Things haven’t always been the smoothest when it comes to Jake Zyrus’ relationship with his mother, Raquel Pempengco. It can be remembered that Pempengco lashed out on Facebook after a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode which aired last August 2017. The said episode featured Zyrus’ life story, which Pempengco insisted were lies.
All seemed to be well after the mother and son patched things up days after. But last Jan. 17, Pempengco took to Facebook again to greet her son, Carl. She addressed him as the only man in the Pempengco clan.
“Happy birthday Son Carl Ceiven Relucio Pempengco,” wrote Pempengco. “Ang kaisa isang lalaki sa Pempengco Clan.” (Happy birthday to my son Carl Ceiven Relucio Pempengco. The one and only man in the Pempengco clan.)
Image: Facebook/RA QU EL
Zyrus, who first came out as a lesbian in 2013, has been more than open in sharing about his journey in becoming a transman. Nowadays, he refers to himself as a man, which was even more solidified when he adopted the name Jake Zyrus last year.
Despite the shaky situation between Zyrus and his mother, the singer continues to spread messages of body positivity and gender equality to his fans. He is also a staunch advocate against cyberbullying.
In an Instagram post last Jan 12., Zyrus shared a picture of his former self Charice side by side a picture of himself now.
“Sister ko nga pala. Si Charice. Hahahahaha! Joke lang. I love this. Ang pinakamasayang pagbabago sa buhay ko,” wrote Zyrus. “Enjoy, laugh, or whatever u wanna feel sa photo na ito. Looking at these photos makes me feel so happy and fulfilled. Hay. Love you guys!”
(By the way this is my sister, Charice. Hahahahaha! Just kidding. I love this. The happiest change in my life. Enjoy, laugh, or whatever u wanna feel for this photo. Looking at these photos makes me feel so happy and fulfilled. Sigh. Love you guys!”
Image: Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic
Zyrus also shared a photo of himself three days ago, working out in the gym. He said he has never wanted to be skinny, and although he succeeded in being skinny before, he was not happy.
Image: Instagram/@jakezyrusmusic
“I love my body now,” adds Zyrus. “I feel confident about it and I feel healthy and that’s what’s important about it.” JB
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READ: Jake Zyrus’ mother lashes back at ‘lies’ in MMK episode