Edu Manzano on being a father: “I’ll do anything for my children.”

Seasoned actor Edu Manzano shared what kind of father he is to his children: Luis, Addie, Enzo and Diego. In an interview with PUSH, the actor shared that it was something he has in common with Vitto, the character he plays in the upcoming Kapamilya series, Lavender Fields.

“I'll do anything for my children. Anything. And everything,” Edu stated. “You know, ngayon, kapag nakikita ko yung mga unti-unti nilang na-accomplish, I'm proud of them. Not necessarily of myself, but I'm very proud of them.”

Edu’s children have flourished in the different fields that they pursued, filling their father with pride.

Edu’s eldest son followed in his footsteps as a host. In fact, Luis is one of the most sought-after television personalities and is dubbed as the “Pambansang Host”. Enzo, his second son, took his Master of Public Administration from New York University (NYU) Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and is active in New York’s political scene. His youngest son, Diego, actively pursues his passions as an athlete and as a student of technology. His unica hija, Addie, just got married to her partner Jared Glassman last year.

READ: Edu Manzano’s daughter Addie gets married

“Very, very strong ang aking mga anak,” he proudly described his kids, as he revealed that he wanted them to be independent in life while continually supporting them.

In a previous interview with ABS-CBN News, Edu expressed how happy he was seeing all his children doing what they love and achieving their dreams.

“To see them as successful, that’s the most rewarding for me. I was able to put them to good schools,” he said. “But I guess a father’s job is never done even now that they’re grown up.”

READ: Edu Manzano on spending more time with his children: 'Ang dami kong sinayang na oras'

Meanwhile, Edu told PUSH that he is very open to working together with daughter-in-law, Jessy Mendiola, now that she has returned to show business after years of being on hiatus.

“Yeah naman. She's been very, very busy. But lately, may nagpi-pitch sa akin to do something with Jessy,” he revealed. “I would love to work with Jessy again. Para it will be a good excuse na makita si Peanut (his grandchild Rosie) more often.”

Speaking of seeing his grandchild, Edu also expressed how he felt about the possibility of his grandchild with Luis and Jessy following their footsteps in the entertainment industry.

“You know, for me kasi may standard answer ako doon eh. You can do whatever you want, pero tapusin muna yung pag-aaral mo,” he remarked.

This was his rule ever since Luis was a child. While a showbiz career seemed a given for Luis even at a young age, Edu was adamant that Luis finish his studies first.

“You know, even then, I mean, he's the son of Vilma (Santos) and Edu. And early pa lang, lahat may gustong kumuha sa kanya,” he recalled.

READ: Edu Manzano at anak nitong si Luis, nag-heart-to-heart talk

For Edu, having a good education meant a secure future for his son. As supportive as he is of his son’s passions, one rule he wouldn’t budge on was for him to finish his studies.

“People didn't understand me then. But ako ‘yung laging nag-sasabing, ‘No. ‘Di pwede. Tapusin muna yung pag-aaral,’” he shared. “I don't know how my son felt at that time. Kahit gusto mong lumabas, ang aking patakaran, magtapos ka muna ng pag-aaral. And then you can do whatever you want. And I think, kahit papaano, my son is very successful.”

He added, “He has a good head on his shoulders. He's very much loved. And I would like to think na kahit papaano, may naitulong ‘yung isang tamang edukasyon sa buong pagkatao niya.”