In the more than two decades that he has been in showbiz, Luis Manzano has built a reputation not only as the offspring of two of the most acclaimed veteran actors in the industry—Vilma Santos-Recto and Edu Manzano—but also as one of the premier television show hosts in the country. Throughout his illustrious career, he has helmed a string of competition shows under ABS-CBN, earning him the title “Ang Pambansang Host.”
In his recent interview with longtime friend and “Pinoy Big Brother” co-host Bianca Gonzalez on her online show “Paano Ba ’To” —released a day before his 45th birthday on April 21—Luis showed his serious, reflective, and insightful side as he spoke wittily and thoughtfully about his enduring career, as well as the lessons and experiences he’s gained both in and out of the limelight.”
Among the topics he discussed were his hosting stints, as he responded to a question from a follower of Bianca’s online program about which of the game and competition shows he has hosted he would love to join and potentially win—and which ones he believes he wouldn’t stand a chance of winning.
Luis began by confessing that he actually auditioned to host “Pinoy Fear Factor,” the Philippine adaptation of the Dutch reality competition “Now or Neverland,” which aired on ABS-CBN from November 2008 to February 2009. He recalled juggling or segueing in several projects at the time he audition for the said program. Despite not snagging the role, Luis said he didn’t feel bad about it, as he firmly believed it was meant for Ryan Agoncillo and that it came at the right time or “tamang panahon” for him.
To answer the question, Luis cited “Minute to Win It” as the game he believes he would definitely ace, recalling his experience as a player in one of its special episodes. It was hosted by his close friend Toni Gonzaga and served as a fundraising episode for the victims of a strong typhoon that devastated the country. He managed to win half a million during the game after he decided to not take the risk of going for the P1 million jackpot prize to ensure guaranteed funds for the beneficiaries.
Aside from “Minute To Win It,” he also reminisced about his experience becoming a player in an episode of “I Can See Your Voice” for his special birthday celebration, which was hosted by Bianca.
On the other hand, when asked which competition show he believes he wouldn’t stand even the slightest chance of winning, Luis said it would undoubtedly be “The Voice Philippines” for obvious reasons. He previously hosted multiple editions of the franchise, including the first three seasons of “The Voice Kids,” the second season of the regular edition, and both seasons of “The Voice Teens.” He joked that he might not even make it past the blind auditions—or worse, end up causing an altercation among the coaches if he ever joined as a contestant.
Apart from these revelations, Luis also opened up about almost enrolling at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. However, he ended up taking a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde as he admitted to eventually giving into his being a hopeless romantic and followed the woman he was infatuated with at the time.
Besides, despite being among the biggest and brightest stars in the country, Luis emphasized that neither of his parents pushed him into the industry since it was entirely his own decision.
He may be labeled a “nepo baby” because of his well-known parents, but Luis stands by the belief that he had already paid his dues and worked hard for the success he relishes at present. He recalled starting his showbiz career by accepting side hustles or “rakets,” including his hosting stint on the ABS-CBN reality talent search “Star Circle Quest,” while juggling his responsibilities as a working student.
“I had good shows, I had great shows, I had shows that didn’t work. Lahat ‘yan napagdaanan ko because I really wanted to do this,” he told Bianca.