“In a world where virtual reality can feel very cold and unemotional, finding the heart and creating genuine and honest connections can be very empowering,” says Jaz Reyes
The studio where the MEGAstyle shoot took place has earned the reputation of being cold and hectic but Jaz Reyes’ arrival sent a warm and energetic shift to the environment. The digital creator, who donned YOU Beauty’s Rouge Power Matte Lipstick in Dashing, made the effort to engage in a small conversation with everyone in the room. Jaz Reyes never felt like a stranger. Her intentions felt sincere, it felt authentic. Moreover, It felt like she was a friend that you grew up with. Perhaps it’s her wit or her charisma. Whatever it is, that moment affirmed that her personality online translated seamlessly into real life.
Jaz Reyes has made a name for herself as a host and a digital content creator. Yet, like many of us, she confessed, “I think I’m still figuring it out as I go.” The creative shared that she often oscillates between a visual format and real-life content. “But I think the root of it all is to focus on being honest in presenting yourself, honesty in the work you do, and try to forget things like numbers. I don’t think there really is a secret, but I do know that honest good work will reward you in many ways.”
On being an introvert in an extrovert field
Jaz Reyes is equal parts creative and comical. However, contrary to popular belief, she shared that she is actually a true introvert. “People think that I’m kidding when I say I’m an introvert—I really am,” she said. “I even took exams to prove it. [I am] an introvert in an extroverted field. I prefer to watch, read, and discover new facts and maybe eventual hobbies.” The creative also reflected on how her mind works, saying, “When I really get into something, everything dissipates and I just need to get my fill, whatever it is.”
On pursuing a creative field
Once a radio jock and courtside reporter, Jaz Reyes looked back and shared that because of the knowledge and experience she had with other forms of media, she was fortunate enough to audition and actually claim both positions she applied for. However, the creative also mentioned that it was never her intention to be in front of the camera, but rather practice what she learned from school. “I had so much fun learning and I was just excited to be out there in the workforce and thrown into the whole mess of it all and trying to make a beautiful experience out of it.”
It’s quite undeniable that there is a sneaky optimism in writing a story about someone who pursued a field that they love, and over the years, Jaz Reyes has made her mark as one of the most favored event hosts and digital content creators. An over-analysis of her feed unveils her exploration of mediums and witty captions. “Oddball,” she described herself as a creative. “I don’t think my taste is necessarily something that is distinctly palatable for all. And it’s not that I forcefully dislike what everyone deems to be visually pleasing. I just know when something I see inspires or lights something up in me or not. I do like to jump in mediums or I like a mixture of both to keep it exciting. So if it’s film and art today, it might be music and crafts the next.”
On that one life-changing lesson that helped her career
“Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” the creative shared. ”This quote has always been chopped up to represent one part but not the whole of the actual saying. And it needs clarification and [repetition]. I’ve always felt bad about liking many things and focused on different mediums because I was told to only be a master of one, when that really isn’t the case for success in this modern age.”
“I think when you are born to like many things, find ways to combine them and make your own lane, your own voice, and your own special superpower that combines all your strengths to make that one unique thing that is you.”
On overcoming creative’s block
Let’s be real—a creative block is an inevitable part of an artist’s life. No one is exempted from it, including Jaz Reyes. “I think uninspired ruts are every creative’s required experience. No one can really escape it, and the bad thing about this is an even more cutthroat conversation with the self.” As we delve deeper into the topic, the creative became candid about self-blame and doubt. “It is quite normal, but I think everyone just has to grow and go through it because it’s a moment of improvement and reflection. You are kind of forced to understand yourself and the way you want to see the world a little bit clearer.”
She also reflected that while she’s still not a master of escaping the annoying cycle of a creative block unscathed, the best way for her to be able to embrace the good and especially the bad and uncreative moments is to use or have a grateful heart.
“Gratitude with every heartbeat, gratitude with every day, gratitude when it’s least expected. [These] make things much easier, and you might come out even more inspired than before.”
On embracing empowerment
“Empowerment can be found in the simplest things,” she said. “I feel very empowered when I have a well-put outfit together. I feel empowered when I hit that right track on a Sunday morning. I feel empowered when my thighs are burning from squat jumps.” And Jaz Reyes also didn’t miss out on discussing the reality of bringing empowerment to someone else. “It involves a lot of honesty. I know I’ve said it before, but I think when I’m able to show my true unadulterated self and create a connection of support or camaraderie, I think that’s powerful. In a world where virtual reality can feel very cold and unemotional, finding the heart and creating genuine and honest connections can be very empowering.”
On what’s next
And when it comes to what is next for Jaz Reyes, she delivered a short but straightforward answer: “Anything and everything. Maybe all at once? I don’t like to underestimate fate in making presumptions that my mere mortal mind can fathom. So let’s be more open to all possibilities.”
Photography KIERAN PUNAY
Creative Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Art Direction BRIE VENTURA, assisted by MOIRA MANILAO
Fashion Direction and Styling MIKA REYES
Beauty Direction MARA GO
Makeup BRYAN CUIZON
Hair MISTY GABRIEL
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Producers MEGA DIGITAL (CARYLL CABUHAT, JEMIMA CRUZ, CHLARINE GIANAN, MARA GO, and MIKA REYES)
Video Production AUDREY SISON
Videography JR RAMIREZ
Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO
