By Mikee Natinga Norico
Congratulations Jade Edward Gejon Duran for winning multiple awards at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. CPU is proud of you!
Central Philippine University (CPU) alumnus Jade Edward Gejon Duran, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) Class of 2019, brought pride to the University and the Philippines after winning multiple awards at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, from July 13–21, 2026.
Representing Team Philippines, Duran delivered an outstanding performance on the international stage, earning the Overall Division Champion title and a Gold Medal in the Open Category, as well as Gold Medals in Original Works, Rock, and World Music, and a Silver Medal in Pop.
A native of Brgy. Ochando, New Washington, Aklan, Duran is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose passion for music began at the age of four. Encouraged by his aunt to sing and supported by his parents through piano and voice lessons, he eventually learned to play the guitar and bass while developing his skills in songwriting and music production.
Although he graduated from CPU with a degree in Information Technology in 2019, Duran admitted that pursuing music became an “on and off” journey as he focused on work. His path took a significant turn in September 2025 when he came across an online announcement for the WCOPA Team Philippines auditions and decided to take a chance.
“I wanted the opportunity to gain recognition for my craft as a musician and open opportunities to level up my career as an artist,” Duran shared.
His journey to the world stage, however, was far from easy. Preparing for the competition required balancing work responsibilities, intensive rehearsals, and the search for sponsors. As the competition approached, he also faced growing anxiety, relying heavily on the encouragement and prayers of his family, mentors, teammates, and friends.
One of the greatest challenges came just before the competition when the airline failed to load his guitar during their flight to the United States.
“It felt like going into battle without a weapon,” Duran recalled. With the help of relatives in New York, who immediately sent financial assistance to family friends in Las Vegas, he was able to purchase a replacement guitar in time for the competition.
Despite the obstacles, Duran described representing the Philippines on the global stage as a deeply meaningful experience.
“Taking my first step off the plane knowing I’m in the United States representing my country was probably the most memorable moment. It was also my first time outside the country, so it was a lot to process,” he said.
He added that wearing the Philippine colors came with both honor and responsibility.
“In WCOPA, the Philippines always has this reputation of being the team to beat, especially in vocals. The fact that I was chosen as one of the representatives this year was a lot of pressure, but it also means I am one of those artists who represents what Filipino artists and Filipino music are all about and what we bring to the global stage.”
Reflecting on his years at CPU, Duran credited the University for broadening his perspective both as a person and as an artist.
“I come from a secluded background where I would go home straight after school, so my influences were very limited. Going to Central Philippine University was my first-hand experience in meeting different kinds of people and artists and getting exposed to their taste in music,” he said. “The friends and acquaintances I’ve made during my time in CPU helped shape my character not just as a person, but the kind of artist I wanted to be—someone who, against all odds, would continue pushing forward and inspire and have a positive impact on other people.”
He also expressed gratitude to the professors and mentors who encouraged him to showcase his musical talents during University events and competitions, including University Day activities, Centralian Star, and Mr. & Ms. CPU.
Winning at WCOPA has renewed Duran’s commitment to music after years of placing it on hold because of work.
“Before WCOPA, I was in a place where I put music aside to focus on my work. Now that I’ve gained recognition for doing something I have not done for a long time, it made me realize that even though life can get busy with all the responsibilities, we need to make sure we still have our passion for doing what we love with us,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Duran plans to continue writing, producing, and releasing original music while pursuing more performance opportunities and international competitions.
For fellow Centralians who aspire to pursue their passions while balancing academics and other responsibilities, Duran encouraged them to remain faithful to their talents.
“Don’t stop creating or doing the things that you love. I know we don’t always have the time for it, but we need to make time for it. It’s your God-given talent. It’s these sorts of things in life that give it meaning. It’s what makes us human. It’s what makes us slow down in a fast-paced world and appreciate the life God has given us. Your passion is your identity in leaving a mark on this world and who you are,” he said.
Duran’s success at the 2026 WCOPA serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and passion, reflecting the excellence of Centralians who continue to make meaningful contributions and bring honor to both the University and the Philippines on the international stage.