A Filipino man with a misshapen face says he overcome bullies thanks to his impressive singing voice.
Jilam Samson, 39, from Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippines, was born with the congenital deformity, giving him a twisted nose, mouth and eyes.
He said his unusual appearance had caused him to have a difficult childhood, with classmates constantly teasing him.
However, he took solace in singing and painting, which helped him to find the strength to overcome the cruel taunts.
Footage shows Jilam singing a Filipino popular love song on a karaoke machine in his living room.
Jilam said: ''I used to get bullied in school but after performing in school programs, I think the children started to respect me."
He added that singing first started as a hobby but helps him earn a living. He also does commissioned painting on the side for schools and councils.
The talented singer also gets invited to sing at small events in nearby towns.
However, because of the community quarantine, there are no events to visit anymore so he just records himself singing and uploads the performances online.
Meanwhile, Jilam said that he is just waiting for the pandemic restrictions to ease out so he can go back to singing and doing commissioned work outside.
He added: ''If anybody is feeling unhappy with life, about how they look or some problems they have, cherish doing something that is just for you and makes you feel special.''
Jilam Samson, 39, from Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippines, was born with the congenital deformity, giving him a twisted nose, mouth and eyes.
He said his unusual appearance had caused him to have a difficult childhood, with classmates constantly teasing him.
However, he took solace in singing and painting, which helped him to find the strength to overcome the cruel taunts.
Footage shows Jilam singing a Filipino popular love song on a karaoke machine in his living room.
Jilam said: ''I used to get bullied in school but after performing in school programs, I think the children started to respect me."
He added that singing first started as a hobby but helps him earn a living. He also does commissioned painting on the side for schools and councils.
The talented singer also gets invited to sing at small events in nearby towns.
However, because of the community quarantine, there are no events to visit anymore so he just records himself singing and uploads the performances online.
Meanwhile, Jilam said that he is just waiting for the pandemic restrictions to ease out so he can go back to singing and doing commissioned work outside.
He added: ''If anybody is feeling unhappy with life, about how they look or some problems they have, cherish doing something that is just for you and makes you feel special.''
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People