‘90s heartthrob Jao Mapa finds place in both visual arts and entertainment
MANILA, Philippines — Jao Mapa is one actor who has also found his niche and expression in visual arts.
His entry into the showbiz industry began as a teen heartthrob in 1993, and he proved his mettle in the comedy and drama genre.
After years of doing entertainment, Jao decided to pursue a degree in fine arts at the University of Santo Tomas and finished it.
Even if he is busy with painting, Jao never forgets the art of being in someone else’s shoes and becoming part of an engaging story.
“I’m blessed to be part of ‘Hari ng Tondo,’” said he in a small group chat during the recent “The Maddox Jewelry Iconic Runway Fashion Show,” where he graced as one of its guests. But last year, he participated as a model for “The Maddox Jewelry Gala.”
Jao is working with Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid in the forthcoming GMA action-drama series. He added that they’ve already shot some scenes.
So, the artist straddles painting and TV acting.
“I mean it’s ongoing,” shared he of his calling to the visual arts. “So, I’ve been painting since I graduated from UST, since 2003.”
During the pandemic, he started sharing and selling his work online and considered its business potential.
As for his recent exhibit, Jao recalled that he was part of the one called “Hatch,” sponsored by a newspaper and held at the Manila Hotel. His work is titled “Pandisco Sa Ilaw.”
A piece of information available online says that it revolved around the “contemporary visions, timeless setting” theme that bridged “heritage and modern expression.”
“We were given fiberglass eggs, and then we painted,” shared he, adding that the event supported artists like him.
Also a member of the Art VII (Art 7) Group, Jao had another exhibit at the Galerie Anna.
“I’m a figurative expressionist,” said he. “But I could also do abstract. I was already a figurative expressionist since I was a child. Since I was five years old. Mahilig ako sa mga cartoons, sa mga superheroes (I’m doing cartoons and superheroes).”
In a figurative expressionism work, one may see “recognizable figures” and “pictorial forms” with a subjective and personal rendering and interpretation, based on available information.
The actor-visual artist is a family man with three children, and one of them expressed interest in doing showbiz. He brought the other one on the set of an independent film to see the nitty-gritty of it.
Asked what he can say about today’s new breed of teen actors and stars, he said, “(They’re) pretty good. Magagaling din sila.”
With the presence of social media, fans have better reach with the stars, he added. As compared to before, they had TV and film to watch and see their idols.
Would he recommend young talents find another passion or interest aside from doing entertainment?
Jao said, “Parang bonus na rin yung ‘pag nakakuha, nakapasok ka sa entertainment business (It’s like a bonus that you’ve landed a career or got into showbiz). But it’s no joke getting into the entertainment business. But, yeah, that’s a good idea (to do something other than showbiz) if they could find other venues that they could be.”
Speaking of an avenue to introduce a work of art, Charo Cordial, president and CEO of the Maddox Jewelry brand, presented a runway fashion show displaying various diamond designs worn by her showbiz clients. The brand also tells one that ordinary people can own a diamond piece.
“It started last year (with ‘The Maddox Jewelry Gala’),” said she in a presscon. “Nag-vo-vlog kami (my team and I would vlog). (Before that) when we were not yet vlogging, I already had celebrity customers. Then I thought of the idea of if they could do a vlog with us… hanggang sa naisip ko na ang dami na pala nila (until I realized that they were already many). So, (I said), ‘Let’s do a fashion show.’”
The first was “The Maddox Jewelry Gala,” described by Charo as a small Christmas event with employees, followed by the recent “The Maddox Jewelry Iconic Runway Fashion Show,” attended by familiar and famous names and directed by Robby Carmona.
“Then after (the first fashion event), pwede kayang sigurong mas malaki pa kasi mas marami na sila (I considered another idea of having a bigger one with many celebrity clients in it). So, lahat po ng mga rarampa mamaya, lahat po sila ay naging customer namin at nakasama ko na (All of them who would grace the runway fashion show have become customers of ours and collaborated with me).”
Like Charo, Jao will carry on to pursue his passion for painting and acting.
(For details on the brand, please visit its D Maddox Jewelry Facebook page.)
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