approach] for the guidance, support, and protection. This is not an ordinary job.