He was just 12 years old when Jayson Vicente started driving a tricycle as an ice delivery boy for his family business. Born to business owner and photographer Quirino R. Vicente and homemaker Lilia M. Vicente, he learned the value of life and importance of family while growing up in a modest home in Olongapo City.

Art became his outlet and passion while studying at St. Joseph School in Olongapo. It was the secondary school where he cradled and showcased his artistic skills and talents by joining in lantern-making, photojournalism and poster-making competitions.

Supported by an academic scholarship from the Philippine Veterans Office, Jayson pursued Industrial Design at Mapua Institute of Technology. When he took higher studies, he taught drawing to fellow students.

Jayson tried various jobs — from serving food and brewing coffee, to bartending and being a call center agent — to support his education and family.

It was only in 2009, at age 23, after he graduated that he came out with his sexuality. The same year, he met the famed fashion, advertising and entertainment photographer Raymund Isaac.

At Portfolio Studio, their partnership transcended from personal to professional, as Jayson rekindled his love for painting in that creative environment

On 15 July 2021, Jayson and Raymund took their vows in Las Vegas.

Shortly after their intimate wedding, Jayson's long-time partner for 12 years succumbed to a severe case of Covid-19, passing away in San Francisco.

"You're the best thing that happened to my life," Raymund's last message to Jayson, two days before he was intubated, said.

"He was such a baby boy. He wanted to be taken care of, he wanted to be pampered," Jayson fondly recalled during his TribuneNOW Spotlight interview with Chingkee Mangcucang and Kim Sancha recently.

"I'm definitely okay. I cannot say that I'm in a better place. I am more positive in life now. I'm getting better," Jayson said, adding that Raymund helped him to be more positive and productive.