Little did Jason know TV executives noticed him anew and gave him the much-needed second chance after Erich Gonzales, also an ABS-CBN talent, won the SCQ title and stole the scene leaving other finalists including Jason behind.
Next thing he knew, Jason was cast in a TV series Vietnam Rose, paired with Angelica Panganiban, in movies like I Wanna Be Happy, All About Love with Angelica again, White Lady and First Day High, and guested in Komiks (Si Pardina at Ang Mga Duwende), Maalaala Mo Kaya with Maja Salvador and Judy Ann Santos in a May-December story. The actor in Jason comes naturally and has never ceased to surprise many.
"It’s like a whirlwind romance," Jason describes his showbiz career – and fortune. "It’s fast. Maybe the right projects just came along."
Whether it’s his turn to shine or Lady Luck is just beside him, Jason, without a doubt, is the most visible – and successful – alumnus of SCQ Batch 2.
"Hindi lang akma ang mga projects for them," explains Jason why some of his batch mates are taking the backseat.
Although stereotyped in melodramas, Jason still sees the possibility that he could do comedy – his first love. Why comedy? He is just a funny man. He adores Vhong Navarro and Dolphy and considers them his idols.
Meantime, Jason will just enjoy every bit of the goody-goody, boy-next-door roles given him. In fact, he will make more girls swoon over him in the new episode of ABS-CBN’s Love Spell entitled Home Switch Home which premieres today after Your Song.
The Prince and The Pauper and Freaky Friday-inspired story is about two sisters separated at birth. Angelica plays Princess who was born with the proverbial silver spoon, while Maja is Shine, who experienced poverty at the very young age. On their birthday, the two wish that they could run away from their lives. With some magic spell, they switch fates.
Jason will share the billing with new screen partner Maja and John Wayne Sace, his "archrival" in Maja’s heart. "It’s just work to me," says Jason of their on and off-screen love triangle. Besides, Jason is all eyes on his career.
With four movies under his belt, Jason remains the probinsyano televiewers learned to adore – soft-spoken and gentle. More importantly, he is one actor who is wide awake on the realities of showbizlandia – that nothing is permanent and no one is indispensable. This side of him keeps him sane and grounded.
"I want to stay," says Jason. "As an actor, I don’t have to become a big star. I just want to achieve that staying power actors like Eddie Garcia enjoy. I just want to be around."