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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Jamie Rivera: LGBTQ+ community will go to heaven

Jamie Rivera: LGBTQ+ community will go to heaven

Published Apr 5, 2026 08:41 am

Inspirational Diva Jamie Rivera sparked conversation after publicly pushing back against claims that members of the LGBT+ community are destined for hell, declaring instead her firm belief that they will make it to heaven.

As a gospel singer, Jamie shared her sentiments on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," disagreeing with claims that members of the LGBT+ community are destined for hell.

Jamie Rivera (A screenshot from YouTube)
Jamie Rivera (A screenshot from YouTube)

Rather than speaking in abstract terms, Jamie drew from her own personal experience. 

She recalled how members of the LGBT+ community supported her throughout her early career. She noted that makeup artist Boy Navarrete did her makeup for free in her humble beginnings, up until she could afford to pay, and also served as her publicist without asking for anything in return. 

Jamie also remembered her former road managers and companions from provincial tours, many of whom were part of the community and helped ensure her safety and success. Moved by their loyalty and generosity, Jamie called these individuals her angels.

"I disagree with that. I only have gratitude and great respect for the LGBTQ+ community. In my humble beginnings, Boy Navarette did my makeup for free until I could afford to pay. I was also struggling with my outfits. Chaka ang outfits ko. (My outfits are ugly.) Then Arnold Galang came. He dressed me up. He supplied me with outfits and costumes until I could afford my own. And then you were my publicist, and you didn't ask for anything in return. You featured me in magazines and articles. And then my former road managers with Genesis. Tumutulong sila sa provincial tours ko. (They helped me in my provincial tours.) They protected me. So what is there to judge if you are surrounded by angels? Sila ang mga tumulong sa akin (They helped me.) So for me, they will go to heaven," she said.

Jamie expressed her personal belief that people who show genuine care and compassion for others deserve a place in heaven.

Now 60, the OPM icon started out as a pop artist in her younger years. Her hits are "Hey, It's Me," "Mahal Naman Kita," and "I've Fallen For You."

She also played the role of Kim in the musical "Miss Saigon" at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London's West End.

Then Jamie became an inspirational singer, known for the songs "Jubilee Song," "Sa'yo Lamang," and "Only Selfless Love." In 2015, she sang for Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines.

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Jamie Rivera LGBTQ+ Fast Talk With Boy Abunda Boy Navarette
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