MANILA, Philippines - Jiro Manio is back in showbiz circuit. A few days after he graduated from high school that coincided with his release from the rehabilitation center for drug abuse, Jiro met with select members of the entertainment press for a pocket interview through the invite of director Maryo J. delos Reyes. It was held over lunch at JT’s Manukan Grill owned by Joel Torre.
Jiro exuded a refreshing calmness, a sign that he has fully recovered from the troubles brought by the “storm” that dragged his life to a horrible mess. His pair of chinky eyes seemed to reduce into mere slits every time he smiles.
“I am reformed,” said Jiro about his state of being. “I’ve changed big time like I don’t do drugs anymore. I’ve learned to stay away from the things that would inflict more harm than good. I can sleep soundly at night without worrying much about problems because I’ve realized that my family is always there to listen. I’m OK now.”
His failure to draw strength from his family on things that bothered him in the past was Jiro’s main reason why he was easily lured into drugs. He was 16, Jiro revealed, when he got the first taste of prohibited drugs courtesy of his then “good friends” and, eventually, got addicted with them.
“Before, I kept to myself all my problems because I felt no one cared to listen and no one trusted me anymore. I thought they hated me badly.”
His dad Andrew started to worry when he noticed Jiro’s unusual behavior. “Hindi na umuuwi at hindi na rin sumisipot sa mga taping.”
Until one morning, Andrew learned that Jiro ran away from home. “It took me three months before I found him, nakitira pala sa kaibigan n’ya,” dad Andrew shared. “If only he knew how much I worried about him and I never ceased on praying for his safety.”
Jiro even sold his cars just to sustain his vice. “Nabenta din n’ya ang dalawa n’yang sasakyan nang di ko nalalaman,” added Andrew who is left to care for Jiro when his mom died from lingering illness. Andrew is the brother of Jiro’s mom who acts not just an uncle but treats Jiro as a son because the latter never met his real dad who is a Japanese. Jiro addresses Andrew as “Dad.”
Jiro admitted he had lost interest about his blossoming career. He was then cast in the ABS-CBN soap Tayong Dalawa but since he’s a no-show during tapings, his character was scrapped off and, eventually, he was released by the Kapamilya network as one of its Star Magic talents due to “unprofessional behavior.”
His confidante, direk Maryo, then transferred him to GMA. He was cast in Pilyang Kerubin and Little Star. Still, Jiro wasn’t able to fulfill his part as an actor. “Nagkaka-isyu na noon na gumagamit daw ako kaya sinabi ko na ang totoo,” said the 19-year-old actor who received acting praises in Magnifico.
He is thankful direk Maryo, together with his family and friends, never falter in trying to lead him to the right path. They were optimistic that Jiro will soon realize his mistakes.
“I felt their genuine love and concern kaya ginusto ko na mag-bago para masuklian ko yung pag-mamahal na pinapakita nila sa akin. Most of all, I want my daughters (ages four and two) to be proud of me when they grow up.”
Thus, Jiro entered Home Care which had been his home for a year. There, he discovered the value of having a relationship with God. He also learned how to deal with other people/patients whom he called as “brothers.”
While confined in the center, Jiro also had the opportunity to continue his studies. He graduated from high school through DepEd’s home study program at RESPCI (Rizal Experimental Station and Pilot School of Cottage Industries) in Pasig and received the Most Inspiring Student award.
Now that Jiro is fit and ready to work again, he hopes acting projects will soon land on his lap. Direk Maryo, in turn, shared that he’s been receiving positive feedback after he told friends that Jiro is making a comeback. The three networks — GMA, ABS-CBN and TV5 confirm full support for the actor.
Jiro also plans to enter college, although he hasn’t decided yet which course to take.
“I want to earn and save not just for my family but also for my schooling. Gusto ko maging piloto o sundalo. Pwede din akong mag-aral ng culinary o engineering.”