Actress Liza Soberano has spoken up against bashers questioning her decision to open up about the darkest chapters of her childhood, standing firm that her story deserves to be heard.
In her recent appearance on the podcast-cinema-documentary ‘Can I Come In?’ on YouTube, Liza revealed painful experiences of abuse she endured as a child under her foster family in the United States, as well as the struggles caused by her parents’ situation.
While many fans expressed sympathy and admiration for her courage, others accused her of being “exaggerating” and “self-serving.”
Through a lengthy Instagram post, Liza addressed both her supporters and detractors: “To everyone who has commented or messaged privately, thank you so much for the kind words and the thoughtful empathy that you have conveyed to me. The world is a better place because of people like you.”
She explained her reasons for speaking out despite fear of judgment: “I know you must be wondering why I’m sharing our story, why now, and why this? As an actress my job is to entertain. But as a public figure, my responsibility is to speak up on the things that matter, from a place that matters.
All of me dreads sharing the most intimate parts of my soul, just for people to judge and diminish my experiences. But if I don’t speak up out of discomfort or fear, what chance does all the scared and voiceless women and children that are still in dangerous situations have?
So it is a privilege and honor to be able to share my experiences so that even just one little girl out there can feel encouraged to speak up.”
Liza also directly addressed the cruelty of those discrediting her story: “People may try to guilt you or shame you for speaking up. Don’t let them, only those with hardness in their hearts would discourage your voice.
Cruel people will try to discredit your story, they’ll say you are exaggerating or being self-serving, don’t mind them. Only weak people would respond to stories of pain with doubt and interrogation.
Worst of all, some will even try to exploit your story for their personal gain, responding to your pain with gossip and attention-seeking, making it a source of entertainment. They will hijack your hardships to seek attention and self-importance. Pay them no mind. Only those with no light of their own need to use the sadness of others as fuel for their egos. You will shine and they will fade away.”
She ended her post with a heartfelt message to her younger self: “To 4-year-old Hope [her real name], who’s in the midst of a painful, upside down world, just trying to stay a child, thank you. Thank you for staying determined and strong, for choosing to keep pushing ahead, to build a beautiful life worth living.”
Meanwhile, talent manager Ogie Diaz, Liza’s former mentor, confirmed the truth behind her revelations. Speaking on his YouTube channel Showbiz Updates, he expressed both sympathy and admiration: “Naawa ako at the same time, ang tapang. Napakatapang ni Liza Soberano.”
Ogie emphasized that he always made it a point to know his artists’ personal histories, and in Liza’s case, her story of hardship was real.
“Kailangan makilala mo ‘yung talambuhay niya, kung saan siya nanggagaling… Kaya ‘yung sinabi ni Liza, ‘yung kuwento ng buhay niya nu’ng maliit siya, totoo ‘yun.”
He added that Liza has changed a lot over the years, saying: “Grabe ‘yung pag-ikot ni Liza, 360 degrees. Hindi mo makikita ‘yung dating Liza sa Liza na napanood mo sa vlog.”
Despite past tensions, Ogie made it clear he respects her courage to speak out and acknowledged that her story is valid.
