Jex Marc de Castro (born 1988 or 1989[1]) is a Filipino singer.
Jex de Castro | |
|---|---|
 De Castro in 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jex Marc de Castro |
| Born | 1988 or 1989 (age 35–36) |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels | Viva Records |
| Formerly of | Manila Philharmonic Orchestra |
Early life
editDe Castro was born into poverty and was unable to finish high school.[2]
Career
editComing from a family of singers, De Castro joined multiple local singing contests.[2] This includes the Hiyas ng Sining in 2005 where he became the grand champion.[3]
He would eventually be able to join the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra as a wedding singer in 2016.[2]
This would lead him to join the inaugural season of the Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT) song competition segment of the variety show It's Showtime of ABS-CBN in 2017. He failed to place but returned in the TNT All-Star Grand Resbak in 2019 to finish as runner-up.[4] He lost to Mark Michael Garcia in the final. De Castro performed "Listen" by Beyoncé and a medley of songs by Sarah Geronimo.[5]
He would take part in various different theater productions such as Lion King: The Musical in 2014. He was selected to record the gospel song "Sa Piling Ko" which was used as a theme song in the television special, In My Father's Arms.[3]
De Castro would secure a recording contract with Viva Records. In 2022, he joined season two of Masked Singer Pilipinas of TV5. In the competition where contestant's concealed their identities in costumes, De Castro dressed in a banana costume. He finished as a semi-finalist.[6]
De Castro would join the 2023 Stars of the Albion Grand Prix in London upon the recommendation of Vega Entertainment Productions.[7] He was able to join after a successful fundraiser.[1] He would bagged the title, becoming the fifth Filipino to do so after Rachel Gabreza (2018), Marlon Macabaya (2019), Reign Macalinao (2020), and Danielle Soliman (2021).[8] His feat was recognized by Philippine President Bongbong Marcos.[9]
Personal life
editJex De Castro has a younger brother whom he help fund his sibling's studies. His sibling eventually became an architect.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b Umlas, Mary Beatrice (January 26, 2023). "Why 'TNT' alum Jex de Castro needs your help in quest to conquer UK singing tilt". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Jusay, Annalyn (April 8, 2023). "Jex De Castro: From wedding singer to singing champ". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ a b Borromeo, Emmy (June 29, 2017). "Jex De Castro shares plans for music career after Tawag ng Tanghalan journey". Wish FM 107.5. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "'TNT' alum Jex de Castro wins Stars of the Albion Grand Prix". ABS-CBN News. April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ "And the winner of Tawag ng Tanghalan All-Star Grand Resbak is..." PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. December 21, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (June 12, 2022). "Jex De Castro itinuturing na isang malaking karangalan ang makasali sa Masked Singer Pilipinas". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ Malasig, Jeline (January 27, 2023). "Former 'Tawag ng Tanghalan' singer seeks help as he represents PH in international competition". Interaksyon. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ Malasig, Jeline (March 8, 2023). "Pinoy pride: Jex de Castro wins 2023 Grand Prix title at Stars of the Albion in London". Interaksyon. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ Lopez, Vince (April 21, 2023). "President lauds athletes, artists for giving glory to PH". Manila Standard. Retrieved April 22, 2023.