Edu Manzano says being part of ‘Lavender Fields’ is something he is proud of

Dubbed as one of the Philippine drama icons, actor Edu Manzano shared why he accepted his role as Vitto in Lavender Fields.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH, Edu shared how the material made him return to doing projects after years of hiatus.

“To be honest, I took a break. A long break. I think if I were to do something, I'd like to do something I would look forward to waking up every morning. And something that I can be proud of,” he shared. ““And I can say na iba to sa mga nagawa ko in the past. And I would like to think isa yun, is Lavender Fields.”

Edu’s last television series were Flower of Evil and A Family Affair in 2022. The actor then took his break from doing projects to spend time with his family.

The actor also told PUSH how exciting it was for him working alongside Jericho Rosales and Janine Gutierrez, who he previously starred with in Tanging Yaman (2000) and Marry Me, Marry You (2021-2022).

“I mean, 360 umikot si Janine Gutierrez. It was maybe 2 years ago when we met sa teleserye. She was happy, she was young, bubbly. Ngayon nakikita mo na talaga kung gaano importante sa kanya ang ginagawa niya,” Edu described Janine’s growth as an actress.

Edu enjoys being with the younger generation of actors, bonding with them on the set. He even makes it a point to bring some treats for the kids.

“When I go to work, may mga kailangan akong mga bag. And then, of course, may mga chichirya. May mga bata, may dala akong mga candies, peanut butter, mga crackers for them. Things like that,” he shared.

Jolina Magdangal and Jericho Rosales have similar practices of bringing a lot of food.

“Kagabi, nagte-taping kami. At alam nyo ba, that may ongoing competition na ngayon,” he shared, recalling how his co-actors can be playful in between takes. “Kahapon, may palaban eh, kabuhayan showcase”

“Yesterday, we were watching Jericho and Jolina, pakitaan nung kanilang dala-dalang mga groceries,” he laughingly revealed. “You know, si Jolina Magdangal, I think she only has one car, para lang sa lahat na klaseng noodles, vienna sausage, tapos chorizo, tapos mga Japanese (foods), mga seaweed. Ganun na rin si Jericho.”

Edu also has good words for another drama icon, actor Albert Martinez, who he worked with for the first time.

“You know, I've been in this business for over 40 years. Tapos ngayon ko lang siya talaga nakatrabaho. Nakasama sa pelikula, pero never ko na naka-eksena,” he said.  “Ako yung last person who wants to tell people how they should act. Pero, you know, sana lahat ng mga bagong artists na nagsisimula o yung mga pasimula pa lang o yung mga darating, sana you bring with you an air of professionalism. Because nakita ko yan kay Albert. Nakikita ko talaga ngayon.”

Edu then shared what he thinks of working again with his ex-partner and now good friend Maricel Soriano.

“Everybody will tell you, Maricel is a challenge, kahit anong eksena, kahit hindi siya nagsasalita,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. “You know, I have a wonderful, not just a working relationship but a wonderful friendship with Maricel.”

In the trailer and character teaser of the upcoming Kapamilya series, Edu will play the father of Janine’s character, Iris, who will do anything for his daughter.

“This project, I said, ay isang kakaibang action film,” Edu said in a previous interview.

Lavender Fields will premiere on all Kapamilya platforms, A2Z and TV5 on September 2. It will also have an early airing on Netflix on August 30 and on August 31 on iWantTFC.