MANILA, Philippines — Being on lockdown for several months during the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on people and forced the whole world to change its ways. The lives of many were affected with countless Filipinos losing their jobs. But this 28-year old who was once employed in a stock brokerage, took the pandemic as a sign to defy the odds by quitting his 9-5 to go all-in as a Fitness YouTuber.
Jacob Alava, one of the fastest-rising fitness content creators in the Philippines, has always been an advocate of a healthy lifestyle through muscle-building workouts and flexible dieting.
In 2018, he launched his own online coaching business formulating meal plans and designing bespoke workout regimens for his clientele.
“It started when I was just offering free coaching sessions to my friends, but later on I saw its potential and eventually turned it into a business," Alava said in a statement sent to Philstar.com.
Midway through 2019, he tried his luck on YouTube and consistently uploaded videos as he juggled his day job and online coaching business.
“It was tough. I come home tired after work, power through, and put a lot of time and effort editing my videos only to find out no one was watching.” Alava added in his recent Kumu Live interview with sneaker YouTube content creator, Carlo Ople.
At the height of the pandemic, he was experiencing a quarter-life crisis and found himself at a crossroads. He had to decide whether to remain chained to the corporate world or freely ride through the highs and lows of being a full-time content creator. Alava then made his move and said, “I wanted to pursue my passion which is fitness, plus I wanted more for me. I told myself it’s now or never. If I failed I could always find a new job.”
Evidently, this fitness creator is on the right track as he paved his own path to success. In just a little over a year, he received the most coveted YouTube Silver Play Button when he reached the 100k-subscriber mark. His most successful video sharing “10 Skin Care Tips for Men in the Philippines” raked in over 1.2 million views.
“I never planned on making that video but a lot of people in the comments section were requesting for one. I did not expect for it to blow up like it did," Alava said.
Targeting those who do not have the time to hit the gym or work out at home, Alava produced another notable content entitled “Paano PUMAYAT ng WALANG EXERCISE |10 Proven Tips for MEN AND WOMEN," which garnered almost a million views on YouTube.
"It's definitely possible to lose weight even without exercise. Just from my circle alone, I knew a lot of people who didn't have time or they simply just had different priorities," Alava added.
Jacob has also produced a number of workout videos to help people stay active from home. Now with over 222k YouTube subscribers and a newly launched clothing line, Alava is on a roll.
“Being your own boss has its fair share of challenges but I did not stop. For as long as I am able to help somebody jumpstart their fitness journey, I won’t stop creating. I’ve made this my life’s purpose. Looking back, I have no regrets taking that leap of faith," Alava said.
Alava is part of Unbox Creator Network’s FitFam, composed of the top and up-and-coming fitness content creators in the Philippines. To watch his videos and make 2024 your fittest year ever, check out his channel, Jacob Alava - YouTube.