Jiro Manio’s foster father: ‘I wish Jiro would help himself’

Former child star Jiro Manio. FILE PHOTO

The foster father of Jiro Manio said the former child actor needed to help himself in order to recover from his ordeal.

In a live interview on Startalk on Saturday, Andrew Manio said that he would always support Jiro.

“Sana matulungan niya yung sarili niya dahil siya lang makakatulong sa sarili niya. Suporta na lang ibibigay ko sa kanya,” (I wish he would help himself because only he could do that. Support is all I could give him.) the older Manio said.

Also on the show with Jiro’s father was actress Ai-Ai delas Alas who gave an update on the condition of the “Magnifico” star.

Ai-ai said Jiro was in a wellness facility.

“Nasa magandang kalagayan ngayon si Jiro at nagpapagaling siya. Sabi ng doktora sa akin mga three to four months magiging okay na siya,” (Jiro is well and recovering. The doctor said he could be okay in three to four months) she said.

The actress, who was with Jiro in the “Ang Tanging Ina” franchise, defended Andrew from critics who blame him for the actor’s plight.

“In fairness kay Daddy, dun sa mga nagsasabing pinabayaan niya si Jiro, na hindi niya inaalagaan si Jiro, hindi totoo ‘yun,” (In fairness to Daddy (Andrew), it’s not true that he neglected Jiro and did not take care of him) Ai-Ai said.

“Kahit maliit pa si Jiro, nakita namin yung hirap na dinanas ni Daddy. Pinapakain si Jiro, kinakarga ‘pag tulog,” (Even when Jiro was little, we saw the Daddy’s hardships. He fed Jiro and carried him when he slept) she added.

“Talaga lang maraming problema si Jiro na personal kaya napunta siya sa ganung estado,” (Jiro just had many personal problems that led to his situation) she explained.

Meanwhile, Ai-ai said she would will not force Jiro to return to show business, adding that co-actor Marvin Agustin was also offering to help Jiro find a job.

“Sa ganitong state kasi, parang ayaw niya talagang mag-artista. Tingnan na lang natin ‘pag lumabas na siya at magaling na siya. Tingnan muna natin kung anong gusto niya,” (In his current state, he seems unwilling to go back to acting. Let’s see after he gets well. Let’s see what he wants) said the actress.

“Ang gusto ko lang, gumaling siya at maging maayos yung buhay niya,” (I only wish for him is to get well and have a good life) she added.

Jiro, the country’s youngest multi-awarded actor, was seen wandering the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last month where he survived on the kindness of strangers who gave him food and clothing.

When the news broke out, relatives picked him up and Ai-Ai and other celebrities pledged to help him. AJH

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