Jed gets more physical for health, not vanity

Jed Madela

Singer Jed Madela has been trying to make some lifestyle changes as of late—not for vanity, but for health. Throughout his career, he has been teased and criticized for his weight and it is only now that he is beginning to learn to take these things in stride.

“I used to get affected when told I was fat, or I looked big on television. I found it irritating, because I’m not a model or an actor. I sing!” he said in a recent interview.

But eventually, Jed realized that such was the nature of show biz. People will always have something to say.

“I’m at a point in my life where I feel assured in knowing that the fans who really support me do it because of my voice, my talent and the shows I do… not because of my looks,” he said.

“I’m naturally big, I’m going to be a big guy forever,” Jed quipped. “So, now I just let it be.”

But still he makes the effort. He goes to the gym more often and also eats better. At 39, Jed is no spring chicken, and he admitted that he was starting to feel his age a little, especially when he was performing onstage. “These days, after just a few songs, I already feel out of breath,” he said.

“I choose to be more physically active, because I’m not getting any younger… I run a lot to improve my lung power,” Jed said. “I’ve cut down my intake of rice, pork, sodas. It’s a lifestyle choice.”

Meanwhile, the power vocalist, who is a member of the World Championship of Performing Arts, said he had no issue whatsoever with former GMA 7 artists like Jaya, Kyla, Jonalyn Viray and Jay-R joining ABS-CBN’s noontime variety show, “ASAP.”

Though it might appear that the program was already saturated with talents, Jed said he did not look at his colleagues as competition for airtime.

“I’m fine with it… I’m happy that all these amazing performers who have transferred to ABS-CBN are enjoying good exposure, not only locally, but also abroad, via The Filipino Channel,” he said, adding that he did not mind that he got to appear on “ASAP” for just 30 seconds.

“Sometimes, people ask me why I bother appearing on the show when I’m onscreen for barely a minute. But I find it important, because it helps me retain name recall, especially outside the country,” he said. “Since they see me perform for only a short time, they are compelled to go to my shows.”

That was exactly the case with his recent “All Requests” tour in the United States, where he did five sold-out shows.

“That series of concerts was a validation of sorts. When you’ve been in the business for quite some time, at times you can’t help but wonder if you still have a place in the industry. I always have my doubts. And although my friends would always reassure me, sometimes you have to feel it and see it outside,” he said.

Aside from recording new music, Jed is determined to establish himself as a live performer, who not only sings extremely well, but also puts on a good show.

“I get to show more of my personality onstage… I can impersonate other singers,” he said. “People are always pleasantly surprised that I’m different live from television, where I may appear stiff or too serious.”