For the past 25 years, Jason Magbanua has redefined how love is captured on film. Often hailed as the pioneer of wedding videography in the Philippines, Jason’s name is now synonymous with cinematic storytelling. But if you ask him, it’s never been about the labels or accolades—it’s always been about telling honest stories.
In the early days, Jason leaned on music to steer his edits—fast tracks meant fast cuts, slow songs summoned dreamy dissolves. Over time, he discovered that weddings couldn’t be boxed into just “fun” or “romantic.” They are both—and more. He learned to follow the natural rhythm of the day, using real moments as his narrative anchors. Whether it was a father’s teary-eyed speech or a wild dance floor moment, Jason mastered the art of weaving emotion and energy into a seamless, soul-stirring film.
What sets Jason apart isn’t just his eye for detail or his signature cinematic style—it’s his mindset. “I always want to make something better than my last,” he shares. That hunger, paired with an unwavering commitment to his clients and a spirit of camaraderie with fellow creatives, has kept him not only relevant but revered across generations of couples and creatives alike.
“More often these days, I pause and just feel grateful for this quite extensive run I’m in, it really is no small feat. This just can’t be luck right? No it isn’t. And if I take the macro view, I can distill the “secrets” of this longevity 1.An unquenchable desire to craft something better than my last. 2. An insane focus on the customer experience, from the time of first contact up to when the deliverables are done. 3. A humble approach when working with fellow suppliers. We’re there for a single purpose – to serve our couple – a team effort is necessary for that to happen. We are never above or below colleagues, there is no hierarchy. In short – we play nice, with everybody, bar none.”, he shares.
While trends and tech have evolved rapidly, Jason has remained grounded in his core: telling timeless stories. He’s unafraid to try new tools or techniques, but only if they serve the story. “If it doesn’t align with our vision, it’s a no for us,” he says with quiet confidence.
Among the thousands of weddings he’s captured, one moment in Paris stands out. It was the wedding of Stephanie Kienle and Chris Gonzalez—a turning point in his creative journey. There were no flashy edits or over-the-top effects. Just a pure, powerful narrative told with grace. It marked a shift in his storytelling—less flair, more feeling.
Looking ahead, Jason is embracing a mentor’s path, nurturing a generation of storytellers who value collaboration over competition. And while he continues to take on commercial work, he’s also setting aside space for something deeply personal: creating art for art’s sake.
At 25 years in, Jason Magbanua isn’t just filming weddings—he’s crafting legacies. And he’s just getting started.
