Gladys Reyes: The Showbiz Villain with a Heart of Gold for Brother PJ
In the world of Philippine showbiz, Gladys Reyes is celebrated not just for her incredible talent as a villain on screen but also for her deep-seated love and advocacy for her brother, Paolo Jose Reyes (PJ). This May 17, the beloved actress will take to the catwalk at “Beauty Knows No Boundaries,” Asia’s groundbreaking pageant specifically designed for individuals with diverse needs.
A Family Bond Like No Other
When asked why she chose to participate without payment, Gladys responded with heartfelt sincerity. “I joined this project of the Miss Possibilities Foundation because I want to share the stage again with my 43-year-old brother, who has special needs. PJ enjoys these events; he waves onstage and is very functional,” she revealed, showcasing the unwavering support she provides to her brother.
PJ, fondly called by his initials, has been a source of inspiration for Gladys. As she elaborated, their family’s experiences highlight the urgent need for greater awareness about special needs children. “Back in the ‘90s, understanding of children with different needs was minimal,” she explained. “Although our family showered him with love, he couldn’t attend regular schools due to bullying and a lack of awareness among peers.”
Living with Autism: The Story of PJ
PJ’s journey hasn’t been easy. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, he deals with echolalia, a speech phenomenon where he often repeats phrases he hears. Gladys recounted a memorable yet troubling incident when PJ went missing, only to be found at a market being bullied. “We didn’t realize he had autism at that time,” she shared, emphasizing her family’s ongoing struggle for understanding and acceptance.
Gladys’s passion for advocacy shines through: “I want to walk the catwalk with PJ to raise awareness for early detection and proper care for children with special needs.” It’s heartening to see that, despite the challenges he faced, PJ has grown to be independent in many areas—cooking, dressing himself, and personal grooming—thanks to the unconditional love from his family.
A Unique Connection: Villains & Photographic Memory
Interestingly, PJ has developed a fascination with villains, perhaps due to Gladys’s iconic roles. “He once met Cherie Gil and listed all her movies from memory as if he were an IMDB database,” she humorously recalled. His remarkable photographic memory pairs with an unconditional love for those who care for him.
Gladys candidly expressed a fear that resonates deeply: “Every time I need a trigger to cry, I worry—what if we all leave him? Who will take care of PJ?” Her emotional vulnerability speaks volumes about the bond they share and the fierce love that drives her advocacy.
Join Gladys and PJ at a Landmark Event
Gladys and PJ are set to share the stage with other prominent personalities like Tunying Taberna and his daughter Cathy, Pen Medina, Maria Ressa, James Deakin, and more at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of Ateneo de Manila University at 2:30 p.m. The event is not just a show; it’s a vibrant call for empathy and understanding of those with unique needs.
No matter one’s personal connection to special needs, Gladys’s mission resonates universally. “I may not have a child with special needs, but I empathize with these children who deserve all the love and education they can get,” she stated poignantly.
This upcoming pageant promises to be a remarkable testament to the commitment of individuals like Gladys Reyes, who wield their celebrity status not just for fame, but to foster vital dialogues around inclusion and acceptance in society.
For more information about the Miss Possibilities Foundation and how you can support their mission, check out this link.
With engaging storytelling and a focus on advocacy, this article embodies the heartwarming bond between Gladys Reyes and her brother PJ while drawing attention to an important cause.
