After winning his first best actor award for a praiseworthy performance in the regional film “Under A Piaya Moon,” Jeff Moses became the talk of the town. The 25-year-old Kapuso actor made entertainment headlines, got featured on the cover of a local lifestyle magazine, and turned heads with his Sparkle’s ‘Boys of Summer’ clips. 

With his charming confidence and charismatic aura that can easily swoon hearts, it’s impressive to note that Moses was once a timid and shy boy in Negros Occidental, a trait he had to overcome with the help of an ever-supportive and nurturing community. 

“Well ang pinaka-vivid gyud ko naremember, as a child, I have this insecurity na mayad pa ang iban nga bata, may amo ni nga confidence–kay ako ya… very shy type gid ko ya,” Moses told GMA Regional TV News.

(I can vividly remember that as a child, I was insecure because unlike other kids who were already confident, I was a very shy boy.)
Jeff’s artistic talent was not revealed to him from nowhere. Like many others, he started as an unpolished aspirant who needed to go through the rigors of training and self-improvement. 

The Negrense actor, who began making rounds online as a member of the San Carlos City Boys (SCC Boys), a dance trio in Negros Occidental, likes to attribute his success to a community of people who were patiently willing to mentor him.

“As time went by – sa school, through the help of my cousins, ang akong friends and family – na-gain ko ang confidence to do things on my own,” said Moses.

Asked what his ‘hugot’ was when he worked on his award-winning performance as Stephen in “Under A Piaya Moon,” he immediately deflected the compliment and instead attributed the success to his acting teachers and industry mentors.

“Na-learn ko kay Ana Feleo to always be present lang. Di ako pinabayaan nila Direk, in terms of acting - very cooperative, from bosses to staff. Very hands-on sila sa akin, so there’s no reason not to work hard. They themselves, they’re working really hard so im just doing my part,” shared the 25-year-old Sparkada alum, who doesn’t just have an genuinely infectious smile, but also an all-natural propensity for being expressively grateful. 

“I just give my best for my beloved province, Negros, i-showcase sa mundo kung gano kasarap ang pasalubong at delicacies ng Bacolod. Im a proud Negrense, so it’s not  just for myself, my family or my management, but the entire Negrense (community),” Moses said of his highly regarded portrayal in Kurt Soberano’s obra, one that showcases the province’s cuisine while exploring the life dilemmas of the young protagonist (played by Moses).

Making a promising acting debut in 2022 in the Jillian Ward-led medical series “Abot-Kamay na Pangarap,” Jeff has since become a well-loved talent known for his vast potential and admirable attitude. 

It’s already been quite a journey for Jeff Moses, and at 25, he is only going to get better. 

“I have to be me. I have to feel everything. I have to experience what is in the present. I had to step up, basically show up, to do my thing, not only to prove something but to represent myself. When i was a child, I was once a shy boy, but now i can proudly say I am better no,” he told GMA RTV News.