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Luis Manzano on the importance of quality time with Jessy and Baby Peanut

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Liezel dela Cruz

For 12 days, Luis Manzano had the privilege to spread laughter and fortune to Kapamilyas via “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/in-photos-fun-moments-behind-the-scenes-of-its-your-lucky-day-16418">It’s Your Lucky Day</a>,” the noontime program that temporarily filled in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itshowtime">It&#x27;s Showtime&#x27;s</a>” timeslot. It was truly one for the books, so much so that he considers it his most favorite assignment in his 20-year career.In this episode of “Tao Po,” Luis welcomes broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano to the studio of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/in-photos-fun-moments-behind-the-scenes-of-its-your-lucky-day-16418">It’s Your Lucky Day</a>” In the mood to reflect, he said that every host dreams to star in a noontime show. “Para sa akin, super achievement ‘yan. Pinnacle ‘yan for a host. Para sa akin, noontime is the best. I just love a live show, iba talaga ang magic.&quot;<div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a09GROQlan8" title="Tao Po (5 November 2023)" width="640"></iframe></div>It can’t be denied that Luis has taken after his parents Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos’ charming way of connecting with people. There’s also no doubt about the advantages of his famous surname in entering the industry.Being the son of two of the greatest icons in showbiz was like a package deal that came with privilege. “Cards were dealt differently sa akin. Kumabga, it was easier to get into showbiz dahil, maybe, a door was open halfway. It was easier because may familiarity ka sa pangalan, may connections kang tinatawag.”But, Luis clarified, that he works just as hard as everyone else. After all, his parents instilled in him that their family tree doesn&#x27;t guarantee his success.“May mga auditions ako na hindi ko nakuha. May ibang shows na talagang I had to audition. Tumanggap ako ng mga simple-simpleng raket. It wasn’t ‘yung, parang, ‘pag start ko ng hosting big projects agad,” he confessed.His parents’ consistent reminder is that the greatest legacy is never just fame, but kindness and excellence. “Ito ang bilin ng Mommy ko, ‘Anak, madaling sumikat.’ Especially now, when you post something online, in a few hours sikat ka na. &#x27;Pero ‘yung matagal kang pag-usapan in a good way, ‘yun ang pinakamahirap.&#x27; Yung sabihin mo na constant ka na may ginagawang tama, ‘yun ang talagang goal ng Mommy ko for me in anything.”Meanwhile, his father is his biggest influence in hosting. “Kaya ko rin nagagawa ang lahat nang ito ay dahil nagsimula ako sa paghanga kay Sir Edu Manzano,” he said in an episode of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/in-photos-fun-moments-behind-the-scenes-of-its-your-lucky-day-16418">It’s Your Lucky Day</a>.”“Tanggalin mo ‘yung Manzano factor, si Luis is a fan of Edu.” But idolizing his dad also comes with the conscious effort to create his own mark as a host.Aside from being an effective host, he also learns from him how to be a great father. Asked the best piece of advice he got from his dad, he shared, “It’s my dad who said na it’s not simply about quality time, importante rin ang quantity. You have to find that perfect balance.”He’s thankful that he’s able to juggle family time and work. While then hosting “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/in-photos-fun-moments-behind-the-scenes-of-its-your-lucky-day-16418">It’s Your Lucky Day</a>”, he would bond with his wife Jessy Mendiola and their daughter Isabella Rose, or Baby Peanut, before he leaves for work in the morning and when he arrives home at dinner.The Mendiola-Manzano abode is truly a happy place, and his favorite part of being home is simply watching his wife and daughter play.“Si Jessy is Peanut’s favorite person. Kahit walang ginagawa si Jessy, tawang-tawa si Peanut sa kanya.” He joked, “Ako, mag-e-effort. Kulang na lang suhulan ko ‘yung bata, ‘Anak, one time, tumawa ka please.’”Luis is never shy to express his love for his family on national television, in the same way his mom would tell him, “I love you, Lucky!” on TV. For him, it’s a privilege to tell the world how much he loves Jessy and Baby Peanut.“Kumabaga, hindi lahat ng tao nabibigyan ng chance to go on national TV na maririnig ka ng buong mundo expressing love for your significant other.”As a father, his wish is that Baby Peanut would get to watch him. “Marami syang pwedeng balikan sa TV na parang, ‘Uy, Papa ko ‘yan.’ O kaya may lumapit sa kanya when she’s older, ‘We used to watch your Dad. Napasaya niya kami.’”As a host, his motivation is to make every audience member feel respected and included. Luis was praised for using sign language to communicate with a deaf audience member, named Lester, in an episode of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/in-photos-fun-moments-behind-the-scenes-of-its-your-lucky-day-16418">It’s Your Lucky Day</a>.” He let Lester showcase his talent and gave him P1000.“That was a bit unexpected dahil ang nakikita nila sa akin ay puro kulit lang talaga. It was something that I wanted to do for the community. Si Lester lang ‘yung naging mukha.” “I could imagine how difficult it is na lahat nagkakasiyahan, lahat naririning ‘yung punchline. Pero, siya, hindi niya masyado ma-fully enjoy. I would love everyone to have fun sa show namin.”“Para sa akin, the reason why I focused on it is everyone has a story to tell. Minsan may gusto kang kausapin na tao but nagkataon na differently abled pero meron siyag gustong i-share sa’yo. Kahit paano you create a bridge. Hindi man kayo perfect na nagkakaintindihan, but mararamdaman mo na I’m listening to you,” he said of learning sign language in high school and regularly practicing to retain this skill.The screen time might be short, but he hopes they were able to bring their viewers unforgettable joy. “Gusto ko ‘yung ‘pag napanood kami, gusto ko na ‘yung sayang nabigay ng <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itshowtime">It’s Showtime</a> for 14 years, eh kaya din naman pantayan.”To cap it off, Luis shared the secret to a successful project. “Enjoy-in mo ‘yung mga taong kasama mo,” he meant to acknowledge the hard work of the team working behind the scenes. “Ang magic talaga diyan is ‘yung mga tao sa likod ng camera. Ang nakikita ng mga tao ay ‘yung glitz and glamor... But it’s a lot of hard work and there are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. Kung hindi rin matapang ang sikmura mo, medyo macha-challenge ka rin nang konti.”He added, “Sabi ko nga, ang dali nu’ng, pak, umangat ka. But if you slowly establish your name, talent, darating at darating din ‘yung oras para sa’yo.”His co-hosts Melai Cantiveros and Jennica Garcia likewise describe “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/in-photos-fun-moments-behind-the-scenes-of-its-your-lucky-day-16418">It’s Your Lucky Day</a>” as the best hosting experience, with Jennica thanking Luis for helping forge their strong bond. She shared, “Si Kuya Luis, meron siyang gift na kaya niyang i-feel at home lahat. So, from sobrang kaba na-rekax kami, so yung samahan namin dikit na dikit talaga.”

Luis Manzano shares his principle as a host and a father in this episode of “Tao Po,”