Growing up as the eldest in the family with both of his parents working abroad, Brent Manalo admitted he does have some regret about not being more financially smart about his savings when he was still in school. The 27-year-old actor and model shared that this is what he considers his most major financial mistake in life so far.
“Siguro when I didn’t save money earlier, even when I was not earning yet. Parang before kasi nung college ako, siyempre allowance lang ‘yung binibigay sa akin. Sana nung time na ‘yun nag-se-save na ako for the future. Kasi kahit maliit na savings, ang laking bagay nun eh. So hopefully, ma-impart natin even sa younger generations, sa mga allowance at baon baon pa lang ‘yung pera na hinahawakan, save as early as you can,” he shared during the Maya Black credit card event in Makati City.
After getting into showbiz — which eventually led to him ending up as one of the Big Winners in the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition this year — Brent and his duo partner Mika Salamanca ended up taking home a grand prize of P1M each. Despite this windfall, Brent still chooses to reward himself in simple ways.
“Kasi before talaga, since ‘yung trabaho namin would require mga konting luho, ‘yung mga ganun. Pero ako ngayon talaga experience lang: parang masasarap na pagkain, minsan masarap na steak. ‘Yun. ‘Yun na lang siguro ‘yung mga reward ko sa sarili ko ngayon. Natutuwa na ako dun,” he revealed.
Known as a responsible son and brother to his siblings, Brent says that his most important goal in showbiz right now is bigger than just buying luxury items. “Ito ang pinagiipunan ko ngayon: hopefully I get to buy my own place. ‘Yun talaga, since I’m becoming more independent. So hopefully makabili na ako ng sarili kong bahay or condo in the future,” he shared.