Edu credits staying power to constant reinvention
Edu Manzano, who’s been in the entertainment industry for almost four decades now, shares the secret to his longevity.
Edu Manzano, who’s been in the entertainment industry for almost four decades now, shares the secret to his longevity. “Ang ginagawa ko lang talaga ay pilit kong nire-reinvent ang sarili ko,” he told Bulletin Entertainment.“Ayaw kong tumigil lumago eh.”
Indeed, he has taken on all kinds of projects through the years including drama, romance, comedy and action films, even venturing into hosting game shows.
At 61, many think Edu is not as physically strong or active as he was but the actor disagrees. “Kaya pa naman,” said the martial artist. “Nag-e-ensayo pa naman ako, nagdi-diet.”
He proudly shared he might even be stronger than he ever was having already done away with cigarettes and alcohol.
“I’m very fit now. Actually, I really do feel mas fit pa ako ngayon kaysa 15 years ago,” he enthused. “At mas marami akong pahinga ngayon. Before nagtatatlong pelikula pa ako ng sabaysabay, ngayon, along with the change in lifestyle, ginawan ko ng paraan na hindi na ako katulad ng dati na sobrang subsob sa trabaho.”
Proud dad
For Edu, less work means more time for family.
“Dati rati wala akong oras dahil wala akong ginawa kung hindi magtrabaho pero now bumabawi ako sa kanila,” he shared relating that he would often treat his children to out-of-thecountry trips. “Ang balik naman sa akin ng mga
Hindi panghabang buhay ang pag-a-artista. You need to look at other options. You have to be ready.
anak ko eh lahat sila graduate na,” he said.
Edu proudly shared his daughter Addie is in New York taking up her masters. His son, Enzo, is also US bound for the same.
Of course, we all know about his eldest, Luis, who is a successful actor-host and businessman in his own right.
“Actually I feel so fulfilled and proud as a father na lumaki silang lahat na
ganyan, well-adjusted and responsible,” Edu said. “Siyempre it’s not just me
naman. Credit din sa mga nanay nila, ’di ba?”
Changes
Edu has seen show business change and it is vastly different from when he started.
He likes it that the industry is braver, with some producers having the guts to tackle stories that were considered taboo in the past.
All that said, he misses the days when three to four new local films screen every week. “Nu’ng president pa ako ng actors guild umaabot ng 250 movies a year eh, like tatlo kada Wednesday ang Filipino films na pinapalabas ng sabay-sabay,” he recalled. “Pero ngayon bibihira ang may isa.” He prays the industry would reach another golden age. “Unfortunately, sa ngayon, madami sa ating mga producers and writers ang nagdadalawang-isip to come up with more projects. Economics ’yan eh. I think we need more content providers.”
Back on TV
Edu plays Emilio in the second installation of GMA’s “Alyas Robin Hood.” He describes his character as “very charismatic, very successful” but also “scheming, manipulative.” “Kumbaga kung meron ka ng dala-dalang opinyon kaya ka niyang (Emilio) kumbinsihin na baguhin because of his ability to charm you,” he explained. Edu is not keen on defining his role as either protagonist or antagonist. “Panoorin nin’yo na lang so you would know,” he said. “I’m sure you will enjoy what Emilio would add doon sa istorya.” It is his first time working with Dingdong Dantes and Andrea Torres and he shared, “Masisipag sila, kita mo talaga ’yung dedication nila sa craft nila.” As industry veteran, we asked Edu what he would advise younger generation of actors and he said, “I would strongly suggest they don’t put all their eggs in one basket.” “Hindi panghabang buhay ang pag-a-artista,” he expounded. “So you need to look at other options. Paano kung walang pelikula? Paano kung walang series? You have to be ready. Walang artista na naging matagumpay all his life. Everyone has their ups and downs. Kaya ’pag may pera na, magandang mag-isip ng business.”
Note Edu is also a successful restaurateur. His resto, Lucky Rainbow, now has three branches.
Eyeing indies
Edu is still excited with acting. He hopes to land roles that will challenge his abilities, even if in indie films. “Kasi sa indies kakaiba din ’yung mga istorya. Nakakahinga ’yung artista, nabibigyan sila ng iba.” He added, “Maganda kasi ’yung lumihis ka rin sa formula for your own growth as an artist. No offense meant pero kasi nowadays with the networks halos pare-pareho lang ang roles na ino-offer so nagiging mechanical na minsan ’yung acting. Alam mo na kasi kung ano ’yung pipisilin mo inside para hugutan ng ganito o ganyang emosyon so, I think doing indies are a welcome thing for me. Sa totoo lang I feel na swerte ’yung mga artista na napapansin ngayon dahil sa indie work na ginawa nila.”