Singer-composer Jake Zyrus revealed that he has not legally changed his name and continues to carry his birth name, Charice Pempengco, on official documents.
In a YouTube Q&A session with fans, the international artist clarified that “Jake Zyrus” is currently only his screen name.
Zyrus shared that if he eventually decides to change his legal name, he is leaning toward “Charles,” saying it feels closest to his previous name.
“Jake Zyrus is only my screen name. I have not changed my legal name just yet pero kung babaguhin ko siya, I kinda like Charles because it’s closer to my original name, Charice and Charmaine,” he said. “Maybe put Jake in the second name… Charles, I feel like it is very me.”
Aside from the name-change discussion, Zyrus also talked about working on his upcoming six-track EP, ‘Roots,’ which features re-recorded versions of his earlier songs, including ‘Reset,’ ‘Nobody’s Singing To Me,’ ‘Wherever You Are (feat. Cheesa),’ ‘Yakap,’ ‘Lighthouse,’ and his global hit ‘Pyramid.’
According to Zyrus, re-recording the tracks allowed him greater artistic control.
“I was able to take control… you have freedom to do whatever you want, be creative. Dun ko na-realize na ‘yun pala ‘yung kulang. I needed to be in control because I know what I want,” he said.
Zyrus described the process as “empowering” and “nostalgic,” adding that the experience helped him recognize how his vocal techniques have evolved after transitioning.
“In the beginning, yes, it felt like I went through puberty all over again as a trans man,” he shared. “Maybe my voice stabilized now throughout the years… there are new techniques I discovered, but at the same time, I still feel some techniques that I used before.”
When asked about releasing a full-length album, Zyrus said he chose to begin with an EP after gradually regaining confidence.
“It took me years to get that confidence and motivation to release this EP, that’s why I started with six songs muna. Slowly but surely,” he said. “Depende sa inyo—if you receive this well, maybe we’ll have Roots number two.”
‘Roots’ will be released on November 21, marking Zyrus’ latest project following his 2022 single ‘4 Life.’
