Charice Pempengco

Charice Pempengco, now known as Jake Zyrus, is a talented Filipino singer, actor, and author who rose to international fame through YouTube and appearances on shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Born in 1992 in Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines, Charice gained attention for a powerful voice that defied age and size, often compared to legends like Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Their breakout moment came when they performed with Andrea Bocelli and David Foster, launching a global music career.

As Charice, they released a self-titled international debut album in 2010, which entered the Billboard 200 at number 8—making them the first Asian solo singer to reach the top 10 of the chart. Charice also appeared on the TV show Glee as Sunshine Corazon, earning acclaim for both vocal ability and screen presence. In 2017, they came out as a transgender man and adopted the name Jake Zyrus, courageously embracing a new chapter in both personal identity and artistic direction.

Among their most memorable quotes, Charice once said: “My voice is a gift, and I’m going to use it.” Later, as Jake Zyrus, they reflected: “I may not be a big star anymore, but at least I’m happy.” These quotes capture a journey rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the courage to evolve—values that continue to inspire fans around the world.