User:Pseud 14/sandbox
Juan Karlos Labajo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Juan Karlos Labajo 5 February 2001 Consolacion, Cebu, Philippines |
| Other names | JK |
| Occupations |
|
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Manila, Philippines |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) |
|
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Labels | |
| Member of | Juan Karlos |
Juan Karlos Labajo (born February 5, 2001) is a Filipino singer-songwriter and actor, best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and founder of his namesake rock band Juan Karlos. His musical style is noted for its emotional weight and poetic symbolism, while his songwriting has received praise for the rawness and intensity of its lyrical content which focus on themes of self-worth, unrequited love, and anguish. He has received many accolades, including a Star Award for Music, two Myx Music Awards, and five Awit Awards.
Born in Consolacion, Cebu, Labajo first achieved recognition as a finalist on the first season of the reality talent show The Voice Kids in 2014. He made his acting debut that same year in an episode of the drama anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya. He signed with MCA Music and began his singing career as a solo artist, releasing the the studio albums JK (2015) and JKL (2017). Apart from music, he also took on supporting roles in the television series Hawak Kamay (2014), Pangako sa 'Yo (2015), and A Love to Last (2017).
After the formation of Juan Karlos in 2018, Labajo found greater success with the single "Buwan", which garnered critical and commercial acclaim, and won four Awit Awards. As a member of the band, he released two studio albums—Diwa (2020) and Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1 (2023)—the latter featured the single "Ere", which reached number one on the Billboard Philippine Songs chart and entered the Billboard Global 200 Excl. US chart. On film, Labajo has starred in the crime drama Blue Room (2022), which earned him a Gawad Urian Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He has since played Ninoy Aquino in the musical biopic Ako si Ninoy (2023).
Life and career[edit]
2001–2015: Early life and breakthrough[edit]
Juan Karlos Labajo was born on February 1, 2005, in Consolacion, Cebu. He is only child of Maylinda Labajo and Oliver Stolz. His mother is Filipino and a native of Cebu, whereas his father is of German descent from Munich. Labajo's parents where unwed; his father abandoned them shortly after his birth and he was raised by his mother as a single parent.[1][2] As a child, his peers at school bullied him for being biracial and often made fun of his looks.[3] Labajo's family was poor and struggled financially; they frequently moved houses because they were unable to pay rent.[4] Growing up, he worked as a waste picker to help his family make ends meet.[5]
2016–2019: Rise to prominence and band formation[edit]
2020–present: Continued success[edit]
Artistry[edit]
Influences[edit]
Musical style and themes[edit]
Personal life[edit]
Acting credits and awards[edit]
Discography[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "14 things you need to know about Juan Karlos Labajo" (in Tagalog). RMN Networks. October 7, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Franco, Bernie V. (April 6, 2020). "JK Labajo stops search for German father: "His bio says 'Life is beautiful.' He definitely doesn't want me to be part of it."". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Tagalog). Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Malonzo-Balane, Cristina (August 19, 2014). "JK Labajo reveals how he was bullied in school". News.ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ "The Voice Kids runner-up Juan Karlos shares his life story in MMK". News.ABS-CBN.com. September 27, 2014. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ "Juan Karlos admits family struggling with debt". News.ABS-CBN.com. August 14, 2014. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2024.