Luis Manzano to host game show but ‘open’ to running for public office

Luis Manzano–MARINEL CRUZ

Actor-TV host Luis Manzano, who says he receives offers to run for office every election year, said is interested in running in the near future, “but it would have to be for public service.”

“People have been asking me about this for the past three administrations. It’s heartwarming in the sense that, when it’s the last day of filing for candidacy, I would get a message saying, ‘We’re already here. What time are you arriving?’ They all thought I’d be filing my certificate for whatever position. I’d just say, ‘I’m just at home in my sando and shorts.’ This always happens every election,” Luis told reporters during a recent media gathering inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

“I’ve said this before, so it now kind of sounds repetitive, but this is my heartfelt answer: Each of us has the obligation to serve. In what capacity? This depends on what is given to us by God, it depends on the cards that’ve been dealt us. Have I ever said ‘yes’ to politics before? Not yet, but you shouldn’t be surprised if I agree to it this year. Also, you shouldn’t be surprised if I choose to focus only on show business.”

Luis is the son of actress and former Lipa Rep. Vilma Santos with actor Edu Manzano. His mom is married to former senator Ralph Recto, who is currently serving as budget secretary.

“Yes, I’m very much open to politics. If I run, it would have to be for public service. I’ve received a lot of offers for different government positions. I take that as a complement. It’s humbling to be given this kind of trust by people because this is not for the TV screen, this is real life,” he declared. “If you ask for the people’s votes or if people say they will vote for you, then that is their livelihood, their education, their health. This means you have to make sure that you will serve them truthfully.”

“I just hope people will not take my social media posts too seriously,” he said laughing. On his YouTube channel, Luis often jokes that if he were elected, he would provide “quality and quick service” to his constituents. “If you complain of a headache, you’d get a wheelchair. If you have a toothache, you’d be offered cremation. If you ask for a medical checkup, we’d schedule a time for you with the embalmer.”

‘If the time is right’

Luis said even his half-brother Ryan Christian, who is now 28, has been receiving offers to join politics, too. “For the longest time, we haven’t talked to Ryan about politics. He used to feel iffy about it. When he got the chance to visit Batangas regularly, he was able to observe how Mommy and Tito Ralph led. He is now seeing what he could do to help. I’m seeing a spark in his eyes that I’ve never seen before,” said Luis.

Meanwhile, reporters also sought Luis’ reaction to the recent nomination of his mom as National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Luis expressed his gratitude to the groups that supported the nomination. “Just like the clamor to join politics, this has been going on for a while. I’m thankful to the people who are initiating this movement. My mom is happy for whatever recognition is given her. If the time is right for her to be a National Artist, then congrats. I believe it will come to that point eventually.”

Sitcom

The media gathering on Tuesday was to announce Luis’ renewal of contract with ABS-CBN. Part of the deal is that he will be hosting a game show titled “Rainbow Rumble.”

“It goes to show that ABS-CBN still has its full trust in me. That’s why I promise to also give my best. For the longest time, I’ve been hosting franchises, but I prefer shows that are original, sariling atin. That’s why I was really excited when I was asked to do ‘It’s Your Lucky Day.’ The new show is another original concept,” he explained.

There are no plans yet for any acting project, said Luis, not that he is actively pursuing acting. “I’m a much more competent host than I am an actor. I’m happy with the projects I’ve done in the past. I did ‘In My Life’ with my mom and Lloydie (John Lloyd Cruz), and, of course, all my projects with (the late) Direk Wenn (Deramas),” he said.

Luis said he would rather do a sitcom. “In fact, there were plans for me to have a sitcom with my mom last year, but it didn’t push through for some reason. I guess the right script for me and mom will eventually come. We both got busy with all the other things we had to do, anyway. For me, a sitcom would be ideal,” said Luis, recalling his experience doing “Home Sweety Home” with Vhong Navarro, Bayani Agbayani and sisters Alex and Toni Gonzaga.

“I was juggling three or four shows at the time. My body felt really tired, but I was still very excited to work on the sitcom. If I get to do that with my mom, I’d be more than happy,” he declared. “Not everyone gets to work with their family. I’m very fortunate because I was able to host a show with my dad and make a movie with my mom. I consider those moments as blessings.” INQ