AFTER years away from showbusiness, former child star Jiro Manio is staging a comeback with the short film “Eroplanong Papel.”
Manio, now 32, announced his return to acting in a recent interview, saying he has made significant changes in his life.
“Talagang bumitaw lang ako sa mga kalokohan ko nitong bago lang, siguro 2020. Pagkatapos po nun, nagbago na talaga ako. Iniwan ko na ‘yung mga dati kong gawain,” he shared.
The former award-winning actor revealed that he took on various odd jobs—including working as a helper—to support himself and his family.
“Nagbalik-loob ako sa Diyos at tinulungan ko rin ang sarili ko na hindi lang umasa sa pamilya. Talagang naghanap-buhay din ako. Kung saan-saan po ako namasukan noon. Nakikituloy pa nga ako sa mga kaibigan ko para lang makapagtrabaho,” he said.
Manio was just 12 years old when he won the prestigious Urian Best Actor award for his performance in Magnifico (2003). However, his career took a downward turn in 2010 amid reports of substance abuse.
In 2015, he was found wandering around Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, reportedly scavenging for food. Actress Ai-Ai delas Alas and other industry friends reached out to help him, but he allegedly declined their assistance.
He underwent months of rehabilitation before being released in 2016. But in 2020, he made headlines again after being arrested for allegedly stabbing a man in Marikina.
Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, Manio is hoping to rebuild his career and personal life.
The former child star has two children with a former partner.
