Cebuano singer Jay-R Siaboc explains why he left showbiz

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly two decades after finishing as first runner-up on "Pinoy Dream Academy," Jay-R Siaboc has opened up about the struggles that led him to walk away from show business.

The Cebuano admitted that overwhelming pressure, alleged favoritism, and a difficult work environment pushed him to return to his hometown in Toledo City. 

In an interview with "Ogie Diaz Inspires," Jay-R said the condominium unit he won during the reality singing competition in 2006 was only recently turned over to him.

Becoming emotional while recalling his experience in the entertainment industry, Jay-R admitted that speaking about the past still makes him anxious.

"Pasensya na po ah, medyo nanginginig ako kasi nandoon pa rin 'yung takot," he said while holding his chest.

The singer claimed he struggled with the intense pressure behind the scenes, particularly during his stint on the long-running variety show “ASAP.” According to him, he often received the songs he was assigned to perform only on the morning of the live broadcast, unlike other singers who allegedly received their materials days in advance.

"Hindi ko po kaya ang pressure at discrimination... 'Yung ibang singers, Tuesday pa lang nasa kanila na 'yung kanta para sa Sunday. Tapos ako, Sunday morning pa ibibigay sa akin. Aaralin ko pa 'yun bago ang rehearsal," he said.

Jay-R recalled that because of the limited preparation time, he occasionally made mistakes during rehearsals, resulting in scolding and insults that left him questioning why he was treated differently from his fellow performers.

When host Ogie Diaz asked if he felt he was being singled out, Jay-R admitted he never fully understood why.

"Hindi ko nga po alam. Sinasabi unprofessional ako. Hindi naman ako nag-reklamo. Nag-tanong lang ako kung bakit sa kanila Tuesday pa lang ibinibigay na ang kanta, pero sa akin Sunday pa."

He said the situation became even more difficult because of his demanding schedule, juggling television tapings from Monday to Saturday before performing live on Sundays.

Jay-R shared that when he asked if he could receive his assigned songs earlier to better prepare, he was allegedly told, "Akala ko ba professional ka? Bakit ka nagre-reklamo?"

He also recounted a frightening incident while taping a television drama, saying he collapsed from exhaustion and was rushed to the hospital. Despite the incident, he claimed he was sent back to the set once he felt better.

"Nalaman ko na pagka-ganu'n pala na pull out na ako, pero ibinalik ako," he said.

The former singer and actor said the relentless workload eventually took a toll on his health. He recalled becoming so exhausted that he once fell asleep in a bathtub without realizing it until his manager arrived, knocked on his door, and found him unable to stand, prompting calls for help.

Ogie later asked whether Jay-R's disappearance from the entertainment industry was because he was forced out or because he chose to leave.

"Umalis po," Jay-R replied. "Kaya ko 'yung trabaho. 'Yung environment ang hindi."

Today, Jay-R said he has found peace after returning to Cebu, where he now enjoys a quieter life with his parents, siblings, wife, and son. —Video from Ogie Diaz Inspires YouTube channel

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