Moms and Dads

5 Insights We Picked Up from Luis Manzano as A Soon-To-Be Dad

by Alexa Villano
August 30, 2022

In a vlog alongside his wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, Luis Manzano answered some questions about becoming a father to their soon-to-be-born child.

Since announcing their pregnancy, Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano have been giving more insights on their journeys as soon-to-be parents. After revealing that they were expecting a baby girl, Jessy sat down with Luis for his vlog which premiered on August 27. She asked his thoughts as he gears up as a father-to-be.

Here are 5 insights we’ve picked up from Luis Manzano.

Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola — *Photo from Jessy Mendiola – Manzano*

Luis Manzano admits to having mixed feelings upon knowing Jessy’s pregnancy

During the interview, the TV host admitted to having a lot of mixed emotions after Jessy said she was pregnant. “Kumbaga sa dam, parang binuksan agad yung floodgates na yung tubig, yung emotions, yung thoughts parang bumuhos lahat,” he said. “Ang tagal mong pinaplano pero pagbinigay na sa iyo, ay parang ganun.”

Although he and Jessy have been talking about having a child for a long time, Luis said that when the child comes, you will truly not be prepared even if you are preparing for it.

Luis also spoke about the reality of having a child. “We want to believe that we are more than capable of bringing a child into this world. Pero it’s not simply ready ka financially, emotionally. Kumbaga, it will always be a learning experience.”

Luis on whether he was pressured to have a child at a young age

At 41, some may say that Luis started late in being a father but it’s always about the perfect timing. “Feeling ko kung binigay siya ng mas maaga I’ll be happy about it kasi sabi ko nga, I grew up in a family na si mommy and si daddy bagets pa,” he said of his parents — actors Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano.

“Kung naniniwala ako na this is the right time, this was the perfect timing that God and the universe dictated to me.”

He did admit that he’s working to be healthier for his family.

He admits to having fears as well

As he navigates his excitement in being a father, Luis also has his fears and worries for his daughter. “It’s overwhelming, the uncertainty of things. Not just sa pandemic, not just sa economy… the uncertainty of life in general.”

“Nandiyan yung fear eh. Diba, sabi mo nga paghahandaan mo nga yan lahat [but] life always has a curveball sa atin. If you think na figure out ‘nyo na ang buhay ‘nyo, life will always have a curveball pa sa iyo. Something that you won’t see coming,” he said. “It could be good, it could be bad. But there will always be something that life will always throw at you.”

Luis said that even if his daughter has her own family, as a parent, the uncertainty will always be there because it’s part of being a parent.

Luis on the qualities he wants his daughter to have from his parents

When Jessy asked what qualities he wants to share with their daughter from Vilma and Edu, he mentioned the strong affection of his mom and the kindness and sense of humor of his dad.

“Yung characteristic ni Daddy na na-appreciate ko na gusto kong mapasa kay Peanut is one thing na every time I see friends of my dad from all walks of life, they all speak highly of my dad,” he said, mentioning how his dad treats everyone fairly.

Jessy also mentioned that she would love their daughter to have the sense of humor of Luis and Edu. As for his mom, Luis said he would love it if Peanut was malambing. “Sobrang lambing ni mommy. Di mo mailalagay into words gaano kalambing si mommy. So feeling ko iyon yung characteristic ni mommy na gusto ko ma-share kay Peanut.”

Luis on whether he’s open to having his daughter join showbiz

Coming from showbiz, it’s only natural that there is a possibility that Peanut would likely want to try. Luis said he won’t mind having his daughter do commercials since the talent fee she’ll get is for her future anyway. But full-time showbiz is a different story for now.

“I don’t mind pero kung sasabihin ni Peanut na gusto niya mag full showbiz, that is something na we should talk about as a family. Pero kagaya nga nung sinabi sa akin ni daddy nung una, studies first,” he said.

But what is important for him is that Peanut will find content and happiness.

For more on Luis’ feelings about being a first-time dad, you can watch the vlog below.