Jake Zyrus talks about his transition journey and depression
Jake Zyrus is one of the Filipino singers who made have made it big on the international scene. In 2010, his album 'Charice,' entered the Billboard 200 at number eight, making it the first album of a solo Asian singer to ever land in the Top 10.
Charice Pempengco--now Jake Zyrus--during one of her past performances. / Source: Tunay na Buhay
But, along with his skyrocketing to fame, came the anxiety and depression caused by having to maintain his image as Charice Pempengco.
In his recent interview with 'Tunay na Buhay' host Pia Arcangel, Jake detailed what it was like trying to live up to people's expectations of him at the height of his career as Charice.
“I had to take it all in nang mabilisan po. Like I had to move fast to change myself. I had to fit in.
“Napakahirap po and that's when nung time na 'yon na 'yung team sabi sa'kin na, “Well, that's when you get when you start being famous.'”
Jake Zyrus during his 'Tunay na Buhay' interview / Source: Tunay na Buhay
Although that whole experience affected his mental health, Jake is still thankful for it.
“The good part is the achievements. I'll always be grateful for that.”
In 2013, Jake publicly admitted that he identified as a transgender man, and in 2017, he began his transition journey by taking testosterone shots and undergoing breast removal.
“Yung voice ko po 'yung unang-unang nagbago, bago 'yung a little bit of facial (hair) ganyan. Pero yung pinakamahirap ko pong naging experience was my top surgery.”
Jake recalled how stunned he was seeing his chest right after the operation and how his friends celebrated his rebirth.
Jake Zyrus and Pia Arcangel / Source: Tunay na Buhay
“'Oh, my God! Flat na siya!' 'Yon talaga 'yung unang-una kong sinabi and I remember my friends, pumasok sila sa room and they sang 'Happy Birthday' to me. It was really a special moment pero at the same time 'yon po talaga ang mahirap.”
He said he had no qualms about of the physical changes in his body, especially his voice, could affect his singing career.
“Hindi po ako nag-worry kasi the only thing that has changed is 'yung key. Siyempre po bumaba 'yung boses, mas naging deep. Pero the way I sing, the way I perform, the way I send my message--the song messages to the people--para po sa'kin I still sing, I still perform like Charice, and Charice performed like Jake Zyrus.”
During the interview, Jake also talked about his relationship with his current partner, Shyre Aquino, who is actually one of his fans.
Jake Zyrus and Shyre Aquino / Source: Tunay na Buhay
He said that they first met each other before he transitioned, through a virtual meet and greet with Jake's fans.
“Nagkuwentuhan po kami and apparently ang dami po naming similarities. It was the first night na magkasama kami, but it felt like we've known each other for years. And that's how I knew that it was different. I like the way she made me feel about myself.”
When asked by Pia Arcangel about what his message is for Charice, Jake had a heartfelt reply.
“Thank you and I'm sorry. Si Charice ang nagdala lahat ng pinakamahirap na emotions…struggles, pain. Si Charice po ang nagdala lahat. So, I'm sorry that she had to go through that.
“But I'm really thankful because of the ride na binigay niya sa akin, that amazing, amazing ride that I experienced dahil sa kanya, the amazing people I met, the achievements that I got nung Charice pa po (ako), I'm really thankful and grateful.
“She'll always be me. She'll always be in my heart and she's my hero.”
Watch Jake's interview in the 'Tunay na Buhay' video below.
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