Singer and actress Joanna Ampil commends her good friend, Mark Bautista, for coming out and opening up about his sexuality in his upcoming book, Beyond The Mark.
"I love both sexes, and if given a chance, I would love to have kids and settle down and have a family." Mark wrote this statement in page 102 of the said book.
Before Mark's reveal, Joanna admitted in an interview with PEP.ph that she didn't want to assume anything at first, especially when everything she's heard did not come from Mark himself.
"Kasi, you know, marami kang naririnig, pero it’s never confirmed until you hear it from the horse’s mouth."
She also said that Mark eventually opened up to her.
"I wasn’t surprised 'coz I am hearing things already.
"Pero hindi ko naman puwedeng sabihin na 'yun na 'yung paniniwalaan ko, kasi hindi naman nanggagaling sa actual person.
"So, nung sinabi niya sa akin, I’m like, ‘Okay, well, that’s free of you to actually mention.’”
The actress applauded Mark for having the courage to let the public know the real him.
“He came up with his book, and I completely admire the guy, you know, that he’s brave enough to expose himself in that way.
“And of course, sa Pilipinas, marami rin namang medyo magba-bash nang a little bit.
"You know, they kinda use this as a weapon or ammunition against him, which is such a shame.
“But mas marami tayo sigurong nagsu-support sa kanya, and I think that’s what he should focus on.”
Joanna also left a message for Mark on Instagram.
"I am so proud of you @iammarkbautista and I cannot wait for your book to be released so everyone can see the bigger picture. Amidst the noise and the judgements by some people, I have the highest respect for you for being so brave and putting your innermost being out there. You have my full support.
I am looking forward to singing with you on Heart’s Day my darling friend.... we’re going to have the best time. Love you, Mark!"
Joanna's Valentine concert will be held at the Globe Auditorium of BGC Arts Center, where Mark will perform as a guest.
Source: PEP.ph
