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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Jed Madela, Poppert Bernadas, and Jona remember their teachers

Jed Madela, Poppert Bernadas, and Jona remember their teachers

Published Oct 17, 2025 12:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Poppert, Jed and Jona will all be joining the Gabay Guro grand gathering on Oct. 25.
Renowned for their world-class singing abilities, Jed Madela, Poppert Bernadas, and Jona have achieved remarkable success in their respective careers. For this, they consistently credit one key influence: Their teachers.
Beginning his career as one of the singers mentored by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Poppert recalled a memory from his early days when his teacher gave him a Martin Nievera CD.
“I’m a product of public school in Davao, and when I was in fourth grade, I was always part of school activities where I was asked to sing. My teacher gave me a Martin Nievera CD at a Christmas party. I still didn’t know who Martin was at that time, but my teacher told me to listen to it—and I started to idolize him. That teacher inspired me to really be a singer,” Poppert said during the media conference for the Gabay Guro event.
Giving back to teachers, Poppert expressed excitement, as this will be his first time joining the Gabay Guro Tribute for its 18th anniversary.
Meanwhile, Jed shared that he owes his career to a teacher who encouraged him to join singing competitions despite being a shy and quiet student.
“I was a very shy kid, but my teachers saw my talent in singing— even my classmates did. I really didn’t want to participate in contests because I was so shy. But I remember, it was my teachers who encouraged me to join. They even prepared the minus one. They saw my potential, and that was one of the reasons I was able to hone my singing talent,” he said.
Since then, Jed has been an active celebrity volunteer during Gabay Guro events.
“That’s why I have high respect for teachers. They are our second parents. I’ve learned a lot from them,” he added.
For Jona, one of her fondest memories was when a teacher took her in during her audition days for "Pinoy Pop Superstar."
“When I was auditioning for 'Pinoy Pop Superstar,' I rarely attended classes because our house was far and my school was in Cubao. Seeing my situation, my adviser generously offered to let me stay at her house so I could attend classes while still joining the competition activities. They truly believed in my talent and gave me their full support—and that played a big role in helping me grow as a singer,” Jona shared.

Gabay Guro Turns 18
Behind every success story stands a teacher — someone who believed first, long before the world took notice. They are mentors, motivators, and second parents who shape lives through patience, compassion, and an unwavering heart for service.
Under the banner theme “Our Teachers: Heroes of Learning, Builders of Tomorrow,” Gabay Guro continues its legacy of uplifting educators through scholarships, livelihood programs, digital training, and community support.
Once again leading this year’s tribute is Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chairperson of Gabay Guro, mWell President and CEO, and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). Her vision continues to empower and inspire educators across the country.
“This year’s gathering is more than a show — it’s a love letter to our teachers. Every performance and every song is a tribute to their unwavering spirit. We want our teachers to laugh, sing, and dance with their favorite stars because they deserve a celebration that mirrors the joy and dedication they bring to every Filipino classroom. This is our way of saying thank you — with music, fun, and heartfelt appreciation,” Chaye said in a statement.
The celebration will kick off with an exciting pre-show featuring the Vibe Hosts and the TML Crew. Performances from Erik Santos, Regine Velasquez, Jaime Rivera, and "Drag Race Philippines" Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole will also highlight the event.
The grand celebration will take place at the Meralco Theater on October 25.
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