Influencer-slash-filmmaker Jack Logan (real name Cris Jason "CJ" Santos) is one of those rare talents who’s managed to reinvent himself more than once. From his early days as a radio DJ to his current role as a filmmaker, what can't this guy do?

His latest documentary, Sa Gitna ng Dalawang Tubig (In Between Waters), tackles the emotionally charged topic of Filipino fishermen caught between two warring nations in the West Philippine Sea.

I caught up with Jack to talk about his journey from radio to film, the challenges of making documentaries, and what motivates him to continue telling stories that truly matter. Let’s dive in.

FILM CHECK (FC): Sa Gitna ng Dalawang Tubig is your latest and most ambitious project yet. What inspired this documentary, and what can audiences expect?

JACK LOGAN (JL): It’s the most ambitious documentary project I’ve ever pursued. In fact, I’ve been pushing for this for the past two years, but I’ve encountered challenges in securing funding — perhaps because of its politically sensitive subject, the West Philippine Sea. However, this documentary will not focus on the political conflict itself. Instead, it will highlight the emotional journey of the fishermen caught in between waters — trapped between two tides, two nations, and a future filled with uncertainty.

FC: You got your start in radio — how did that experience shape your approach to storytelling in film?

JL: Before I became an FM radio DJ, I started as a writer for AM radio, which focused more on journalism. I remember one time riding a jeepney, quietly observing my fellow passengers — some looked happy, others sad or deep in thought. I stared at them and wondered what their stories were. That was when I first dreamed that one day, it would be my turn to tell the stories of people’s lives.

FC: The Jack Logan Show was part comedy, part real talk. How did that evolve into documentary filmmaking?

JL: It was all just pure fun at first—but when the Nas Daily and Apo Whang-Od issue blew up, I created a parody of a Nas Daily video, and it went viral overnight.

People didn’t expect that behind the weird comedian persona, I could also tackle serious topics. That’s when I realized — maybe The Jack Logan Show is where my long-time dream will finally come true: to become a storyteller.

FC: Makabagong San Juan earned a nomination at the Asian Television Awards. What did that recognition mean to you?

JL: Being nominated for such a prestigious award means a lot to me. It was a validation — not just of my work, but of my team’s dedication to this craft. I still remember standing beside Ms. Cathy Yang, Ms. Korina Sanchez and Mr. Rico Hizon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I was the only vlogger in the entire Philippine delegation. For days, I was on cloud nine.

FC: You’ve screened films internationally. How do global audiences respond to your work compared to local viewers?

JL: Audiences abroad are different from ours, of course. For one, many of them have little to no idea about the Philippines — so the level of curiosity is high. When my short film Ang Luha at Lualhati ni Jeronima was screened internationally, even though I wasn’t physically there, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment knowing that our small creation was being shown in foreign cinemas. That alone brought me so much joy.

FC: Did you go through formal film training, or are you self-taught?

JL: None — I’m entirely self-taught. But I used to be part of a theater group, directed a couple of plays, worked as a journalist and writer, became a cameraman and editor, and eventually, a director by profession. If all that still isn’t enough to earn my place in this industry… then I don’t know what is. Hahaha!

FC: Which filmmakers or documentaries have deeply influenced your style?

JL: I truly idolize Kara David when it comes to storytelling. Her work has made me cry countless times. Honestly, she’s the only one who made me feel that words can carry real emotion. And for any writer, that’s the ultimate dream — to write something so powerful that the letters themselves can be heard and felt. As a writer, it’s everything to know that your words don’t just speak — they resonate.

FC: What’s one Filipino film that completely changed how you view storytelling?

JL: Kara David’s Batang Balau and Kawayang Pangarap — these are the documentaries that completely changed my perspective on storytelling. After watching them, I realized I didn’t need to study international documentaries or idolize foreign filmmakers. Those two films alone opened up an entirely new world within me. They showed me that the most powerful stories are often right here at home — told with sincerity, depth, and heart.

FC: What’s tougher — making a documentary on a tight budget and timeline, or going viral again?

JL: Of course, making a documentary is much more challenging. The technical requirements, the cinematic standards — it’s even more complicated than making a feature film because not all stories will follow the script you’ve written. One story arc can shift the entire direction of the documentary. It’s definitely easier to do something silly on Facebook and go viral. Hahaha!