Former action star Arthur Benedicto, who now carries the name of Bambi Moreno, said she had no regrets when she became a trans woman several years ago.
Recently, Bambi returned to relaunch her entertainment career and assemble performers for her comedy club in Osaka, Japan.
"Sana makalabas ako sa 'Batang Quiapo.' Sikat na sikat ang 'Batang Quiapo' sa Japan at maraming nanonood. Favorite ko rin si Coco Martin," she said during a media conference at Cafe Escudero in Timog, Quezon City on July 10.
Bambi, now a businesswoman in Japan, said she is ready to do everything to revive her career.
Among her showbiz friends in the past include Lotlot De Leon, Jestoni Alarcon, Jojo Alejar, and Janice De Belen.
Man becomes woman
Bambi realized she was gay at the age of seven. However, due to her strict parents, she chose to conceal her true identity.
At the age of 17, Bambi entered showbiz using the screen name Arthur Benedicto. She slowly rose to fame as an action star and appeared in numerous television series and movies in the 80s.
It was in 2004 when she decided to travel to Japan, where she underwent gender confirmation surgery. She also had a procedure in Singapore.
"Napapaiyak na lang ako minsan sa sakit. Pero gusto ko kasi talaga maging babae. Kaya nilalabanan ko ang sakit na nararamdaman ko noon. Pero okay na ako ngayon," Bambi said.
(Sometimes, the pain makes me cry. But I want to be a woman. That's why I fight the pain I used to feel. Now I am okay.)
When asked how it felt to be a woman, Bambi said: "Ang sarap, sarap pala maging babae."
Bambi said she's single. "Pero marami ang nagmamahal sa akin."
She added: "Wala na si Arthur Benedicto. Patay na siya. Ibaon na natin siya sa limot. Narito ngayon sa harapan ninyo is Bambi Moreno."