Edu faces the people
“Not that I give advice, I share some of my experiences — I would like to think (of them as) acquired wisdom — to whoever wants to listen,” replies Edu Manzano when asked about his being a counselor-life coach to friends, who have shared personal stories with Edu over a bottle of wine. “Never give advice if you are not sure it is welcomed,” he adds.
Edu’s ability to understand people and their plight will be put to the test as the newest host of TV5’s Face The
People along with Gelli de Belen and Tintin Bersola-Babao. The veteran talk and game show host is expected to bring order to the studio, especially when case subjects engage in a heated argument; he will give a piece of his mind in putting things in the right perspective.
“This is a new learning experience for me,” says Edu of hosting Face The
People. “I will also be learning how they (the guests) are able to address their problems for so long. I’m surprised that these people don’t have the outlet to air their problems. And they are living these lives for so long. I’m not that type of person. If I’m not happy, I will find a way.” The amount of learning Edu will gain from the show is nothing compared to what he has read from the books, the actor adds.
“I think we just have to be very, very real,” Edu advises those who wish to grace the show and resolve their domestic dispute. “All of us have problems. There’s nothing wrong about praying and asking for help (and guidance). At the same time, do something about it. Stand up with your own two feet.”
Face The People will also see Edu in the segment titled Sabi Ni Edu, Sabi Ni Gelli, where he provides the male voice on issues and injects his sense of humor once in a while. Tintin, on the other hand, does the man-on-thestreet interview in Sey Ng Taumbayan and monitors the positive changes in the subject’s life in Happy Change.
Away from the klieg lights, Edu describes himself as “a pretty good” dad to Luis, 33, Addie, 21 and Enzo, 19. Attending to his farm in Nasugbu, Batangas is what also keeps him busy. It has been his “companion” since the ’90s. Like any other dads out there, Edu looks forward to gathering his kids and having dinner with them. He also enjoys traveling with them.
“The last time we were together, we talked about politics,” shares Edu. “We enjoy each other’s company, which is important. We’re very, very close. But none of my children will talk about their lovelife. Sometimes, I wait until they open up. I never interfere in their affairs (Never akong nakialam). Whatever my children do, I support them.”
If and when Luis decides to enter
politics in Batangas, expect Edu to rally behind his son. This possibility seems inevitable since Edu once served as Makati City Vice Mayor, while former wife Vilma Santos is the incumbent Batangas governor.
“He is 33 already and he can do whatever he wants,” he says. “There are always sacrifices. If you choose to decide to serve the people, it should be the focus of your existence. I just want him to realize that it will demand sacrifice on his part. It’s not all sarap at ginhawa.”
Edu will perhaps remind his eldest that running a public office is different since the leader has to be personal and hands-on in dealing with his constituents. “I don’t want anybody run the city for him,” he says. “Kasi kung ganun, why don’t you just ask (the person to run and endorse him as a) candidate.”
Now that Luis is in the marrying age, Enzo, a sophomore student at La Salle and Addie will soon graduate from Ateneo, Edu is a picture of a happy father who wants his younger children to enjoy “their lives like what Luis did,” and will only share his wisdom with them if they ask him. “I never volunteer,” the host concludes. ( Face the People premieres today at 10:15 a.m. and airs week days thereafter.)