He was once just a struggling student from the narrow streets of Tondo, where exam weeks meant writing excuse letters because fees weren’t paid on time, and dreams often felt too far to reach. But today, at only 23 years old, Jacob Ethan Cruz is thriving as a Production Manager at CAD Studios, leading creative teams and turning ideas into powerful stories that inspire audiences.

Jacob’s journey is one of grit and gratitude. Raised in a humble household—his mother a massage therapist, his father a training officer.

“Growing up, we faced financial challenges that sometimes made school feel uncertain,” he shares. “But those hardships taught me resilience. They reminded me that perseverance is the only way forward.”

The turning point came in 2020, when his father introduced him to the Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) Scholarship Program. For Jacob, the scholarship was a lifeline. It gave him the peace of mind to focus on his studies at the University of Santo Tomas, where he pursued AB Communication.

While in college, Jacob took on part-time work as an encoder, not just out of necessity but to gain experience and broaden his skills. His greatest initiative, however, was maintaining his scholarship through consistent effort and discipline. “I always believed that excelling in school was the best way to honor my family’s sacrifices,” he explains.

With discipline and hard work, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2024—a triumph that honored his family’s sacrifices and proved that perseverance pays off.

From there, Jacob’s rise was swift. He began as an intern at CAD Studios, and within months, his dedication and talent earned him a permanent role as Production Manager. Today, he oversees projects from pre-production to post-production, collaborating with brands, artists, and crews to bring creative visions to life. He worked with big brands such as Penshoppe, Selecta, TikTok Shop Philippines, Mastercard and many more. For him, every project is more than just an advertisement—it is a chance to learn, grow, and create something meaningful.

But Jacob’s story does not end here. His ultimate dream is to become a director and filmmaker, traveling the world to tell stories that resonate across cultures. He sees his current role as a stepping stone toward that vision, equipping him with the tools and experiences to one day inspire audiences through film.

Looking back, Jacob is deeply grateful—to his family, to the Security Bank Foundation, and to his fellow scholars whose camaraderie made the journey less lonely. His story is a reminder that success is not defined by where you start, but by how you rise above challenges.

From a struggling student in Tondo to a thriving production manager in Manila, Jacob Ethan Cruz proves that with resilience, support, and heart, even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary dreams.

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