Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola. Image: INQUIRER.net/Anne Pasajol
LIPA CITY, Batangas—Luis Manzano revealed he already lost about four brand endorsements after he announced his candidacy for a public post, which affected his income and prompted his actress wife Jessy Mendiola to return to work for their family.
Manzano, who is vying for the Batangas vice governor position, opened up about this after he was asked if he would have less showbiz appearances given his candidacy. Manzano talked to the members of the press during the opening ceremony of the three-day Barako Fest 2025 held in Lipa City in Batangas.
“Actually, nakapag-tape na kami ng finale episode ng ‘Rainbow Rumble,”” he disclosed, referring to his ABS-CBN game show. “To be honest, marami rin sa endorsements ko ang hindi na rin nag-renew.”
“Nasa tatlo o apat na na endorsements ko ang nag-pull out na. Naiintindihan ko rin naman ‘yon. ‘Yung income ko rin syempre tatamaan naman talaga,” he added.
Manzano further admitted, “May lungkot, kasi una, realistically, [natamaan] ‘yung financial,” although he noted that he understands why the brands needed to end their partnerships.
Mendiola, who was also present at the event, then expressed her support for Manzano while also recalling how she was initially against him running for public office.
“Nagkaiyakan nga po kami dati. Sabi ko dati sa kanya nung magnobyo pa lang po kami, ‘Ay nako, ‘pag tumakbo ka, hihiwalayan talaga kita.’ E nasaan na po tayo ngayon?” she quipped.
Speaking about the budgeting in their family after Manzano lost certain endorsements, Mendiola said, “Kaya rin po ako babalik sa trabaho, ako naman po ang susuporta sa kanya.”
Manzano then admired his wife, saying, “That’s our household, tulungan. Minsan ako ang sine-swerte at darating ang point na babagal ang bagay-bagay so siya naman ‘yung magse-step up.”
Aside from Manzano and Mendiola, also in attendance at the Barako Fest were his mom, Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto, and his brother Ryan Recto, who are both running as well for public office.
The Barako Fest, an annual event held in Batangas, features activities and products that highlight the province’s rich culture. The festival, organized by Mentorque Productions, is held from Feb. 13 to 15.