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Trigger warning: This article mentions child abuse.

Filipina singer Jona Viray courageously opens up about her painful past, revealing a story of trauma, faith, and forgiveness.

In an emotional interview on Toni Gonzaga's channel, Jona shared her experience of child abuse at the hands of her late father.

The conversation began with the singer recalling her early happy memories with her family in Bicol, Manila, and Rizal. But things changed when her parents started fighting when she was just 10 years old, a conflict that eventually led to their separation.

Living with her father after the split, Jona recounted the traumatic moments that scarred her deeply.

"Sa pagkakaalam ko, daytime nangyari 'yun, pinapasok ako sa kuwarto niya 'tapos, doon na nagsimula 'yung mga horrific na nangyari. And that time, frozen lang ako kasi hindi ko talaga alam eh. Hindi ko alam kung sisigaw ba ako or tama ba 'to? Pero wala eh," she recalled.

Despite the abuse, Jona continued living with her father and chose to keep silent about what happened, even from her siblings.

"Hindi ko sinabi sa kanila kasi 'di ko alam paano nila mare-receive. Until nakilala ko 'yung manager ko ngayon, si Ate Erlina, na parang siya 'yung tumayo na pangalawang kong nanay," she said.

The trauma, Jona admitted, carried over into her adult life as she struggled with low self-esteem and the need for validation.

"It happened more than once. Noong year lang na iyon nangyari, after that hindi na nasundan. Unconsciously, dinadala ko pala ang epekto nu'n hanggang sa paglaki ko. Minsan kakausapin mo 'yung sarili mo sarili mo rin sasagot sa'yo na, 'Wala ka nang kuwenta kasi nga naabuso ka na you are not pure anymore, wala ka nang value.' Sobrang baba (na ng self-esteem ko)."

Her experience also left her with deep resentment and fear, especially toward her mother.

"Naisip ko na, 'Siguro kung 'di ka umalis hindi mangyari 'yun. Hindi magkakaganito 'yung family namin, na watak-watak kami na mga kapatid ko, kung saan saan kami nakatira.' Grabe talaga 'yung galit ko sa mom ko for how many years kahit nagre-reach out siya. Ang tigas talaga ng puso ko. 'Di ko siya kinakausap."

Related gallery: Liza Soberano details traumatic childhood including being called a 'family dog'

But Jona's journey toward healing began when her father was hospitalized. Even though their relationship was complicated, she made sure to give financial support and show care for him.

"Few week before he passed away nag-text lang siya sa akin, Ate, na sinabi niya na, 'Anak, patawarin mo ako sa lahat ng mga nagawa kong pagkakamali. Mahal na mahal ko kayo,'" she said.

"'Yun lang, kahit simple words as that pero parang isa 'yun sa pinaka nag-contribute ng healing sa 'kin na minsan na feeling ko rin kahit hindi na siya mag-apologize pero handa pa rin akong patawarin siya sa lahat-lahat ng nangyari sa pamilya namin....Naramdaman ko nu'n, Ate, mas na-relieve ako, parang 'yung tinik sa buong pagkatao ko parang nahugo."

Although they weren't able to fulfill their plans to travel together, Jona found peace knowing she had forgiven him.

Her biggest takeaway, "'Wag ka magsayang ng panahon kasi para 'yun din isa sa mga multo ko, na many years have passed pero hindi ko triny na i-reconcile mga bagay-bagay para mas happy family sana kami, mas marami kami ginawang memories. Kaso, dumating sa point na parang dine-delay ko nga 'yung forgiveness na binigay ko until mamatay na siya."

Today, Jona lives a life of healing and grace, having also reconciled with her mother.

Take a look at the lives of singing competition alumni in this gallery: