I am Jake

by Jake Zyrus

Charice Pempengco was poised to be the next big global pop star, the most powerful names in Hollywood staunchly behind her. But she bravely turned her back on the glittering lights of Hollywood for a bigger dream—to be himself in a world that tried its best to erase him from his own story. From his turbulent childhood to the dizzying heights of Hollywood, and the fall from grace to his rebirth, Jake Zyrus delves into it all and inspires with his story of becoming.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Transgender, Biography, LGBT, Queer

Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kat Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading I Am Jake by Jake Zyrus felt like sitting down with a friend who’s finally ready to share the parts of their story they’ve hidden for so long—the pain, the pressure, the confusion, and eventually, the peace.

Jake opens up about growing up queer in a world that constantly tried to mold him into something he wasn’t. He writes about the early years: joining countless singing contests just to help provide for his family, and how, even as he rose to fame in the global spotlight, the real battle was happening quietly inside.

This memoir isn’t just about fame or transition. It’s about reclaiming one’s voice—literally and metaphorically. It’s about shedding expectations, surviving heartbreaks, and choosing to live fully and freely. Near the end, Jake says: “I have lived my truth. And that is all that matters."

And I think that’s what makes this book so powerful. It reminds us that while the path to authenticity can be painful, there is joy, healing, and freedom waiting on the other side.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ang bilis kong basahin kasi parang nakikipag-usap lang ako sa isang kaibigan. Converted Jakester na ako!! Salamat sa pagsulat ng kwento mo, kailangan imagnify ang boses ng mga transgender person lalo na ang mga transman kasi alam naman nating andyan lang sila sa paligid pero underrepresented sila sa totoo lang. Kaya malaking bagay itong libro na’to.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe it's wise to provide a trigger warning for anyone who is interested in reading this book. This memoir contains graphic descriptions of physical, mental, and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and attempted suicides.

Those are all experiences Jake Zyrus went through prior to transitioning, when he was still known as the little Filipino girl with the big voice, Charice. No one should ever have to experience such atrocities in their lifetimes, and the fact that he has been through all of that, while becoming an international star and while he was struggling with his sexuality and gender identity in private, is mind blowing and incredibly sad. He hid it really well from the public, and for those who knew what was going on and didn't say or do anything, they're the kind of people I have zero respect for.

So how does one go about reviewing a book where one of my favorite artists was openly honest with his backstory? I go to technicalities. I like how this book isn't a straight shot of his life in chronological order. Instead, it's broken down into pieces, with each chapter focusing on a significant subject of his journey; from the abuse he suffered, to his rise to stardom as Charice, and how he came to terms with his identity. I also was initially surprised at how short the book is (the Kindle version is less than 100 pages). But given how heavy this memoir is, I now think it was wise of him to keep it short; especially when the rest of his story has still yet to be written.

I was (and still am) a fan of Charice, and now I'm a fan of Jake. This is his true self and he's still making music, and that's all I ever want out of an artist. This is not your typical celebrity memoir, which is why I highly recommend it; especially for those leaving comments online about how "they miss Charice," how "Jake isn't as good of a singer as Charice,"and, of course, all the transphobic remarks. You say you want Charice back so bad? Well, read this book and think again.

[Don Jaucian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a moving confession from Jake — and a rare book too about life as a Filipino queer person. Much of it is his account, how he came to realize he’s a trans man, his transition, and how he lives his life now without frustration and fear of people. As Charice, he was both privileged and not — allowed to live a lavish life as this budding Hollywood talent but also caged by his mother (and the specter of her, even when she was miles away) and how his fans (and bashers) would react to his coming out as a trans man. There was a lot of hesitation about owning up to his SOGIE as a trans man — a lot of factors to think about. In the end, there’s only one thing that mattered, Jake had to live his life as himself. Fuck everyone else.

Wala lang yung perspective of being a transgender in the Philippines. Nababanggit yung hindi ito tanggap dito at alien yung term na “trans man/trans woman” sa karamihan at ang konsepto nito but I think it wasn’t Jake’s duty to tell that. This is his story.

If you like a good tell-all, this is for you. But also, it provides an understanding of a trans man’s journey and I’m glad that we have this book and Jake’s reach to tell such a story.

[Larry Illich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a lot of context about the author's behavior in the past. I grew up with Charice since she and I were closer in age. I watched her journey in Little Big Star and the subsequent interviews and breakthroughs in her career. I always thought that there was something off with her interviews and her behavior. After reading this book, I learned why. I hope that Jake would find peace. It's 2025, and until now, he still faces the same troubles that he had with his family. More power to you, Jake!

[Miko Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiographical account of one of the "child wonders" the world has seen. However, do not be deceived by the size of the book and number of pages. This book is full of accounts of abuse be it sexual, physical or verbal, child labor, triumph, rejection, acceptance and moving forward. A non fairytale but realistic story of one's story we once saw only through hollywood and billboard music charts. I read this on one sitting and it was worth it.

[Michelle The · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I’ve always looked for, the story I’ve always wanted to read. Couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. Growing up as a fan of Charice, I find myself missing her from time to time. But after reading this, my heart can finally be at peace and let Charice go. I’m so proud of Charice and her bravery to come out as Jake and be true to himself. From Chaster to Jakester! ❤️

[Miriam Bates]

Content warnings for graphic descriptions of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as discussions of self-harm.
There's a quite a bit of Tagalog. If you're like me and don't speak it, make sure to have a helpful friend or internet translator handy!
I really enjoyed reading this!

[Dewey (0110.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Aira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simultaneously an easy and heartbreaking read. Easy because you can read it one sitting, but heartbreaking since it talks about the lows of gender dysphoria and domestic abuse all at the same time. More power to you, Jake.

[Deven Rosales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt a profound sadness while reading this book. I thought Jake Zyrus aka Charice Pempengco grew up being loved by family but unfortunately she suffered physical & emotional abuse at the hands of her own mother. I also felt some joy she’s happier now. May she continue to be a strong person. Walking away from family may be the best decision she’s ever made.