Jex De Castro holding his trophy shortly after being named Grand Prix winner of the Stars of the Albion (Photo from Facebook)

He was a poor boy who did not even graduate from high school because of poverty. But in a span of seven years, singer and Tawag ng Tanghalan All-Star Grand Resbak first runner-up Jex De Castro has achieved things that are beyond his wildest dreams. The latest feather in his cap is being hailed the grand champion of the Stars of the Albion 2023 held in London last March.

"I joined the contest (Stars of the Albion) because I dreamed that one day, I could win a title and I did. In God's perfect time, it was my moment, the timing that I had been waiting for. I'm really grateful," Jex said in an interview.

Jex's life story reveals a man who had to work hard and sacrifice a lot just to send his younger brother to school. Thankfully, his sibling is now an architect. He comes from a family of singers and joined a plethora of hometown singing contests in the past in order to earn money. In 2016, he became a wedding singer for the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra - a stint that became pivotal for his joining "Tawag ng Tanghalan" later on.

Fast-forward to January 2023: Charie Vega of Vega Entertainment Productions encouraged Jex to join an international competition. Charie is involved in the Euro Talent Festival where Stars of the Albion is a part of. She's now proud that Jex is the fifth Pinoy Grand Prix winner. The first one was Rachel Gabreza, another TNT alumnus, who won in 2018.

"Jex's winning an international title is very good for his biodata. It gives him an added value as a performer," Charie observed.

Before flying to London, Europe was just a dream destination for Jex. And when the chance came for him to represent the country as a singer, he had to overcome another hurdle: lack of funds. Thankfully, he already has an established following among his fans, who call themselves "Jexters." The same fans were instrumental in making Jex the Kumu Streamer of the Year and granted his wish to buy a house and lot for his parents. A few shout-outs on social media and the support of  "It's Showtime" cast led by Vice Ganda enabled Jex to raise at least P350,000 which he needed for his trip to London.

Team Philippines at the Stars of the Albion in London (from left): Charie Vega, Rose Marielle Mamaclay, Jex De Castro and Reymond Sajor (Photo from Facebook)

"Driving force ko sila (fans). They are the first ones to believe in me and boost my self-confidence to win. I felt so happy because some of my supporters are Pinoy nurses from the UK, and they really took time to meet me even with their busy schedule," Jex recalled.

On the first day of "Stars of the Albion," Jex sang Michael Bolton's "Go The Distance." On the second day, he wowed the crowd with his rendition of  "Bohemian Rhapsody" - the Queen anthem which is a combination of ballad, opera, and hard rock, ideally sung by three persons or more. Jex had the song arranged by Jem Florendo so that it can be tailored for a soloist like him.

"I chose Bohemian Rhapsody because Queen was a homegrown artist from England and the contest was in London. It's a difficult song and I thought that if I really wanted to win, I have to take the risk," he pointed out.

Fortunately, the risk paid off. Back in Manila, Jex is prepared for another chapter in his career. Last April 3, he performed on "ASAP Natin 'to"  with other singing champs and Concert King Martin Nievera. He's also at work now on his very first single, which is slated for release this April. He describes it as a collaboration with his idol, Jay Durias of South Border, who composed the song tentatively titled "Sa Huli."

"Pangarap kong magkaroon ng hit single talaga. Sana dumating ang time na tuwing kakanta ako ng song ko, kumakanta rin ang lahat ng tao," he mused.

(I dream of having a hit single. I hope the time will come that when I'm singing my song, everyone will be singing it too.)

Looking back, Jex is thankful for all the hardships and self-doubt he felt in the past for making him the strong, confident person he is now. " Everything that happened, it's part of who I am now. If I didn't experience those things, I won't be here," he closed.