How Victor Jao’s Versatility Has Made Him One of Cebu’s Most Sought-After DJs

Victor Jao, a DJ and electronic music enthusiast from Cebu, has spent many years playing at all of the major local nightclubs and music festivals alongside local hard-hitters and international acts alike. In an exclusive interview with midnightrebels.com, Jao shared his insights on what sets the nightlife in Cebu apart from other major cities in the Philippines, his experience as a touring DJ for Cookie$, and what inspired him to pursue a career in music.

Jao’s love for Cebu and its nightlife scene is evident, with him citing the city’s emphasis on having a good time, dressing up, and getting lost in the music. However, he also noted that Cebuanos are a tough crowd to please, and it can take some time to get them moving. When asked about his experience as a touring DJ for Cookie$, Jao explained that it represented a strong sense of Cebuano pride. He was able to fill the energy in the festivals, clubs, and bars with bisaya hip-hop music, including Cookie$’s viral track “Bogo.” Jao was one of the first DJs to play the track in Cebu, which caught the attention of Cookie$ all the way from Atlanta, leading to collaborations and shows together.

Jao’s journey as a DJ started when he was 16, attending the Sinulog Festival and discovering the fun of rave parties. Seeing Quintino perform live inspired him to pursue a career as a DJ, and he taught himself everything he needed to know.

Victor Jao’s success story is a proof to the value of hard work, dedication, and passion in achieving one’s dreams. He is a self-taught DJ who spent countless hours practicing and perfecting his craft. Despite the challenges of learning on his own, Jao was able to rely on online resources and the guidance of veteran DJs to help him develop his skills. Of course, Jao acknowledges that he couldn’t have achieved his success without the unwavering support of his family. They provided him with everything he needed to get started, and their encouragement and belief in his talent helped him stay motivated and driven. For Jao, having a strong support system is crucial in achieving one’s goals and dreams.

According to Victor Jao, a key element that makes a great DJ performance is having a good flow in your sets. He believes that although all DJs may use similar techniques and mixing styles, not everyone has that “flow” that sets them apart. Jao emphasized that the flow of a performance is crucial because it allows the DJ to tell a story and create a unique experience for their audience. Additionally, the way a DJ moves on stage is also important as it can convey their level of passion for their craft. Jao asserts that a passionate and dynamic stage presence can make a significant impact on the audience’s energy and enjoyment of the performance.

When it comes to venues in Cebu, Jao enjoys playing at Proof, Trademark, Agwa, and Last for the energy that the people bring. However, Jao’s most memorable experience as a touring DJ was headlining a gig in Guam in 2018. The energy of the crowd was so high that it turned a club into a festival, with everyone wearing festival clothes and costumes. Despite the 1am curfew, the crowd wanted more, and Jao delivered.

For aspiring DJs looking to make it in the industry, Jao advises taking advantage of social media platforms to get started and being patient, as success takes time. Passion is also key, as it keeps one going despite the lack of support or criticism. As Jao put it, “Try and fail but don’t fail to try.” With his talent, passion, and determination, Jao is set to continue making waves in the electronic music scene, both in Cebu and beyond.

Victor Jao is not just any ordinary DJ from Cebu. He represents some of the biggest brands in the Philippines such as Footlocker and GOMO. But, his journey to success was not easy. Jao spent many years playing at all the major local nightclubs and music festivals, and it was only through hard work and dedication that he was able to gain the recognition of international brands.

But for Victor, success is not just about fame and fortune. It’s about staying true to himself and his passion for music. He believes that a good DJ is someone who can connect with their audience and create an unforgettable experience for them.

Here are five lessons we can learn from #ThatsJaoYouDoIt as a DJ:

1. Persistence and hard work are key to success in any field, especially in a highly competitive one like the music industry.
2. Passion for one’s craft is essential to overcome the challenges and setbacks that come with pursuing a career in music.
3. Being versatile and dynamic in one’s performances can help keep the energy up and connect with the audience.
4. Networking and leveraging social media platforms can help aspiring DJs get started and gain exposure.
5. Success is not just about fame and fortune; staying true to oneself and connecting with the audience are important aspects of being a good DJ.

As for the future, we are sure Victor Jao has big plans. Probably continue pushing the boundaries of his craft and exploring new genres and styles of music. And definitely inspire and mentor the next generation of DJs, passing on his knowledge and experience to those who are just starting out.

And with his passion, dedication, and talent, there’s no doubt that Victor Jao will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of DJing and to the nightlife industry.