Jao Canlas

Last updated

Jao Canlas
Jao Canlas in December 2023.jpg
Canlas in December 2023
Born
Justin Paolo Paras Canlas

(2002-12-26) December 26, 2002 (age 22)
Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines
Occupations
  • Dancer
  • singer
  • model
Years active2020–present
Musical career
Genres
Labels Viva
Member of Alamat

Justin Paolo Paras Canlas, known by his stage name Jao and professionally credited as Jao Canlas, is a Filipino singer, dancer, model, and Internet personality. On February 14, 2021, he debuted as one of the Filipino boy band Alamat's main dancers and sub-vocalists. He is widely recognized by the media for his distinctive sense of style. In 2023, he won Top Male Dancer of the Year at the 8th P-pop Awards.

Contents

Early life and education

Justin Paolo Paras Canlas [1] was born on December 26, 2002 [2] in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines. [3]

Career

2020–present: Debuting in Alamat, growing recognition

In 2020, Canlas auditioned for Viva Records' new boy band project. [4] The members underwent intensive training for nine months, which encompassed singing, dancing, physical fitness, and personality development. Their training also included acting workshops. [4] On February 14, 2021, Canlas was among the nine members who debuted as Alamat (transl. Legend), with the multilingual song "Kbye", which had lyrics in various Philippine languages. [5] A few weeks after "Kbye" was released, Alamat became the second P-pop group to make it on Billboard's Next Big Sound chart after SB19, debuting at number two. They were also regarded as the fastest-rising Filipino act on the chart. [6] [7] Canlas was given the positions of main dancer and sub-vocalist. [1]

He walked the runway at BYS Fashion Week 2023 in October, modeling pieces by Antonina. [8] In April 2024, he went viral after he started the hashtag "#canceljao" on X. It reportedly shocked his fans, although they quickly realized that Canlas himself created it with humorous, lighthearted intentions, and trended in the Philippines from April 22 to 25. [9]

In September, he appeared in an episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes , alongside other P-pop idols such as G22's AJ and Kaia's Angela. [10] A separate photoshoot and interview with Franz of Vxon accompanied the episode. In the interview, the two discussed their identity as Filipinos, with Canlas mentioning his love for his home province and native language, Kapampangan. [3] On June 28, 2025, he was one of the hosts for Lov3laban, a Pride Month celebration held in Quezon City, at the University of the Philippines Diliman. [11]

Other ventures

He has his own clothing line called Space Station. [12]

Media image

Fashion

In their July 2024 issue, the Filipino fashion magazine Mega included Canlas in their list of Gen Z fashion leaders. [13] Nylon Manila 's Acer Batislaong wrote that "mixing style and swag together" is his signature. [14] In another article for the magazine, Nica Glorioso described his style as maximalist. [15]

Endorsements

On April 4, 2024, Colourette Cosmetics unveiled Canlas as their new ambassador. [16]

Personal life

Canlas is openly a member of the LGBTQ+ community. [17]

Awards and nominations

AwardYearCategoryResultRef.
8th P-pop Awards2023Top Male Dancer of the YearWon [18]

References

  1. 1 2 Pobre, Addie (February 18, 2021). "10 Alamat Facts: Why You Should Stan This New P-Pop Boy Group That Sings In Multiple Philippine Languages". The Smart Local Philippines. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025.
  2. ↑ Alamat (March 2, 2022). "Post by Alamat". X .
  3. 1 2 Saulog, Gabriel (September 21, 2024). "Exploring The Filipino Identity: A Conversation With Vxon's Franz and Alamat's Jao". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on September 21, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Salterio, Leah C. (February 18, 2021). "New boy group Alamat launches debut single, sings in seven local languages". ABS-CBN News . Archived from the original on December 21, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  5. ↑ Requintana, Robert (February 14, 2021). "ALAMAT: When modern pop music merges with PH cultural heritage". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on December 21, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  6. ↑ "New P-pop boyband Alamat fast to score Billboard milestone". Manila Bulletin . March 2, 2021. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021.
  7. ↑ Llemit, Kathleen A. (March 3, 2021). "Alamat is second P-pop group to make it on Billboard chart". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on March 3, 2021.
  8. ↑ Gianan, Chlarine (October 7, 2023). "SB19, Alamat, and More P-pop Stars at the BYS Fashion Week 2023". Mega. Archived from the original on April 12, 2025.
  9. ↑ Dejesa, Jacqueline Beatrice (April 25, 2024). "Alamat Jao's chaotic hashtag with fans". RepublicAsia. Archived from the original on June 27, 2025.
  10. ↑ Saulog, Gabriel (September 26, 2024). "The Future of P-pop Come Together To Discuss Bringing The Genre To Global Heights". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on September 26, 2024.
  11. ↑ Deala, Joanna (June 25, 2025). "Michelle Dee to release Pride version of debut single 'Reyna'". RepublicAsia. Archived from the original on September 11, 2025.
  12. ↑ Posadas, Andrea (September 11, 2025). "Alamat's New Era, "Destino," Is Coming—Here's Why You Should Support the P-pop Group". When In Manila.
  13. ↑ San Pedro, Marian (July 2, 2024). "The New Look of Streetwear, According To These Style Personalities". Mega. Archived from the original on March 21, 2025.
  14. ↑ Batislaong, Acer (September 9, 2024). "9 Times Alamat Jao Killed It With His Moves and Looks". Nylon Manila . Archived from the original on October 15, 2024.
  15. ↑ Glorioso, Nica (September 9, 2024). "6 Celebrities and Idol Groups Embodying What It Means To Be Anik-Anik Girlies". Nylon Manila . Archived from the original on May 24, 2025.
  16. ↑ Colourette Cosmetics (April 4, 2024). "Post by Colourette Cosmetics". X . Archived from the original on September 10, 2025.
  17. ↑ Brgy Besties (June 17, 2025). "Alamat Jao inspires people to be loud and proud this Pride Month — and fans are here for it!". Latest Chika . Archived from the original on September 11, 2025.
  18. ↑ Hicap, Jonathan (December 2, 2023). "Complete list of winners at the 8th Philippine Pop-PPOP Awards". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on December 9, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.