Despite having veteran thespians Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano as his prominent parents, Luis Manzano has been able to successfully step out of their shadows and create his own mark as the “Pambansang Host of Philippine Showbiz”. And on Tuesday, July 2, he marked his 24th year in the entertainment industry and as a “forever Kapamilya” by signing a new contract with ABS-CBN.
And following that momentous milestone, ABS-CBN News showbiz correspondent MJ Felipe had the opportunity to catch up with him for this episode of “On Cue,” wherein they talked about his upcoming new show “Rainbow Rumble”; his support for the acting comeback of his wife, Jessy Mendiola; and the milestones in his relationship with his daughter, Peanut.
The interview commenced with Luis expressing his gratitude to be given the privilege to have his contract renewal witnessed and celebrated by many, which is a first for him in the 24 years that he’s been in the industry.
“It shows the appreciation na binibigay sa mga artist ng ABS-CBN and, at the same time, kumbaga it shows din naman the artist kung anong klaseng pagmamahal mayroon ang [ABS-CBN] para sa kanila,” he remarked.
During the event, Luis delighted everyone when he announced that he’s going to host a new gameshow entitled “Rainbow Rumble.” According to him, it has been his dream to host a gameshow that is a completely original concept and not an adaptation from other countries. While that aspiration already came true when he did “Panahon Ko ‘To” and “Your Moment,” which were both original concepts of ABS-CBN, but hosting a quiz show like “Game KNB?”, which was hosted by Queen of All Media Kris Aquino and then by his dad, Edu Manzano, has always been the goal for him.
“I think, it’s about time na ang Pilipinas ay gumawa ng isang show na tayo naman hinahabol na i-franchise,” he started, describing how totally unique “Rainbow Rumble” will be from the other game shows that we’ve seen. “Ito ‘yong talagang gusto ko na format, [‘yong] trivia. Naghahanap talaga tayo nito.”
While people may get a bit intimidated that this is going to be a program that’s only exclusive for the geniuses, Luis elucidated that in his new show, the questions will vary from difficult and tricky, to simple and funny. It’s somewhat ssimilar to the “Pot Luck” segment of his former show It’s Your Lucky Day, wherein the players had to answer the question placed inside their chosen pots.
Expected to premiere in July 2024, he envisions viewers having fun responding to the questions along with their loved ones at home and the players at the studio, as well as learning something new in each episode.
With many people wishing for him to also try his hand at hosting the highly successful Pinoy Big Brother, which is about to make its much-awaited return soon, he disclosed that he had done it thrice already many years ago. He even recounted that instance when Kuya asked him to stay inside the house for less than 24 hours and take on a special task that he was apparently able to accomplish.
And it was not only him who had a contract signing event that day, but also his wife Jessy, Mendiola, who is making a comeback after five years of taking a hiatus to focus on their family with Baby Rosie.
“I think it contributes to a happy home. Kapag nakita mo na your significant other or your wife is fulfilled doing something else besides taking care of the family, being a wife, [and] being a mother. Kapag nakikita mong happy siya sa trabaho niya, umuuwi siya with a sense of fulfillment [or] accomplishment, I think it contributes to a very happy home,” Luis said about being fully supportive of this grand move by Jessy.
He went on to impart that even though she was out of the limelight for quite some time, she continues to utilize and develop her creative bug by undergoing writing workshops under the supervision of renowned writer Ricky Lee. And he’s been just by her side to support her all throughout, telling her to make this comeback all about her.
With both of them now working again, Luis had some sensible pieces of advice for couples. He conveyed, “May mga kanya-kanya kayong path. Kami, we’re a married couple with a beautiful baby, si Peanut, but may path pa rin ako that I have to do on my own. May path kaming dalawa as husband and wife, may kailangan kaming gawin bilang mag-asawa, may kailangan kaming gawin bilang magulang. Ibig sabihin, mayroon din siyang kailangang gawin as her own path as Jessy Mendiola.”
While he had told her that she’s free to do anything she pleases, Jessy said that she actually has reservations about kissing somebody onscreen. But it’s definitely okay for Luis since he grew up watching her parents’ respective works, wherein he saw them being intimate with their co-actors, which made him understand what’s needed as an actor. However, if she firmly believes that a kissing scene will be unnecessary to a scene, then it’s all upon her.
The interview concluded with MJ noting how busy his almost entire family seems to be and bringing up the recent development in his closeness with Baby Peanut, who now yearns to be with him whenever they’re together.