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Netizens tweet support for Jake Zyrus after MMK feature

By , on August 26, 2017


Singer-songwriter Jake Zyrus (Photo: Jake Zyrus/Facebook)
Singer-songwriter Jake Zyrus (Photo: Jake Zyrus/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines—The Twitterverse on Saturday night was filled with messages of support for singer and songwriter Jake Zyrus after his life story aired on ABS-CBN’s Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK).

Jake, who came out in July as a trangender man, gave MMK the privilege to share the ‘true’ story of his life and the challenges he encountered as he struggled to reveal his true self.

Jake’s role was played by himself and actress Sharlene San Pedro.

Tweets encouraging support to Jake and the LGBT+ community started pouring in during the middle of the show.

One Twitter user said, “Being a gay/lesbian is not a disease, it is not a mental disability, it is not a choice, and definitely not a disgrace. #MMKJakeZyrus”

“Being caged and pretending to be someone you’re not is difficult so I really am proud of him, being who he really is,” @eprelbiebs tweeted.
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Tonight’s MMK episode revealed the never-before-told story of mental abuse Jake experienced in the hands of his mother, Raquel. Played by actress Dina Bonnevie, Raquel was portrayed as a cruel momanager who prevented her son from revealing his true identity in fear of Jake losing his singing career. Raquel was also shown as a mother who admonished Jake for being a ‘lesbian’. The issue of money between Jake and his mother was also bared.

The portrayal of Raquel drew mixed reactions from netizens. Some criticized her while others asked that she be given the benefit of the doubt.

Radio jock Lloyd Cafe Cadena tweeted, “VERY WRONG ang mother ni Jake #MMKJakeZyrus.”


Meanwhile, some Twitter users called out the discrimination Jake experienced from his family.

On the other hand, a number of tweets that showed sympathy towards Raquel were also sent out.

Despite receiving mixed reactions, Jake thanked everyone, including those who couldn’t understand him.

“Gusto kong magpasalamat. Galing sa puso ko. Sa mga nakaintindi at sa mga na-inspire. Maiintindihan ko din ang mga taong hindi nakakaintindi dahil hindi perpekto ang buhay natin [I want to say thank you, from my heart, to those who understood and were inspired. I would also understand the people who couldn’t comprehend because our lives are not perfect],” Jake wrote in his Instagram post on Saturday.

He stressed that the purpose of his story was to tell the truth, not to smear other’s reputation.

“Alam ko. Alam ko ang iniisip ng ibang tao. Hindi ko ito ginawa upang manira, manakit ng tao. Ginawa ko ito dahil gusto kong magsabi ng totoo [I know. I know what people were thinking. I didn’t do this to destroy, hurt people. I did this because I want to tell the truth],” Jake said.

“Sa ilang taon na sinubukan kong linisin lagi ang pangalan, pagkatao ko, laging sa huli, ako ang talo Ngayong gabi na ito, pinipili ko ang sarili ko. Ang totoo. [In the years that I tried to clear my name, my identity, in the end, I was always the loser. Tonight, I am choosing myself. The truth],” he added.

The singer also asked the public to not resent his family as it was not the message he was sending out.

“Gusto ko pong sabihin sa inyo na wag po kayong magtanim ng sama ng loob sa aking pamilya. Hindi ito ang mensahe na pinapadala ko po. Sana ay ang makuha po ninyo ay ang maintindihan ang lahat, mahalin ang kapwa, irespeto at tanggapin natin sila kahit hindi natin sila maintindihan [I want to tell you to not bear ill-feelings against my family. It is not the message I was sending out. I hope that what you would pick is to understand everyone, love your fellow, let’s respect and accept them even if we can’t understand them],” he said.

 

 

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