Actor-singer Pepe Herrera has exited the ABS-CBN reality singing and impersonation show ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ to prioritize his mental health, the program announced in its November 15 episode.
Hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario informed viewers that Herrera would no longer continue as a celebrity performer, followed by a video message from Herrera where he read what he described as a “love letter” explaining his decision.
Herrera revealed that he has been battling depression and alternating anxiety attacks since he was 13 years old, a condition he confirmed after a recent session with a psychotherapist.
“I haven’t been well for decades,” he said in his statement. He added that he coped for years through what he called “band-aid solutions,” avoidance of traumatic experiences, and masking through humor, but the symptoms had begun taking a significant toll.
Herrera disclosed that he had recently been experiencing nighttime panic attacks, preventing him from sleeping. At times, he said he was only able to sleep after sunrise or not at all.
“The combination of insomnia and anxiety is making my body experience regular tremors and numbness… chest pains and headaches are worsening,” the actor said. He added that his thoughts had begun “becoming darker.”
He recounted a recent episode where he felt intense pressure in his chest, leading to a panic attack he initially feared was life-threatening.
This turning point, he said, led him to decide—after a long discussion with his wife—to undergo proper treatment and take an indefinite leave from work, despite the difficulty of stepping away as his family’s breadwinner.
Herrera apologized to the ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ team for leaving early in the season but noted that prioritizing his health was necessary.
“You deserve the whole truth… from now on you will see the most sincere and truthful version of me,” he said.
He also expressed hope that speaking openly about his condition would encourage others facing mental health challenges to seek help.
“For those who are also struggling, I hope you get the help you need and the healing that you deserve,” he added.
Judges Sharon Cuneta and Ogie Alcasid, along with the hosts, expressed support for Herrera following his announcement.
In his message, Herrera requested ABS-CBN to display mental health hotlines after airing his statement.
For those seeking help, the following numbers are available:
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline:
• 1553
• (02) 7-989-8727
• 0966-351-4518
