Former ‘Pinoy Dream Academy’ first runner-up Jay-R Siaboc has spoken candidly about his decision to leave the entertainment industry more than a decade ago, revealing that the pressure, alleged favoritism, and unhealthy work environment ultimately led him to return to his hometown of Toledo City, Cebu.
In an emotional interview on Ogie Diaz Inspires, the singer said he had long wanted to share his side of the story after quietly leaving Manila at the height of his career.
“Hindi ko po kaya ang pressure at discrimination… Kaya ko ‘yung trabaho, ‘yung environment ang hindi.”
Jay-R claimed that he experienced unequal treatment during his time on ‘ASAP’, alleging that while other singers supposedly received their assigned songs several days before the live show, he would often be given his only on Sunday morning.
“Yung ibang singers, Tuesday pa lang nasa kanila na ‘yung kanta… tapos ako Sunday morning ibibigay sa akin.”
According to him, the late preparation became even more difficult because he was juggling television tapings from Monday to Saturday. He said he would sometimes struggle during rehearsals, adding that he was allegedly scolded and labeled “unprofessional” whenever he made mistakes after having little time to prepare.
Jay-R also recalled how the demanding schedule eventually took a toll on his health. He revealed that he once collapsed during a television taping and was rushed to the hospital. Despite the incident, he claimed he was later brought back to the set even though he believed he should have been pulled out to recover. He added that extreme exhaustion eventually caused him to miss some scheduled appearances.
The former reality show finalist also shared that he left behind many personal belongings when he decided to leave Manila around the end of 2011. During a trip for a performance in Cagayan, his return flight included a stop in Cebu, but he chose not to continue back to the capital and instead stayed in his home province.
Jay-R further claimed that some of his career earnings and prizes were not immediately turned over to him. Among them was the condominium unit he won as part of his ‘Pinoy Dream Academy’ prizes. He said he only recently obtained the property’s title and later sold the unit for ₱200,000 after discovering it had already deteriorated.
During the interview, Jay-R also expressed gratitude to Cavite First District Representative Jolo Revilla, whom he described as one of the friends who continued to help him even after he had stepped away from showbiz. The two previously worked together in the television series ‘Pepeng Agimat’ and ‘Kapitan Inggo’.
Now based in Cebu, Jay-R denied long-standing rumors that he had become a tricycle driver, clarifying that he does not even know how to operate a manual motorcycle used for tricycles. Instead, he continues to earn a living as a singer, accepting performances and events across Cebu and nearby provinces. He also shared that his wife and children have become his biggest source of strength as he focuses on family life.
Despite the challenges he experienced, Jay-R said he has no regrets about prioritizing his well-being. Looking ahead, he is set to reunite with fellow alumni for the ‘Pinoy Dream Academy’ 20th Alumni Homecoming Concert at the Music Museum on September 19, marking a return to Manila and a celebration of the show that launched his career.
