Jao built a creative department anchored on what he calls Creative Flourishing—his own environment-first approach to shaping the creative culture of making the work better and making the work happen.

During his first year as Executive Creative Director in 2024, Propel Manila earned major honors: Campaign Global Philippine Independent Agency of the Year, Campaign Southeast Asia Philippine Independent Agency of the Year, and 4As Philippine Independent Agency of the Year. By 2025, the agency went back-to-back Best in Creative at the 4As AOY and secured the country’s official slots for both Adfest Young Lotus (for 2026) and Cannes Young Lions—with the Cannes team landing a Global Top 10 Digital shortlist.

Creative Flourishing also shaped the agency’s high-impact, digital-first work for brands like Move It, GCash, Philippine Airlines, Datu Puti, Avida, and Chowking—helping Propel Manila record the highest number of commercial branded finalists among digital creative agencies at one point.

Jao’s work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, The One Show, LIA, NYF, WARC, Spikes, AdFest, Mad Stars, and more, along with the local creative shows Kidlat and Boomerangs.

Outside advertising, Jao is a volleyball coach and athlete, a graduate school instructor, and a book reviewer with a #1bookamonth series.