Content Warning: This article mentions depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Actor and stage performer Pepe Herrera has exited from Your Face Sounds Familiar.
On November 15, Your Face Sounds Familiar (YFSF) hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario announced during the show that Pepe would be permanently leaving the competition. Following the on-air announcement, Pepe released a personal statement, shared by the program through its official social media accounts.
In his statement, Pepe said he decided to step back from work to focus on his mental health, describing the message as a “love letter” to the public.
“Hello everyone. I wrote a love letter for all of you and thank you for giving me the space to share because this is very important for me,” he began.
“I haven't been well for decades. After my session with my psychotherapist the other day, I realized I have been struggling with depression and anxiety attacks alternately since I was 13 years old. I managed to survive because I have developed the ability to escape with the help of band-aid solutions. I was sweeping everything under a rug, not dealing with traumatic experiences I am afraid to face, putting a mask on, making people laugh, and all this time I did not know that the body is keeping score. All this pretending and escaping apparently is taking a toll on my body.”
READ: Pepe Herrera takes a break from social media due to anxiety
Pepe recounted a recent episode that became a turning point.
“Recently, I have been experiencing panic attacks in the evening preventing me from sleeping. Either I will be able to sleep only when the sun is shining or I won't be able to sleep at all. The combination of insomnia and anxiety is making my body experience regular tremors and numbness in different parts of my body. Chest pains and headaches are worsening. And there are times when my thoughts are becoming darker and darker. I feel like I'm drowning. A few days ago, I experienced a turning point. I had a mental breakdown and went through a panic attack because of something I felt on my chest.
“It was not just heavy. It felt like something was squeezing my lungs violently. I panicked because I thought I was dying. I was terrified. I moved around outside the house while walking barefoot on the grass, praying, begging, talking to my body and to God to make the pain stop. Eventually, it stopped.”
After the incident, he said he promised himself he would stop “escaping” and instead commit to proper treatment. He shared that he had a long conversation with his wife, who supported his decision to take an indefinite leave from work despite the financial challenges it would bring.
“Feeling exhausted, I made the promise to my body that I will never abuse it again by escaping. I had a long conversation with my wife that led to a moment of clarity. I made a decision to finally focus and commit to getting treatment while taking an indefinite leave from work. As a breadwinner, this was a very difficult decision for me. I became good in pretending because I need to provide for my family. But my wife and I agree that these needs to be done.
“I'm swallowing my pride by getting a loan to put food on the table because focusing on treatment means not having income for months. But it is what it is. Better do this now before the condition becomes chronic. I need to do this for my wife and kids also.”
He said he has resumed regular sessions with his psychotherapist and is receiving support from wellness practitioners who have helped him manage the effects of trauma. Pepe acknowledged that his healing journey will take time, but he is choosing to embrace gradual progress.
“I just have to commit now on receiving them and learning from them,” he stated.
Pepe also shared a reflection he gained from a book he borrowed from a friend. He said he had been reading Permission to Rest by Ashley Neece, and one passage stayed with him. The chapter discussed grief and how, in Chinese medicine, it is believed to be connected to the lungs, tied to a person’s ability to breathe freely and allow energy to move throughout the body. Pepe said he found it “equally fascinating and terrifying” to realize how unprocessed emotions can manifest physically, noting how the idea resonated with what he has been experiencing.
Pepe said the experience led him to an important realization. After more than three decades of trying to meet expectations and please others, he shared that he has finally chosen to prioritize himself and his healing.
“In a nutshell, after more than three decades of trying to be a people pleaser, I decided to choose myself and my healing. My wife is supportive because, as she mentioned, you cannot pour from an empty cup or picture.”
In his message, he expressed gratitude to his Your Face Sounds Familiar family, from directors and staff to mentors, hosts, jurors, and fellow contestants, for their kindness and encouragement during his time on the show. He apologized for needing to leave, saying the people he worked with “deserve the whole truth.” He also thanked the audience for their support and understanding amid the sudden change.
“You also deserve my complete honesty. I can be the Pepe who can get tired of being a clown and I can be the Pepe who can be very serious and from now on you will see the most sincere and truthful version of me. That's a promise.”
Pepe said he hopes that his openness can encourage others who are struggling to seek help, reminding them that they are “never alone.”
“For those who are also struggling, I hope you get the help you need and the healing that you deserve. I hope you rediscover the courage to work on that for yourself and your family. Please don't forget that you're never alone.”
He ended his message requesting for the mental health hotline information to be shown after his video, saying it “might save someone’s life today.”
Fans and viewers have extended their support for Pepe, noting that they appreciate his courage and that they are rooting for his healing.
It was on November 3 that Pepe shared on Instagram that he had been taking a break on social media and shared a glimpse on his therapy sessions. According to the actor, the social media detox was significantly helpful amidst the mental health struggles he is currently facing. He also shared on the caption five insights that he has learned in his sessions, aiming to help others who might go through the same experience.
WATCH: WEEK 3: Pepe Herrera delivers pure emotion in his Juan Karlos transformation | YFSF 2025
During his time at YFSF, Pepe showcased his versatility as a performer. Across three rounds in the new season, he impressed viewers with his transformations, including his portrayal of Maki in “Namumula,” Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performing “Cryin’,” and Juan Karlos Labajo with “Ere.”
*If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can reach out to the NCMH Crisis Hotline at 1553 (for landline users), or through their mobile numbers 0917-899-8727 and 0919-057-1553.