Ice Seguerra
Former child star Aiza Seguerra now known as Ice Seguerra felt the need to put out a reminder on social media at least “quarterly” about how people should address him.
In a recent Instagram post, the singer clarified yet again what being a “transgender man” means. Looking back, he mentioned that he has come out more than once but for the benefit of those who weren’t informed, he came out again.
“I am a TRANSGENDER MAN. Ibig sabihin, pinanganak man akong may (That means, even though I was born with a) vagina, I identify myself as a man. Gets? TRANSMAN po yun. May ilang taon na rin ang nakakalipas (It’s been a few years) when I first came out. Yes, I came out as transman 3 times already. May iba siguro sa inyo ang hindi pa nakakaalam but mas maraming alam na ‘to (There may be some who don’t know this but a lot more already know this),” he said.
While the whole nation may know of his gender preference, it looks like some still get confused as to how to approach his identity. With this, he comes off with a rather stricter reminder.
“PLEASE REFRAIN from calling me ATE, TITA, SIS, NINANG (mga inaanak, subukan niyong tawagin akong ninang, I swear wala kayong regalo sa pasko), SENYORA, MA’AM, at ang favorite ko sa lahat MADAME. Huwag din po gamitin ang she, her, at kung ano pa,” he said.
(Please refrain from calling me big sister, aunt, sister, godmother [godchildren, try calling me this and I swear you won’t get any gifts this Christmas], señora, ma’am, and my most favorite, madame. Please don’t use the pronouns she, her, and the like.)
He is also open to explaining what being “transman” means to anyone still confused. In the end, he reminded that people to call him by his new name, Ice.
“This is how I see myself and I would appreciate if people around me, especially family and friends, will respect that. If you do not understand kung ano ang transman (what a transman is), PM me and I will gladly explain. Also, please CALL ME ICE. Yes. ICE. Yun lang po. Maraming salamat (That’s it. Thank you very much)!” he said.
Seguerra shot to fame when he joined kiddie contest “Little Miss Philippines” aired on long-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga” in 1987.
His natural wit and comedic timing captured the hearts of the Filipino viewers and especially the program’s main hosts, the trio of Tito [Sotto], Vic [Sotto] and Joey [de Leon].
This opened doors for him in movies and TV. It was due to his effective acting that many regarded him as one of the most iconic child stars of all time.
Among his movies were “Wake Up Little Susie” in 1988, “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe” in 1988, “Petrang Kabayo at ang Pilyang Kuting” in 1988, “Good Morning Titser” in 1988, “Me and Ninja Liit” in 1988, “Aso’t Pusa” in 1989 and many others.
He even had a short-lived team-up with actor-dancer Spencer Reyes in the ’90s. They had a movie together entitled “Computer Combat” in 1997.
He is currently married to Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Liza Diño. /je