Jesse Bernal, a remarkably gifted and accomplished individual, was born in the Province of Manila, Philippines, before embarking on a significant relocation to the United States with his parents, Mario Bernal, a remarkable individual with a distinguished career spanning an impressive 23 years as a veteran of the United States Air Force, and Natividad Pido, a dedicated and hardworking professional who has made a lasting impact as an employee of the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. As the eldest of his siblings, Jesse has the unique privilege of being preceded by his older brother Ernesto Bernal, older sister Natie Sutton, and younger half-sisters Nina Bernal and Teresa Bernal.
Jesse's childhood was marked by an insatiable enthusiasm for sports, as he actively participated in a diverse range of activities, including football, basketball, track and field, and swimming. His introduction to the game of bowling at the tender age of five was a turning point, as it has remained a beloved pastime to this day.
As he navigated his high school years at John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas, Jesse became involved in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program and the drill team. His impressive skills and dedication earned him a historic distinction, as he became the second freshman in the school's history to be promoted to the varsity team midway through his freshman year.
Jesse's leadership skills were evident as he took charge of the color guard and proudly presented the United States flag during opening ceremonies for various sporting events. His impressive performances included presenting the flag at events hosted by the San Antonio Iguanas hockey team, the Missions baseball team, and the National Basketball Association's San Antonio Spurs, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and dedicated individual.
Following the completion of his high school education, Jesse embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead him to follow in the esteemed footsteps of his father by enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his seven-year tenure, Jesse demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment, ultimately rising through the ranks to attain the distinguished position of Staff Sergeant.
Throughout his time in service, Jesse had the privilege of experiencing a diverse range of cultures and environments, as he traveled to Germany, Iraq, Ireland, and South Korea. His tenure at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico proved to be a transformative experience, as it was during this period that Jesse began to explore his passion for the performing arts by taking college courses.
As he delved deeper into his newfound interest, Jesse had the opportunity to showcase his talents on stage, taking on a variety of roles in plays, including the iconic musical "Evita," during his inaugural year.
After his formal discharge from the military in 2008, Jesse embarked on a transformative journey, ultimately discovering his true vocation and relocating to the vibrant city of Los Angeles to embark on a rigorous training regimen. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would be filled with dedication, perseverance, and a passion for honing his craft.
