From performing on international stages to guesting on famous talk shows abroad, her name became well-known both inside and outside the Philippines. But in 2017, she underwent a major change in her life.

“I don’t really know what the problem was because for me, there wasn’t any. I just want to ask for forgiveness from those who didn’t understand. I’m sorry, and I understand you. Thank you. But in doing this, I just want to say—it feels so good,” she said.

“Now I can leave the house with nothing to hide. I love myself, that’s why I’m doing this. To my fans, I know many of you are disappointed. I know some of you might even turn your backs on me. I’m sorry.”

The former belter Charice Pempengco transitioned to become a transgender man and is now known as Jake Zyrus. So what happened in his life after changing his name and identity? Where is the Charice Pempengco we used to know?

Today, Charice Pempengco lives as Jake Zyrus, now working with a new manager who used to be just a fan of his when he was still Charice. Jake first performed as a transgender man in Cagayan, where he felt people started recognizing him differently.

Of all the performers in the Philippines, Jake—formerly Charice—is the only one with two stars on the Eastwood Walk of Fame: one for Jake Zyrus and one for Charice Pempengco.

According to Jake, one of the most important events in his life was publishing his own book after coming out publicly. His book even made it to the Top 10 best-selling books in the Philippines and eventually had a Japanese version.

Jake shared that he never dreamed of being a superstar. But thanks to the support from his mother and his natural singing talent, he slowly became known through various singing contests under the name Charice Pempengco.

His first contest was at a mall, where he didn’t win—but he was inspired by the champion and from then on, dreamed of becoming a champion himself. He first learned to sing “My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion at home. He had no idea that while singing at home, his family—especially his mother—was secretly watching him.

His mother, who he considers his first coach, taught him all his early stage techniques. Eventually, Jake began joining TV singing contests, gradually earning his place.

The name “Charice” became internationally recognized.

“You’re going to witness something. I was there that day—this girl was on the show. Her name is Charice Pempengco, and she is amazing,” one international host once said.

Jake was first invited to Sweden—not for a concert or guesting, but to demo a product. That was when his first video was uploaded to YouTube, which quickly gained attention. Soon after, he was invited to a show in South Korea. 👏👏

He was later featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, appeared on Oprah, and even performed with the biggest names in music. His rise to fame continued, landing him a guest role in Glee, where he sang and performed in the hit show.

Jake couldn’t believe everything that happened in his life. He never imagined he’d one day sing with big stars in Hollywood and travel the world. He became an international singer and was widely recognized.

But everything changed when Jake came out publicly as a transgender man in 2017. At the peak of his fame as Charice, Jake had long been silently battling pain and depression within himself.

He was grateful for the praises and recognition, but little by little, he began embracing his true self. In 2017, he finally admitted that he is a transgender man.

Jake shared that even as a child, he already knew something was different. He knew he was a boy—just born in a girl’s body. One of the hardest challenges he faced was coming out publicly.

Though his voice deepened and his appearance changed, his way of expressing emotions through music never did. He now lives freely and is proud to love who he truly is.

Today, Jake draws inspiration from his partner Shyre Aquino, who he first met at a fan meet-and-greet. On the very first night they spoke, it felt like they’d known each other for a long time.

“Thank you, and I’m sorry,” Jake said. “Because Charice was the one who carried all the pain, struggles, and emotions. She went through everything. So I’m sorry that she had to endure all that. But I’m really thankful for the ride she gave me—the amazing people I met, the achievements I reached.”

“She’ll always be a part of me. She’ll always be in my heart. She’s my hero.”