Recommended Video
The secret to his long withstanding showbiz career? Edu tells the MEGA Entertainment that it involves humility, grit, and refinement
Hearing the name Edu Manzano today is synonymous with the words “veteran” and “seasoned.” A career that lasts for more than four decades is no easy feat, especially with the new breeds of stars rising every season. But in a conversation with MEGA Entertainment and other members of the press, the actor shared what keeps him going to this day. In the words of his home court De La Salle University, it is “zeal for service.”
A kin thing
“You realize that you really have to find ways to fund these different programs,” Edu said, talking about his public service journey anchored in his Lasallian blood. Over the course of his profession, Edu has aided De La Salle University for their different programs. Among the actor’s contributions was the Adrian Manzano Cancer Wing of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, naming the institution after his Lasallian athlete father.
Because of his father instilling education to him and his siblings, entering showbiz was not part of Edu’s initial plans. “He took school seriously. We talked about me being a lawyer. When I started, bihira ‘yung mestizo in showbiz. The superstars were [for one], Bobot [Mortiz]. He didn’t think there was a future for me.”
Of course, that would be proven otherwise by Edu’s stint as an actor, host, comedian—the list could go on. When asked if he ever regrets his decision of choosing public life as an actor, this was his reply: “Not at all. Aside from the fact that it has afforded me some certain benefits and privileges, some people take it for granted kasi akala ng tao ang dali-dali ng showbiz.”
Fatherly advice
Expounding on his thoughts on the matter, he said, “I no longer call it show business. Right now, it’s survival of the fittest. For you to survive in this profession, the demands are greater.”
In a short one-on-one, Edu reveals with MEGA Entertainment his personal tips for younger actors today. “For one, you have to constantly reinvent yourself. You have to make yourself relevant to different characters and roles. And also, don’t bask in your own publicity. Don’t always believe that you’re the head of the pack. Always think you’re playing catch up, that there’s always something to look forward to.”
Of course, Edu’s generosity in both showbiz and public service do not go unnoticed. At last Saturday’s 8th One La Salle Night of Excellence, he received recognition as part of this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Achievement Awardees for Philanthropy. A proud Green Archer at heart, the actor has supported different programs of the institution like Bahay Pag-Asa and La Salle Alternative Education.
