It may surprise some, but OPM singer Jed Madela did not initially plan to pursue a career in music.

"I didn't plan to become a singer and make it a career. I went to Manila from Iloilo to become a flight attendant," recalled Jed during a media conference for his 20th anniversary concert entitled "Jed Madela Here & Now'' which will be held at The Theatre at Solaire on Dec. 10, 8 p.m. "But for some strange reason, some people heard me sing, I was discovered, and the rest is history."

Looking back, we celebrate two decades of exceptional musical performances and achievements. Jed won the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) as a singing champion in 2003. His high-hitting vocals soon became the soundtrack of our lives and love stories.

"Being in the industry for 20 years is overwhelming. It's such as fete kasi ang daming magagaling na artists. I've seen many amazing artists come and go, but I'm still here. So I'm blessed and grateful."

Jed reminisced about the days when he was starting. He mentioned meeting people who believed in his talent, even as a newbie.

"When I was singing in a band, I would meet celebrities. It was word of mouth before. Some of their friends would tell them to visit this bar and there's someone from Iloilo who sings well.

"Every night we would look forward to guests who were watching us. First, there's a place at Rockwell called Dish Bar. Nagkagulo lahat sa backstage. Sabi ko, what's wrong? Martin Nievera was there. So they introduced me. So Martin said, 'Can you sing this song?' I would give in to his requests and he would jam with us. One celebrity guest led to another. There's also Gary V.

"But one time, after my stint with the band, I started to build my name. The very first person who believed in me was Lani Misalucha. Before, my manager, Ronnie Henares, would ask other celebrities to invite me as their guest in their shows. Puro sino yun? (Who is he?) We don't know him. But Lani, even if she didn't know me then, she just heard me sing, she was the first one who brought me to her musical tours here and abroad. So I owe her a lot for believing in me.

"The other one would be Lea Salonga. I didn't expect her to become my friend. I idolize her. I was starstruck. But Lea is one of those people na hind tipid sa pag-puri sa akin. And also Regine Velasquez. So these are the people I didn't imagine would become my friends. They inspired me to sing. Now I'm surrounded by people who support me all the way," Jed said.

Jed considers his time with the band as one of the most memorable moments in his career.

"I think that is my training ground kung saan ko talaga natutunan when it comes to singing and performing. Bago ako nag mainstream, I started as a band singer. So I owe a lot of my training sa pag-ba-banda. Mahiyain talaga ako, but when I joined the band, I learned how to interact with people. Dati wala pang social media and bashers pero meron ng hecklers. So I learned how to deal with them," he also said.

Jed also considers winning the WCOPA as one of the major highlights of his career. But mentoring young artists is truly unmatched.

"That's another highlight because it gives me the feeling that I've made it not just as a singer but was able to pay it forward among the newcomers."

When advising young artists, Jed always emphasizes the importance of practicing their craft and developing a strong work ethic.

"Talent is very important. It will make you established in the industry. Talent can bring you places. Next is to surround yourself with the right people. These people will either make you or break you. You don't need to have an entire army of people supporting you. Even if it's only three or four people as long as you know they are sincere, hindi ka inaabuso or take advantage and they will be there to support you in your lowest times," he said.

Jed added: "Aside from that, work ethic. It's very important. Dapat marunong makisama, marunong magpasalamat, marunong tumulong at mag-pay forward rin. Kasi sinasabi ko sa kanila kahit ano'ng galing mo kung mahirap kang ka-trabaho, people will not work with you anymore. So people would rather work with so-so talent but they are happy and easy to work with. And they also share the same passion. That's what I always tell them."

There have been times when Jed questioned his talent and considered leaving show business.

"Many times I thought of finding another job. Honestly, in this industry, it's not very secure. Sometimes I have doubts, and I question myself. There was a moment in my life when I asked myself if people still want me to hear me sing. May mga uso kasi eh. May fad in music and style of singing. And then people may not want to hear ballads anymore. 

"So, I started to ask myself if I was still relevant. Kasi parang wala ng kumukuha sa akin for gigs and other projects. Going back to what I have said, I surround myself with good people who will remind me not to doubt myself. So support yourself with a core group who will support you," Jed said.

Moving forward, Jed said he wanted to focus on the concert scene, record more albums and collaborate with younger artists.

"I still want to do concerts. I want to do live shows here and abroad. I want to go to places in the Philippines where I have not yet performed. It's funny that I'm 20 years in the industry pero ang dami pang lugar sa Pilipinas na hindi pa ako nakakapunta para magperform. I don't mind if it's a big city or small province as long as I get to perform. I also want to record more albums. I want to collaborate with more artists.

"Right now, I'm collaborating with Gen Z artists because I want to experiment with how music will sound from someone like me from Gen X. There are a lot of new artists out there. I also want to collaborate with Juan Karlos and Moira on something different. That's how the music industry will thrive if there's new material. And again, I want to continue mentoring new artists," he added.

Jed was also amazed at netizens after his cover song "Forevermore" went viral on social media.

"I was surprised because I recorded that song in 2005, and it wasn't even promoted as a single. But because of TikTok, it became a hit again. I was tagged with the video about lovers meeting at the airport. So now it has become an airport theme song. Until now, it has been viral," he said.

Asked about his love life, Jed revealed he's single but happy.

"Wala talaga. Career lang. I've learned that you go with the flow. If it will come, it will come. I'm not getting any younger. I'm 46. But age is just a number. I enjoy all the opportunities that come my way now. Kapag dumating ang lovelife, wala na, distracted ka na.

"May dumating naman sa 20 years. Pero wala na talaga. May mga pamilya na sila. Hindi ko na binabalikan kung ilan. Naging part din sila ng buhay ko but it didn't work. Siguro wala pa talaga. I'm just waiting for someone who comes my way na magdadala ng magic or spark," he said.

Of the songs he recorded and sang, Jed points to "Warrior is a Child" as his favorite because it tells his story.

"Lately, 'Warrior is a Child' has become my theme song. I've never recorded it professionally but when I sing the song, it always reminds me of who I really am. A fighter. People see and hear me on stage as a belter but what they didn't are the challenges I have experienced backstage. I try to be strong in front of people but I'm only human. We have problems and issues. That song really tells my story."

In his upcoming show, Jed will be serenading attendees with his greatest hits, such as The Past, How Can I Fall, Changes In My Life, and Forevermore, and perform a tasteful list of songs. 

"I have surprise guests, but it's a surprise. Clue? People who have influenced me in this industry. People who have been influential in my music. Not only in my music but also in how I would work. These people inspire me work-wise on how to deal with people and the pressures of showbiz; that's how they support me. Kaya sila ang napili ko to be part of my concert," he said.

Ticket prices for "Jed Madela Here & Now" at The Theater at Solaire on Dec. 10 start at PHP 2,500 for Upper Box seats, PHP 4,000 for Lower Box Seats, PHP5,500 for Premium Gold Seats, PHP 6,500 for VIP Seats, PHP 8,500 for VVIP Seats, and PHP 11,000 for Platinum Seats. Stay tuned as tickets will be sold soon on Ticketworld’s website at https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/.