U.S.-BOUND: JAYA BOWS OUT AS ‘TAWAG NG TANGHALAN’ JUDGE
The popular singer was only 15 years old in 1985 when she and her mother, the legendary performer Elizabeth Ramsey, left the Philippines to settle in America. Now she’s moving back to the US for good — to join her husband and stepson
Popular singer and Tawag Ng Tanghalan (TNT) on It’s Showtime judge Jaya finally said goodbye to her colleagues in the Kapamilya show to move back to the United States — for good.
She will join her husband Gary Gotidoc and her stepson, who flew to the US ahead of her in January after the family sold their property in Tarlac.
Jaya, 51, was only 15 years old in 1985 when she and her mother, the legendary performer Elizabeth Ramsey, left the Philippines to settle in the US.
In a past media conference, Jaya said that her decision to move back to America, this time with her family, was made after a soul-searching period.
She said that she is happy and honored to have worked with the TNT hosts and staff who “truly accepted her and loved her.”
“I love you with all my heart. I truly have learned so much,” Jaya addressed her colleagues. “I might be old enough to say that I know a lot, but I know nothing because you’ve all shown me excellence in everything that you do.”
Jaya expressed gratitude to God for her transfer as a talent from GMA to ABS-CBN in 2016.
Whatever the future holds, Jaya said she remains hopeful that ABS-CBN will never fully cease operations since it not only continues to serve the public, but has allowed artists, including singers like her, to make a decent living.
ABS-CBN shut down its flagship free TV station Channel 2 following Congress’ rejection of its franchise renewal in July 2020.
In a past media conference, Jaya said that her decision to move back to America, this time with her family, was made after a soulsearching period.
But the network continued broadcasting through its cable and digital platforms.
“I pray that when this station opens up, when I come back, I hope you’ll still accept me,” she said.
It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda responded: “Jaya, we love you so much as a colleague and a friend.”
Vice Ganda added they will miss Jaya’s presence and work as a judge on TNT: “It’s always fun whenever you’re here. That’s why we’ll see each other again soon. We will forever be family.”