In 2017, the news about Jake Zyrus’ gender transition became a hot topic here and abroad, considering that he made a mark in the international scene through his previous identity as Charice Pempengco. Facing the public anew as a transgender man wasn’t easy.
“Mas challenging po kaysa ‘yung moment na unang nagkita po tayo noong sinabi ko po sa mundo na lesbian po ako,” he told veteran host Boy Abunda.
There were a lot of intrigues thrown at him yet Jake remained strong and true to himself, unabashed by the circumstances and the public’s judgment. More importantly, however, he is happier as Jake. “Finally, I feel complete,” said Jake.
When asked the meaning behind his chosen new name, Jake would admit that he had a lot of options in mind. But Jake Zyrus had the loudest impact to him, as though he’s always meant to be that man. And he couldn’t wait for fans to call him Jake Zyrus during concert performances.
“Nakaharap lang ako sa salamin tapos parang ang dami-dami kong binabanggit na mga pangalan. Tapos nu’ng binanggit ko ‘yung pangalan na ‘yun, kinilig ako, eh,” he enthused.
Jake continued, “Na-imagine ko po ‘yung future ko. Na-imagine ko na magpe-perform ako sa stage tapos ‘yun ‘yung gamit kong pangalan. Naiimagine ko po na sinisigawan ako ng mga fans tapos ‘yung ‘yung pangalan na binabanggit nila.
He clarified that Jake Zyrus is simply a screen name as changing the identity requires a complicated legal process.