 Edu Manzano: “Don’t relax, everything is war”
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio
Edu Manzano leads a double life: first as an actor and TV host (of Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba where he took over from Kris Aquino and of ABS-CBN’s new morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda) and second, as Chairman of the Optical Media Board, or OMB, which is the government agency responsible for tracking down individuals and organizations engaged in the piracy of movies, music and business software.
“When you say ‘optical media’, that means anything that can be put on a disc,” explains Edu, last seen playing Piolo Pascual’s father in the primetime teleserye Walang Kapalit.
In the dressing room less than an hour before taping for Game Ka Na Ba, we sat Edu down to ask him about how he manages to juggle two different careers and, more important, how he manages to be successful at both.
How do you handle having two different—and both very demanding—careers?
Actually, one feeds off the other. Being an actor and TV host, I have the inside track on how the [entertainment] industry is affected by piracy. The movie industry is taxed very heavily—somewhere between 48 to 52 percent, and piracy makes it very difficult for movie producers to recoup their investment. As an actor, I’m affected by that. Being where I am, I’m able to see both sides.
How do you balance your time, especially now that you have a morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda?
I’ve been very fortunate that everything has fallen into place. There’s time for everything. I get up at 3:30AM, and I’m in the studio [for Umagang Kay Ganda] by 4:30 to 5AM. I’m done by 8:30AM, by which time I go straight to the OMB. I’m in the office until about 5 or 5:30PM. After that, I go to ABS-CBN to tape for Game Ka Na Ba. Sometimes, we do raids at night. If there are none, I go home and I’m in bed by 10 or 11PM.
Do you enjoy doing a morning show, even if it means getting up at an hour when most people are still asleep?
This is actually not my first time to do a morning show. About two years ago, I did Magandang Umaga Bayan. I like News and Current Affairs because I’ve always had an opinion about things. I’m very political; I’ve never been a fence-sitter. And with my experience [in government], I think I can really make a difference in this show.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
Know what you’re getting into. The money might be nice, but if you’re not equipped [for the job], it won’t work. Remember, everything is a war; nothing’s a vacation. You have to stay ahead. Everyone wants to get ahead, so it’s important to make an impression.
What have you learned from your stint as head of the OMB?
Government service is a great training ground. It helps you to deal with your emotions and frustrations. You learn to work within the confines of the bureaucracy and limited resources.
You were also at one time a politician. You served as vice-mayor of Makati . Why didn’t you run in the last elections?
Simply put, I can’t come to terms with what it costs to mount a political campaign these days. It’s too expensive. Besides, there are other ways to serve. You can take what little resources you have and still make an impact on people’s lives, even if it’s not in the political arena.
Who was/is your career role model?
Everyone wants to be a JFK [the late US President John F. Kennedy] now, the man who took the bold step and made the tough decisions. People didn’t realize the impact he made until his death. I was fortunate to meet my JFK in my dad (Adrian Hernandez Manzano). He never stopped looking for an opportunity. When my father’s business failed, he would sell siopao and siomai. He’d do whatever it took. He wasn’t afraid of hard work, or the criticism of people. That is what I admired about him.
Speaking of fathers and son, now your own son, Luis, has followed in your footsteps. How does that make you feel?
He’s done it all on his own. I just always tell him, ‘Do what you want’. He’s bound to fall at some point, but he can pick himself up. I want him to pick his own fights and become street-smart.
Do you think you will ever retire, or stop working?
I don’t know if I can stop. I don’t know what it would like to stop. I’ve been working since I joined the US Air Force at 17. I once worked as a busboy at Denny’s [a chain of diners in the US ]. I’ve done it all. I’m 51 years old now, but I still enjoy what I do.
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