Jayson Fernandez, an 18 year old from Manguisoc, Camarines Norte, is the newest member of Rivermaya. He won the judges –- and the bands –- nod hands-down during the intensely exciting grand finals for Rivermaya : Bagong Liwanag, the search for the next brother of the Rivermaya family. He joins Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar and Japs Sergio, with whom he will share songwriting and vocalist duties.

The lanky teenager brought the house down with his heartfelt rendition of the Rivermaya classic Himala. It was as if he was asking the whole world for a miracle to make his dream come true, said judge Francis Brew Reyes, music director of the influential NU 107.

Jayson brings a special youthful energy to Rivermaya – as shown when he performed his first song with ang banda ng bayan -– the rousing celebration of the future generation, Awit ng Kabataan, with all the joy and raw intensity that only an 18year old can rightfully bring to this anthem. The crowd at Music Musuem greeted him with wild cheers and a standing ovation, as the evening ended with Rivermaya's new single, Banda ng Bayan.

The evening did not entirely go in his favor, as arch-rival Hans Dimayuga, 19, a senior from Dela Salle University garnered the most number of text votes and got the judges approval for best original song.

Jayson dropped to the floor when Rivermaya co-manager, Lizza G. Nakpil, exclaimed, I’m going for a leap of faith --- so, Jayson, we love you! Welcome to Rivermaya! He later explained that he wanted to jump for joy, pero nanginig ang tuhod ko at napaupo na lang ako. Rivermaya’s Mark , Japs, and Mike rushed to help him to his feet and welcome him to the Rivermaya brotherhood.

He exclaimed in response, Salamat sa inyong lahat –- dati pinapanuod ko lang sila, tinitignan sila sa litrato… ngayon kasama ko na sila!

Jayson said, Ang gusto ko lang paratingin sa lahat ay –- wag mag-give-up sa iyong dream. May nag-text sa akin na kaibigan na naniniwala siya na kaya kong maging part ng Rivermaya, so naglakas-loob akong sumali. Ang sinabi ko sa sarili ko, walang mawawala naman sa akin at kung matalo, at least may picture ako na kasama sila.

He was chosen from over 500 hopefuls who trooped to Rivermaya’s 2-day auditions at the University of the Philippines, and from 13 finalists who made it to the weekly televised search on Studio 23.

A highschool graduate from St. Peter’s Academy in Calamba, Laguna, Jayson was raised by his lola and mother (who was a Juan dela Cruz fan and taught him to sing his first song, Balong Malalim.)