Boobay reveals he hid sexuality from his soldier father

Comedian Boobay | Image: Screengrab, YouTube/ATM (Adventure.Taste.Moments)

Comedian Boobay shared that he hid his real sexuality for quite some time from his father, who works in the army.

In a guest appearance on “Sarap Diba,” the comedian shared that there was a time in the past when he had to conceal his real identity in front of his father. 

“Dumaan rin ako sa process ng pagpapanggap kasi ‘yung tatay ko nga sundalo. Lagi siya nasa destino so pag umuwi siya nagpapanggap talaga akong (lalaki),” said Boobay. 

The “Boobay and Tekla Show” co-host recalled that his pretense lasted until his college graduation, when his father gave him a pat on his shoulder to signal the latter’s acceptance of him regardless of his sexuality. 

“Pagkatapos ng graduation, wala kaming usap-usap talaga, bigla niya lang akong tinap ganyan [sa balikat] tapos nakipag eye to eye siya sa akin. Tinap niya lang ako, ‘Ah okay.’ Proud daw siya sa akin,” narrated the comedian. 

After that interaction, Boobay shared that he has been open to his father about his real identity, although it’s not the “loud and proud” kind but just enough for him to no longer pretend in front of him. 

Boobay underscored that he understood where his father was coming from, so he vowed to make him proud, which he is doing now with all the achievements he’s receiving as a comedian. 

“Feeling ko kasi kaya ganon ‘yung tatay ko dati meron siyang fear dahil sa mga ginagawa sa mga bading, kung ano anong sinasabi. Sabi ko, ‘Hindi. I’ll make him proud,’” he said. 

In 2023, Boobay was among the awardees in the 1st Outstanding LGBTQIA+ of the Philippines Awards alongside Boy Abunda, director Fifth Solomon, singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra, and comedian Inday Garutay, among others. He also won the Most Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian award at the Best Choice Awards in 2021.