Maria Sofia Love, once a flamboyant viral sensation celebrated for her signature catchphrases and unapologetic personality, has returned to the public eye with a powerful and deeply personal message.
On May 31, 2025, she went live on Facebook, sharing an eight-minute video that marked a dramatic transformation in her life.
Gone was the exuberant persona known for saying “Pak!” and strutting the streets for fashion “para sa ekonomiya.”
In her place stood a man with a shaved head, quietly recounting years of searching, heartbreak, and ultimately, spiritual rebirth. In the video, Sofia announced that he had detransitioned, stepping away from the trans identity he had lived for nearly two decades.
“Nagpalakas lang talaga ako ng loob ko para bumalik, para i-share ang kabutihan na ginawa ng Diyos sa buhay ko,” he shared. “Napaka-unfair naman kung hindi ko i-share.”
Now 42, Sofia reflected on his past, revealing the emotional void that fueled his years of cosmetic surgery, fleeting romances, and online attention. “Lumaki akong kulang na kulang sa pagmamahal… kaya pala, pighati ang ending ng lolo mo,” he said.
He described a turning point—a moment of self-awareness and what he believes was a spiritual encounter. “Bigla ko na lang nakita ang sarili ko na lalaki… nakita ko ang buong buhay ko in an instant.”
According to Sofia, that moment catalyzed a series of realizations. “Hindi ko alam, Diyos lang pala ‘yun. Totoo pala ang Diyos, na Siya lang ‘yung hinahanap ko.”
While Sofia no longer identifies as a trans woman, he now accepts himself as a gay man and says he is surrendering his same-sex attraction to a higher purpose. “Tanggap ko na bading ako… pero ‘yung same-sex attraction, puwede palang ma-overcome sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos.”
Was just wondering what happened to Maria Sofia Love, then out of nowhere, a live vid popped up. Turns out she detransitioned, now identifies as male, regrets transitioning, and has found faith in the Lord. pic.twitter.com/kLqZVjSCrJ
— JoEd (@M1sterJoedSo) May 30, 2025
He emphasized that his story is not a condemnation of others in the LGBTQ+ community, but a personal testimony. “Sana huwag niyong gayahin ‘yung mga ginawa ko dati… although natuto rin naman ako,” he said.
Sofia’s return comes with reminders of his controversial past. In 2017, he was widely criticized for dancing provocatively to the Philippine national anthem, an act that drew condemnation from lawmakers and cultural agencies.
Today, Sofia says he no longer seeks fame or external validation. “Wala nang kagat ang mga material sa akin… hindi ko na kailangan ng approval.”
He concluded his message with an invitation to reflect on one’s life journey and seek peace through faith: “Sana mahanap niyo rin ang totoong kaligayahan na hindi nakikita… you have to taste and see the goodness of God.”
