Jonalyn Viray, better known as Jona, the celebrated Filipino singer and performer, courageously opened up about the traumatic childhood abuse she endured at the hands of her own father.
In a heartfelt interview on Toni Gonzaga’s YouTube talk show 'Toni Talks', Jona revealed for the first time that she was molested by her father when she was just 10 years old, a painful secret she kept hidden from her family and friends for many years.
"There was a purpose, after all, why I was called the fearless diva before. Now I feel fearless and strong enough to share my journey from the past that I hid for a long time,” she stated.
Despite a happy early childhood filled with love from her family, Jona’s life took a dark turn when her parents began to fight frequently, and eventually her mother left. It was during this turbulent period that the abuse began.
“It was daytime when it happened, I was brought into the room, and that’s where the horrific things started,” she mentioned in the show.
She tearfully recalled that the abuse happened during the day while she was alone, leaving her frozen in shock and uncertainty about how to react. Jona described the emotional turmoil and confusion she experienced, noting that for years she struggled to find the sense of security and safety that every child deserves.
Jona credits meeting her current manager, who became like a second mother to her, for helping her confront and cope with her past trauma. She shared that the experience left her feeling neglected, searching for validation outside her home during her teenage years.
Jona Viray, born Jonalyn Roxas Viray on November 15, 1989, is an acclaimed singer and songwriter known for her powerful voice and impressive vocal range. She rose to fame as the first grand champion of the singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar at the age of 15.
Jona was the lead singer of the trio girl group La Diva, alongside Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos. Following the disbandment of La Diva, Jona launched a successful solo career, releasing acclaimed singles such as "Help Me Get Over," which won Song of the Year at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music.
Despite the scars of her past, Jona emphasizes forgiveness and healing as central to her journey. She is determined to not let the abuse define her life but rather to empower others through her music and story.
Jona’s revelation sheds light on the realities of childhood abuse and the path toward recovery, inspiring many with her resilience and courage to speak out.
In a heartfelt interview on Toni Gonzaga’s YouTube talk show 'Toni Talks', Jona revealed for the first time that she was molested by her father when she was just 10 years old, a painful secret she kept hidden from her family and friends for many years.
"There was a purpose, after all, why I was called the fearless diva before. Now I feel fearless and strong enough to share my journey from the past that I hid for a long time,” she stated.
Despite a happy early childhood filled with love from her family, Jona’s life took a dark turn when her parents began to fight frequently, and eventually her mother left. It was during this turbulent period that the abuse began.
“It was daytime when it happened, I was brought into the room, and that’s where the horrific things started,” she mentioned in the show.
She tearfully recalled that the abuse happened during the day while she was alone, leaving her frozen in shock and uncertainty about how to react. Jona described the emotional turmoil and confusion she experienced, noting that for years she struggled to find the sense of security and safety that every child deserves.
Jona credits meeting her current manager, who became like a second mother to her, for helping her confront and cope with her past trauma. She shared that the experience left her feeling neglected, searching for validation outside her home during her teenage years.
Jona Viray, born Jonalyn Roxas Viray on November 15, 1989, is an acclaimed singer and songwriter known for her powerful voice and impressive vocal range. She rose to fame as the first grand champion of the singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar at the age of 15.
Jona was the lead singer of the trio girl group La Diva, alongside Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos. Following the disbandment of La Diva, Jona launched a successful solo career, releasing acclaimed singles such as "Help Me Get Over," which won Song of the Year at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music.
Despite the scars of her past, Jona emphasizes forgiveness and healing as central to her journey. She is determined to not let the abuse define her life but rather to empower others through her music and story.
Jona’s revelation sheds light on the realities of childhood abuse and the path toward recovery, inspiring many with her resilience and courage to speak out.
