Aaron Maniego opens up on being bullied as a child

Social media personality and new “Bubble Gang” cast member Aaron Maniego has opened up on being bullied as a child.

On his Friday guesting in “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” with his fellow newbies Cartz Udal, Aly Alday, Erika Davis, and Jona Ramos, Aaron said he was bullied because of his physical appearance. 

“Nung kabataan ko po, binu-bully po ako dahil sa itsura ko. Hindi ako 'yung tipong kagandahan nun and mataba po ako, marami ako acne, and in terms of what society told me was attractive, I was not. That broke me,” he said.

Despite his experience, Aaron was able to recover and during the COVID-19 pandemic, started working out.

“Pagdating nung pandemic, ayun nga, nag-iba 'yung destiny ko," he said.

According to Aaron, working out became "a form of revenge."

"Tawag dito revenge body,” he said. “I'm gonna work out and for the sake of — to prove people wrong, not for myself at that point in time. It started off like that,” he added. 

He never looked back. In 2023, Aaron represented Cainta and competed in Mister International Philippines. In an Instagram post, he said competing in a male pageant has helped him "come to realize the importance of having a healthy body."  

"I’ve worked so hard to achieve my dream physique. I felt so confident on stage, which in turn, transcended into a confidence to pursue so many new things. Now, I’m ready to take on any challenge I come across, and stride to my goals with strength," he said.

Aaron is among the newest cast members of “Bubble Gang” alongside Cartz Udal, Aly Alday, Erika Davis, and Jona Ramos.

Aside from being a social media star, Aaron has also appeared in “The Cheating Game” with Rayver Cruz and Julie Anne San Jose and most recently in “Beauty Empire.” — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News