With his striking looks and natural charisma, showbiz newcomer Jayson David seems tailor-made for the entertainment industry. While acting has been his long-held dream, Jayson first stepped into the spotlight through male pageantry in 2024. A year later, he graced the runway at one of the country’s biggest fashion shows in 2025—laying the groundwork for a promising career in showbiz.
Although his name might still be fresh to mainstream audiences, his face recently went viral online when popular creator and actor Esnyr included him in a star-studded digital movie adaptation of First Day High.
“Maraming opportunities na dumating after ma-publish ‘yung movie na ‘First Day High.’ Siyempre, maraming nag-open up sa akin na collaborators,” Jayson shared, reflecting on the boost the project gave his career.
Inspirations and Big Ambitions
Jayson’s passion for acting traces back to his childhood days spent watching Primetime TV.
“Bata pa ako noon, nakapanood ako ng series, ‘yung ‘Ang Probinsyano’ kay Coco Martin. Since then, idol ko na siya—pati mga kapatid ko, alam ‘yun. Palagi kong pinapanood kada episode,” he recalled.
“Dati, nag-pageant ako, pero gusto kong mag-try ng iba’t ibang bagay. From pageantry to modeling, and now acting—as long as may nadi-discover ako na gusto ko, doon ako nagfo-focus. As of now, nagfo-focus ako sa pag-acting ko kasi nag-e-enjoy ako dito. Marami akong nakikilalang tao, natututong makipag-interact, at may mga nagbibigay ng advice. Kaya gusto ko dito muna ako kasi masaya.”
When asked about his dream leading lady, Jayson immediately named Kathryn Bernardo.
“Sa mga rom-coms niya with Daniel Padilla, sobrang galing niya mag-act, and nailalabas niya ‘yung emotion. Nung na-meet ko si Kathryn backstage sa Bench Body of Work event, sobrang na-starstruck ako. Sobrang ganda niya.”
As for taking on reality TV like Pinoy Big Brother, Jayson remains open:
“Sa PBB, pinag-iisipan ko—next season siguro kung papalarin.”
He is also unfazed by the potential public scrutiny that comes with reality shows. “Open naman ako. Hindi naman natin maiiwasan na ma-bash. Deadma lang. Wala akong panahon para sa mga namba-bash; kung ano ang gusto nilang sabihin, sabihin nila.”
Taking on a Challenging Debut Role in ’40 Days’
For his feature film debut in 40 Days, directed by Louie Ignacio, Jayson didn’t take the easy route. He plays Patrick, a character on the autism spectrum.
“‘Yung ’40 Days’ ay tungkol sa isa sa mga tradition nating mga Pilipino. ‘Yung role ko here is si Patrick, may autism siya. Hirap ng role ko, pero kung pag-aaralan at pagtutuunan mo talaga ng pansin, doon ka matututo,” he explained.
To prepare for the complex portrayal, Jayson immersed himself in character research. “Pinaghandaan ko talaga. Nanood ako ng works ng mga actors na nag-portray ng characters on the spectrum, like Gerald Anderson. Mas gusto ko rin matuto kung paano sila totoong magsalita o gumalaw based sa materials na sinend sa akin ni Direk Louie.”
Despite the heavy demands for a first-time film actor, Jayson did not hesitate to take the leap:
“Hindi naman ako nag-dalawang isip. Kung ibibigay ng LVD Management ang role, tatanggapin ko kasi alam kong may tiwala sila sa akin, and hindi ko sasayangin ‘yung opportunity.”
Learning from Industry Veterans
Sharing the set with seasoned stars proved to be an invaluable masterclass for the young actor.
“‘Yung mga co-actors ko, sobrang saya nila ka-work. Magandang experience at opportunity para sa akin bilang newbie. Inaasahan ko talagang may matututunan ako sa set, hindi lang sa workshop, kasi talagang tinuturuan nila ako.”
When asked if he sees himself staying in show business for the long haul, Jayson didn’t hesitate: “Opo, gustong-gusto ko talaga ‘yong ginagawa ko. Nag-e-enjoy ako dito.”
Jayson is joined by veteran actors Lotlot de Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Snooky Serna, Elizabeth Oropesa, Perla Bautista, Ricardo Cepeda and Lloyd Samartino. Directed by Louie Ignacio.
Watch our pocket interview with Jayson David below: