The 37-year-old singer, who revives classic songs like Madonna's “Like A Prayer,” Cristina Aguilera's “Beautiful, and Toni Braxton's “You Mean the World to Me,” in his new album admitted his condition was caused by a mix of stress, fatigue, overwork, and over using his voice. “I was on total voice rest talaga. Walang salita, walang kanta, everything was text or sulat. That was so depressing for three weeks na wala talaga akong masabi. Ang naging realization ko was na tao lang ako, napapagod ako. Kasi minsan sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na parang mind over matter. It's all in the mind yung pagod. I kept singing and pushing myself and even when my body told me na tama na pagod na ako, nag-shut down na talag yung boses ko. Yung realization na yun it made me think na tao lang ako, I need to slow down and I'm not getting any younger and I have to learn to say ‘no’ kasi ugali ko kasi na pag may nag-invite sa akin na kumanta kailangan umunta ako kahit pagod na pagod na ako. So I have to learn when to say ‘no’ and when I'm tired, I have to rest,” he explained.
The talented singer said that the whole experience made him appreciate singing even more. “My greatest fear is losing my family and friends. Pero siguro one of my fears talaga is to lose my voice. This is such a gift na talagang binigay sa akin ng Diyos. I would admit I kind of abused it but I'm happy na binigyan ako ng second chance para alagaan boses ko. Parang reminder ito sa akin na parang inaabuso ko na boses ko kaya hinay hinay muna,” he said.
Without singing, Jed says he would survive but he would struggle to find his true purpose in life. “Knock on wood pero meron naman (ibang puwede gawin). I have all the support form my management and family. But of course iba talaga pag mahal na mahal mo yung ginagawa mo and I would say singing, performing and entertaining people is my first love talaga so kung mawala pa yun, bakit pa di ba?” he added.
Iconic the album is produced by Jed Madela and Jonathan Manalo and is now available at record bars nationwide for only P350. Digital tracks can also be downloaded from iTunes, MyMusicStore.com.ph, Amazon, StarMusic.ph and Spotify.