Mark Bautista after the big reveal

Mark Bautista on the cover of his book

The first few weeks after the release of his self-penned book, “Beyond the Mark,” were the most difficult, singer-actor Mark Bautista recalled. After all, the page-turner, which touches on his gender orientation, lays bare his private struggles and personal turmoil, for all the world to see and judge.

Immediately after the book launch last February, he made himself scarce, opting not to go out and hobnob with friends. He even avoided reading online news for a spell.

“It was a choice,” he told the Inquirer. “Of course, [it was] inevitable, but it’s all good now. My life is not just a cover of a book anymore. People can now judge me all they want… and I am good with that.”

The gambit has paid off. The “brave” act of coming out—admittedly, a risky, make-or-break move—has led to a slew of unexpected blessings, however.

Just how did the book change his life? “I’m doing great,” he asserted. “It feels good to finally let go of the anxiety and loosen up. I’m thankful to God for sustaining me all throughout this journey. I must say this has been my busiest year so far, and I feel blessed to still be working and doing the things I love.”

Although some things have changed, some remain the same—like the love and loyalty of family and friends who have stood by him, through thick and thin.

“I prepared them before the release of my book,” he recounted. “I am happy to have a very supportive family. Nothing has changed; my family has remained the same. I think we’ve become closer this time.”

It was undoubtedly a turning point that allowed Mark to separate true friends from fake ones.

The genuine ones, he said, were “cool and supportive.” “That’s what matters to me. Some bought copies of the book and sent me messages of support, which I appreciate.”

In sum, he feels that he has gained more than lost friendships. “I am enjoying the kind of freedom that I’m getting now that I have no time focusing on friends or people who have chosen to stay away,” he pointed out.

He turned introspective. “Life has its seasons also and losing and gaining friends are part of that. We just have to deal with it and keep moving forward. There’s so much in life and so many things to do, to better yourself.”

For starters, writing the book has led to a slew of realizations.

“Now, I’m able to appreciate my journey and my life here on earth,” he remarked. “I can actually look back and remind myself how blessed I am to be alive, and be grateful for my gifts and all the opportunities that have led me to where I am now.”

When talk turns to the future, he can’t help feeling a tad hopeful.

“Being optimistic is part of life, so I am holding on to it, to push myself further and continue to be passionate in love and in life,” he quipped. “I always believe that life has different surprises every time, and it is unpredictable. That’s what excites me every day.”

After all, he has several new projects to look forward to in the next few months.

He will be part of a movie under Viva Films and will be releasing a single soon. He is also revving up for his 15th anniversary concert at the Kia Theatre in November. He will also guest in a “major” concert, but he can’t divulge details yet.

Bautista in “Eto Na! Musical nAPO”

One definite gig is the stage musical, “Eto Na! Musical nAPO!”—which will be presented by 9Works Theatrical and Globe Live, at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Bonifacio Global City, next month. (For tickets, call 8919999.)

Mark explained that material, like the APO musical, never fails to “excite” him every time. “I love the story,” he raved about the APO play. “People can easily relate to it and our director Robbie Guevarra did a great job in writing it. It’s a great privilege and opportunity for me to be part of this musical.”

Local show biz is keeping him busy, but the lure of performing on the international stage lingers—sparked by his portrayal as Ferdinand Marcos in “Here Lies Love” on the West End and in Seattle.

“I can’t give a solid answer to that, but I would love to do another show abroad,” he remarked. “We’ll see. Opportunities will always be there, so it’s just a matter of timing, the perfect role and really working hard to achieve that goal. There’s also the amount of risk that you’re willing to take. While I can still do it, I want to make the most of my time and energy getting there.”

As we all know by now, Mark is definitely a risk-taker.