Bone of conflicting contentions

Jake Zyrus

After his controversial bio-drama shown on “Maalaala Mo Kaya” recently, “trans man” Jake Zyrus has become the bone of conflicting contentions in some music fans’ estimation.

One “camp” supports his “liberating” desire to be true to his real self at all costs—while an opposing encampment rues his decision to transition into a male singer, which could severely affect and abridge his heretofore high-flying and belting career.

No more female high notes means that he has to work out a new vocal placement and repertoire that are better suited to his now lower singing range—and it’s still iffy how fans will accept that radical shift.

After all, there are many male crooners out there, so is there room for one more despite the unusual attention-calling “hook” of Jake’s unique backstory?

For our part, we opt to take a more positive stance, because we believe in the importance of an artist’s being true to his real self.

Truth is of the essence in performance, as we stringently tell the actors and singers we’ve mentored, so Jake’s career—and life-changing move deserves our support.

Yes, he could end up limiting or even abridging his career if he disappoints listeners—but, that should only “force” him and his handlers to very creatively work out a new musical projection and essence for him that would also be exciting and involving in its own right.

Granted, that’s a really tall order and challenge—but, when you’ve made up your mind, the die is cast, and you just have to succeed—or bust.

The proof of the transformative pudding and process should be up for the public’s consideration and verdict when Jake Zyrus’ first concert as a male performer is staged at Music Museum on Oct. 6.

We hope that his radical shift and self-reincarnation will be successful so he can enjoy more years as a stellar performer—as his real persona.

Thus, “I Am Jake Zyrus” is the most important show in Charice’s career—it’s like being musically born again, this time as the male he’s always felt he’s been.

As for fans who miss all of those “signature” high notes, there are other female belters out there who can provide your regular birit fix and jolt, so feel free to join their musical parade!

Another even more controversial aspect of the currently unfolding Jake Zyrus “drama” is the “nega” role that his mother has found herself cast in—as a “user” mom who allegedly was verbally, physically and financially abusive, and didn’t support Charice’s bid to transition into Jake.

Jake now says that he feels their rift can be patched up soon, and his mom seconds the motion. But, should reconciliation and mutual forgiveness be as facile as that?

Some people might think that the rift could have been pumped up for maximum fuss and bother partly for promotional purposes, and that would be too “user-friendly” for comfort.

In complicated stellar situations and predicaments like this, it’s all about viewer perception, so everyone involved has to be on his or her best and most honest behavior.

Yes, the public can be manipulated, but only up to a point—after which the real truth—must out!