He recalled how his former bands entered numerous battles but it was only with the rock band where he experienced winning.

“I WANT the world to know that I’m here,” he said.

For singer Jason Fernandez, chasing a career as a solo artist was never an easy feat.

He was not used to occupying an almost empty stage, as years taught him how to play his heart out in front of a crowd along with an ever-changing crew of band members.

Prior to becoming the front man of iconic band Rivermaya, Jason had played for different musical groups in his home province since he was a teenager.

He first started in a band in Bicol, where he learned to scour the stage through the rhythm of his drums.

He then shifted as a guitarist for another band then suddenly found his way to a rock metal band where he tasted his first shot at victory.

He recalled how his former bands entered numerous battles but it was only with the rock band where he experienced winning.

Like many other musicians, the future was once bleak for Jason but stars seemed to finally align when he won in the reality show Bagong Liwanag and succeeded Rico Blanco as the vocalist of Rivermaya.

Jason stayed in “Maya” for four years but decided to go solo due to musical differences.

He then released his album entitled Panimula under Ivory Music.

He packed his bags after this and was planning to exit the limelight when the universe stopped him.

Jason received an offer to audition for The Voice where he got another shot at stardom.

He auditioned with no expectations but only with an aim to show the world that he was still fighting.

“I want the world to know that I’m still here. That Jason Fernandez is still fighting,” he said.

Jason was thankful when he passed the blind auditions but didn’t expect that he would reach the semi-finals.

JASON had played for different musical groups in his home province since he was a teenager.

The exposure in The Voice helped book him gigs and just when he thought it was time to finally rest from the spotlight, another offer stopped him.

This time, it was for the celebrity edition of “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”

The moment he entered the stage, Jason knew that the “Tawag” was not an ordinary competition. It was a battlefield full of talent and making the littlest mistake could change one’s fate.

“I was actually more nervous in ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan.’ Aside from having six judges, the stint is more technical and conscious in notes. I entered the celebrity edition where everyone is already professional, so it was more of a competition where the standard is to make less mistakes.”

These experiences taught Jason how to sail the tides alone — armed with his newfound courage and faith. He also shared how he learned things along the way and cultivated skills he never knew he needed.

“I became more independent and forced myself to widen my expertise in music. I researched and practiced because I knew that when I stepped on stage, I had no one but myself and my faith,” he said.

Jason enjoyed being a soloist but, soon enough, he missed playing in a group.

He stepped back from the limelight and formed a band with members of worship teams from different churches.

Composed of BJ, Krish, Jared and Kiel, it was called Sta. Maria Band.

“I wanted to form a band whose members knew the purpose why they were playing,” Jason explained how they found each other.

They have been playing for a decade but the members moonlight as sessionists for other local bands and singers including Gary Valenciano.

Sta. Maria Band previously released an album under Ivory Music and is now working again on a project for next year.

“We are planning to release a single that we will always remember. We want it to be a project where we will pour our skills and passion. The market or the popularity doesn’t matter as long as we can be proud of it,” he said.