Raquel Pempengco Shares Insights on the Issue of Gratitude Towards Parents
RAQUEL PEMPENGCO – The mother of Jake Zyrus expressed her thoughts regarding the issue of gratitude towards parents.
Raquel emphasized that rejecting or causing emotional pain to one’s mother can lead to an unhappy life. She notes that regardless of one’s success if parents are not supportive, there will always be a sense of incompleteness. While it isn’t a child’s obligation to care for parents, Filipino culture instills a deep sense of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) that binds individuals to their families.
Raquel also points out that while partners may come and go, parents remain constant and will always be there to welcome their children back. She underscores the importance of honoring parents, as highlighted in the Ten Commandments, equating this respect with honoring God.
“Basta kapag ang INA ang pinaiyak mo at itinakwil walang magandang patutunguhan ang buhay mo. Kahit gaano kp ka successful s buhay kung hinde mo kaagapay ang magulang mo prang may kulang pa rin. Yes di obligasyon ng ANAK ang MAGULANG pero dahil FILIPINO tayo at kahit saan ka pang lupalop lumaki basta nanalaytay pa rin ang dugong pinoy di mo matatakasan ang culture ng UTANG NA LOOB,” she said.
“Ang asawa at jowa ay mapapalitan, iiwanan ka pero ang MAGULANG anjan babalik balikan. Nasa sampung utos ng DIYOS ang IGALANG MO ANG IYONG MAGULANG. Tulad ng paggalang mo sa PANGINOON,” she added.
Previously, Raquel shared emotional posts on Facebook about her child’s transformation. She reshared a throwback video from the 2005 ABS-CBN competition “Little Big Star,” where Charice finished third, marking the start of his international success with stars like Celine Dion.
In her posts, Raquel Pempengco expressed regret, feeling that Charice was “cheated” out of victory. She also shared a clip from “Glee,” lamenting that he might have remained in the limelight had he kept his original voice. Despite the changes, Raquel remains hopeful for Charice’s talent, stating, “It’s not too late… while there’s life, there’s hope.” Currently, Jake Zyrus is in the U.S. and has yet to reunite with his mother.