In radio drama fashion, this DJ discovers that his older sister is his biological mother
The life story of Eduardo Lubrin II, better known as the radio jockey Papa JT of Barangay LS 97.1, is a rich plotline for teleseryes, the very radio dramas he's working on, and even a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode. Many years later in his adulthood, he discovers that his "Ate" is his biological mother and his "Mama" is his maternal grandmother.
JT, now 41, had been under the care of his Mama Edna, a 79-year-old former domestic helper, and his late Papa Eddie, a construction worker. As the bunso, he has four siblings, including the eldest, Bakuz, whom he has always referred to without any honorific.
He had a normal childhood, or so he thought, until her late Ate Marie posed an enigmatic question when he was 10.
"Noong 1993 nagsimula," he told PhilSTAR L!fe. "Tinanong ako ng ate ko, ‘Paano kung hindi si mama ang totoong mama mo? Anong gagawin mo?’"
He recalled telling her he would love Mama Edna no matter what and would always be grateful.
Three years later, during high school, a cloud of doubt shrouded TJ when his Kuya Alvin dropped a bombshell while drunk.
“’Tol, di kita tunay na kapatid pero ilalaban kita nang patayan,'" he recalled Alvin saying.
But TJ's curious case was more about himself than his siblings or parents. He opted for the more graspable yet taboo idea: He's an adopted child.
"Isa 'yung piyesa sa puzzle na unti-unting kong nahahanap at pilit na binubuo," he said. "Kung pagtatablahin mo 'yung dalawa (na sinabi nina ate at kuya), may something."
TJ said his life went on as usual. He made it a point not to let teenage angst get the best of him. He graduated from high school and finished his mass communications degree from the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila in 2006—all while thriving amid their family's financial troubles.
Bearing in mind Ate Marie and Kuya Alvin's words, TJ said his hunch of being adopted was seemingly reinforced by how he was different from his siblings, in terms of physical traits and behavior.
TJ noted that he has Middle Eastern features and doesn't look like his family members. Though he said Bakuz would always assure him that he got his looks from the paternal side.
He also noted that he's seemingly the one who's career-oriented, hardworking, and independent.
"May mali," he said. "Baka ampon talaga ako."
TJ noted that his siblings tend to get involved in bad crowds and take their parents' efforts for granted, and heated exchanges were bound to happen over the years.
In December 2024, TJ said Mama Edna and Bakuz had had a big fight, to the point that the former attempted to evict the latter from their home. According to him, Bakuz took pride in her "sacrifices," including looking after her siblings growing up.
"Anong klase kang ina," TJ recalled Bakuz saying. That, he said, likely prompted Mama Edna into talking about the "real sacrifice": Her assuming the responsibility of being a mother to him because Bakuz got pregnant early.
'Hindi naman nagbago'
Despite the grand revelation, TJ, like his 10-year-old self, didn't think less of Mama Edna. "Para sa akin... napuno naman ako ng pagmamahal. Bakit magkakaroon ng hate sa puso ko?" he said.
His love for her only intensified, and he has vowed to provide for her until his last breath. As for Bakuz, he said she would always be his older sister.
"'Yung dynamics namin, hindi naman nagbago," he said. "Mananatiling ate si Bakuz at mama si Edna."
TJ pointed out that he's not angry in any shape or form. He's grateful that they didn't send him for adoption or, worse, have him aborted.
"Tanggap ko lahat ito. Di ito tipong magkakasiraan kami," he said. "Ginawa ni Mama Edna ang kailangan niyang gawin para protektahan ang anak niya. Ginawa rin naman ni Bakuz ang kailangan niya para protektahan ang sikreto."
But like any other human being, TJ had his frustrations, especially toward Bakuz, who he feels should've eventually stepped up after a decent amount of time.
All his life, especially after being the sole college graduate among the siblings, he held on to the irony that he, the bunso and the supposed ampon, is the man of the house and the kuya of everyone.
What makes things trickier for TJ is that Filipino culture dictates close family ties, and children are expected to show unwavering respect to their elders no matter what.
"Hindi ako palagay sa kultura na 'yun," he said.
'Gagawin ko ang lahat'
Nevertheless, he has learned over time that his love for Mama Edna also comes with acknowledging Bakuz, even as his ate at the very least.
"Sumumpa ako sa sarili na gagawin ko ang lahat para kay Mama Edna," he said. "Kung ang magpapasaya kay Mama Edna ay makasama si Bakuz at makita na okay ang kalagayan niya, gagawin ko 'yon."
TJ, however, is resigned to the fact that it's a tall order, especially since "old habits die hard" for Bakuz.
He also conceded that at this point, it's already too late to make up for lost time and for Bakuz to give him maternal care and show him acts of service. The bittersweet reality is that he knows there wouldn't be significant changes in roles any time soon.
"Hanggang doon na lang 'yun," he said. "'Yun na 'yun."
For TJ, the best thing that can be done is to accept the situation wholeheartedly and make the most out of things moving forward.
He pointed out that as much as he loves Mama Edna, he, too, loves Bakuz.
"Definitely," he said. "Pwede ko naman siyang tanggalin sa buhay ko. Maaaring lukso ng dugo ito kaya naging mas lenient ako. Pero nasa punto ako na nagrestart ako, tingnan natin kung saan ito papunta."
TJ remains hopeful that in the coming years, there will be some changes, no matter how little they seem.
Whatever it takes, he intends to become and remain a good son—in all aspects.
"Umaasa ako na may mga pagbabago sa dulo dahil sa revelation na ito," he said.
TJ wished that his Papa Eddie, Ate Marie, and Kuya Alvin were still alive amid the revelation.
"Ang ganda sana, pagtatawanan na lang namin ito," he said. "Ang ganda sana, buhay pa sila nang nalaman ko ang mga ito."