Jason Canela: Bringing Cuban-American Stories to the Spotlight

The Cuban-American actor reflects on fatherhood, family values, and why revisiting On Your Feet means more now that he’s a dad

For Cuban-American actor Jason Canela, every role tells a story. But the ones that matter most are the stories that allow him to represent where he comes from.

Whether it’s correcting misconceptions about Cuba on an American television series or portraying one of the most influential figures in Latino music, Jason sees acting as an opportunity to honor his roots. Now in Manila to star as Emilio Estefan in 9 Works Theatrical’s production of On Your Feet, the actor is bringing more than just his talent to the stage—he’s bringing the perspective of a father, husband, and son.

And that, he says, changes everything.

Using His Voice to Tell Authentic Stories

Representation has long been an important part of Jason’s career. In Apple TV’s Palm Royale, he was given the rare opportunity to portray a Cuban character and contribute to how the community was represented onscreen.

“It’s not always that you get the opportunity to play a Cuban character on American television,” Jason tells Modern Parenting. “That’s something that I will forever be grateful for.”

What stood out most for him wasn’t just the role itself but the trust he was given to share the realities of Cuban culture and history with the creative team.

During production, Jason encountered a line in the script that referenced Cuba’s educational system in a way he felt was inaccurate. Rather than simply delivering the dialogue, he spoke up.

“I shared the truth with the writers and producers,” he recalls. “They told me, ‘We want to be on the right side of history. Whatever is fact, that’s what we will say.'”

For Jason, the moment reinforced the importance of having authentic voices in the room.

Had someone else played the role, he says, the line may have remained unchanged. Instead, he was able to ensure that the story reflected the experiences of the people it represented.

Revisiting Emilio Estefan Through the Eyes of a Father

Jason is no stranger to On Your Feet. He previously portrayed Emilio Estefan in the musical’s Miami production. But stepping into the role again years later feels different.

The biggest change? He’s now a father.

“This story means a lot to me,” he says. “The last time I did this, I didn’t have kids.”

Today, Jason and his wife Jana are raising two children, Jovie Rose and Jovani. Fatherhood has transformed how he views relationships, sacrifice, and family—themes that sit at the heart of the musical.

“So to be in this stage of my life and having experienced fatherhood the way that I have, I was really excited to jump back into this story and see what nuances I could find.”

The musical follows the remarkable journey of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, chronicling their rise to global stardom and the challenges they faced along the way. While audiences may come for the music and nostalgia, Jason believes the show’s real strength lies in its portrayal of family.

“I think regardless of where you’re from, every family has its problems,” he says. “But what I’ve always held close to my heart is my family.”

Throughout the production, he says he is continually moved by how the Estefans navigate adversity together.

“I’ve really appreciated how, regardless of what obstacles this family is faced with, they fight to overcome them and ultimately stay together through it all.”

Jason with his wife Jana and daughter Jovie Rose

Bringing Family Along for the Journey

One of the biggest blessings of this production, Jason says, is that his family is experiencing it with him.

Unlike many projects that require long periods away from home, his wife and children were able to join him in Manila.

“They’ve adjusted very, very smoothly,” he says with a smile.

His daughter, in particular, has become a familiar face during rehearsals.

“At this point, my daughter is part of the cast. She’s running all over rehearsals, dancing and joining the warm-ups every day.”

Watching his children experience this chapter of his career firsthand has made the experience even more meaningful.

“It’s truly been such a blessing to get to share this experience with them.”

Still, Jason acknowledges that balancing work and family remains one of the most difficult parts of being a parent in the entertainment industry.

The Challenge of Providing while being Present

Like many working parents, Jason wrestles with a familiar dilemma: how to provide for his family while also being physically present for them.

“They are the priority,” he says. “But it’s tricky because in order for me to take care of my number one priority, which is my family, I need to work.”

And work often means being away.

While bringing his family to Manila has been a gift, he knows that’s not always possible.

“There are times where that’s not possible and it’s tough because the reality is, you’re doing it for them, but you’re having to be away from them.”

The experience has only deepened his appreciation for his wife.

“I’ve always said moms are superheroes.”

Jason speaks warmly about his wife’s ability to hold everything together when work takes him elsewhere.

“She’s an unbelievable mother. She’s an unbelievable partner. I could not be more blessed to be raising my kids with her by my side.”

The Lessons He Inherited from His Father

When asked where his own views on family come from, Jason doesn’t hesitate.

His father, Heriberto, remains one of his greatest influences.

“My dad has always been somebody who really instilled in us what family unity means.”

Growing up, Jason watched his father repeatedly make sacrifices for the people he loved. Those examples left a lasting impression.

“He has time and time again put everything on the line for his family,” Jason says.

The values he witnessed as a child now guide him as a father.

“It was something that I constantly saw growing up—how important family was to him. So it became just as important to me.”

Their close relationship continues today through their podcast, Pero Por Qué Papi, where father and son explore generational differences and tackle conversations families don’t always have.

The discussions can be uncomfortable at times, Jason admits, but that’s exactly the point.

The goal is to create space for honest dialogue between parents and children—a theme that echoes many of the lessons he hopes to pass on to his own kids someday.

Choosing Your Parenting Partner Wisely

As someone who now finds himself balancing marriage, parenthood, and a demanding career, Jason has gained a new perspective on what truly matters when building a family.

For couples considering parenthood, his advice is simple but significant: take your time choosing the person you’ll raise children with.

“The most important decision you will ever make in your entire life is who you decide to have a child with,” he says.

It’s not enough to know someone during life’s easy moments, he adds. The real test comes during challenges, exhaustion, and uncertainty—the moments parenting inevitably brings.

“You can’t just know them when things are good. You have to imagine what they will be like when things are bad.”

For Jason, parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about partnership, commitment, and showing up for the people who matter most.

Much like the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, it’s about choosing family every day. And whether he’s onstage, onscreen, or at home with his children, that’s a role he’s proud to play.

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan opens on July 10 at the Proscenium Theater. For tickets, check out ticketworld.com.ph

Photos by Loreta Arroyo (Jason and family at press conference) and Charles Villaluz for 9 Works Theatrical (still for On Your Feet)

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