This according to him is reminiscent of what his mentor, Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, has done to him when he was just starting his career. He already knew how competitive showbiz was even when he was still a band member. And Lani was his angel and at the same time his lucky charm.

"I’m very grateful to her for being so kind. Even if I didn’t have a name yet, she made me do her front acts. I was always her guest artist…I even heard that for her shows she would always request me to be her guest which was very flattering. I gues she simply believed in my talent," Jed gushed during an intimate interview at Universal Records Towers in Quezon City.

For his OnStage concerts, the Grand Champion Performer of the World last 2005, is also backed by big sponsors like Pepsi Max, Philippine Airlines, ABS-CBN, Calayan SurgiCenter, Universal Records, Dar Ramos, Moissantnite Jewelry and Gerry’s Grill. He could have also included popular singers in his show yet he opted for his especially chosen new artists.

"They are very talented and they have potentials to make it too. That’s why I’m giving them a break," Jed proudly said of his discoveries. His OnStage concert is also his birthday concert (Jed’s birthday is today, July 14) and sharing his concert with Gail, Karlyn and Christine is his birthday gift to himself!

"I don’t usually do this but since I really want to penetrate the concert scene, I’ve been checking ticket sales and movements and I’m very happy about the response of the public to my concert," shared Jed.

On Aug. 3, Jed flies to Hollywood for the 2006 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) or the so-called Talent Olympics. During last year’s Talent Olympics, Jed won six Gold Medals in all the six categories he joined in. He also earned himself two Champion of the World plaques, one Star Trophy as Grand Champion of the World in the Singing Division and a Diamond Trophy for the prestigious Grand Champion of the World setting a record for most Gold Medals won by an Asian in the Talent Olympics. Thus, the organizers of WCOPA deemed it appropriate to bestow on him the WCOPA Hall of Fame for sweeping all the major awards.

Looking back, Jed is still overwhelmed with his good fortune during the 2005 WCOPA. Going there in a whim because he was just requested by GMA Artist Center’s Ida Henares (now also the WCOPA National Director of the Phils.), he never had expectations. In a nutshell, he simply went there to enjoy and just give his very best; he never thought he would be bringing home Gold Medals and prestige to the Philippines!

"It started as laro lang then nanalo kami. When we were watching it, sabi namin kaya ng mga Pinoy ito."

Jed also expressed happiness that the WCOPA Philippines is sending more participants this year for the Talent Olympics with GMA Artist Center’s Jonalyn Viray as one of the country’s top bets. For him the exposure that each participant will get would be important to their respective careers. He shared that he is still enjoying the many opportunities WCOPA 2005 has opened for him.

"My advice to all of them is to enjoy. If you become too serious, you can get caught up with the idea of winning; win or lose they all have to enjoy and gain all the experiences they can."

Jed will open the 2006 WCOPA on Aug. 5 and close it on Aug. 13. He will also be one of the judges in a number of singing events during the weeklong Talent Olympics.

In between his birthday concert and the upcoming 2006 WCOPA, Jed will be busy recording his third album. His still untitled album, to be released this year, will have more new compositions. So far international artist Keith Martin and multi-awarded composer Vehnee Saturno have already composed songs for the album.

"I’ve always collaborated with Universal Records for the songs in my albums. They usually let me screen the songs for my approval. And I’m glad they trust me with such a task because an album really is the reflection of the artist’s mettle," he added.

The 2005 Grand Champion Performer of the World too, believe it or not, is already fully booked for this year and in the early months of 2007.

"I’m happy with the way things are going. Ayaw ko naman ng masyadong mabilis kasi nakakatakot din. The mere fact that I see that things are moving and that I’m not stagnant okay yun sa akin. I’m doing concerts, ‘ASAP,’ out of the country shows. I’m very blessed," Jed exclaimed.