The deal is back with Luis Manzano

After a decade off the air, one of ABS-CBN’s most popular game shows is making its much-awaited comeback.

“Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” returns for a brand-new season tomorrow, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, iWant and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube.

Back at the helm is the “Pambansang Host” himself, Luis Manzano.

Celebrity guests as the “20 Lucky Stars” will once again hold briefcases containing unknown cash amounts. But this time, one celebrity becomes the day’s studio player through a roulette draw.

The chosen contestant may keep their case or trade it with one of the remaining 19 while facing the mysterious Banker, who also returns this season.

But beyond the briefcases and big offers, it’s the tension and the heart that have always defined the show.

Luis opens up about coming home to the “Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal” stage, what he missed most, and how he would play the game if he were on the other side.

How does it feel returning to the ‘Deal or No Deal’ stage again?

“Hindi man ako ang nagsimula ng show na ito sa Pilipinas, but it’s something na sobrang na-appreciate ko. Ito ang first solo big break ko — ang ‘Deal or No Deal.’ If I’m not mistaken, mas nauna ito kaysa sa ‘Minute to Win It.’

“With all the game shows, especially ‘yung pinanggalingan ko na ‘Rainbow Rumble,’ may konting trivia, may konting chance. Pero ito, ibang-iba. Siguro kaya mahal na mahal ng mga Pilipino ang ‘Deal or No Deal’ kasi iba talaga ang tension.

“Ikaw, gusto mo nang mag-deal. Ayaw mo nang mag-deal. Pero ‘yung player, iba ang plano sa buhay.

“When I was going around Batangas last year, lahat sila ang bukang-bibig sa akin ay ‘Deal or No Deal.’ I’m very happy na babalik ito. Lahat naghihirap at nagsisikap para maibalik ang ‘Deal or No Deal.’”

What did you miss most about hosting the show?

“Everything about it. Na-miss ko ‘yung tension, the uncertainty. I just want to make it clear kasi may mga akala nila alam ko ang laman ng mga briefcase. Hindi po. Sabay-sabay nating malalaman kung ano ang laman nun. Kung ano man ang reaction namin sa piso o sa one million, it’s all natural. So, ayun ang na-miss ko sa game show na ’to.”

How would you describe your relationship with the Banker now? Has it changed?

“Ang mga nagdaang Banker ay kilala ko at naging kaibigan ko. It’s one of the closely guarded secrets of ABS-CBN. Malay n’yo, ‘pag nagsimula tayo, baka maaninag n’yo at makilala kung sino ang Banker natin. Akala nila, ‘Luis, gawa-gawa mo lang ba ang lahat ng sinasabi mo?’ Hindi. Kausap ko talaga si Banker.”

If you were the contestant, would you play it safe or risk everything?

“Depende sa purpose ng paglalaro ko. Kung tipong guesting lang na biglaan, laban all the way. I remember, may ginawa akong game show before kung saan naglaro ako para sa mga biktima ng isang bagyo. Hindi ko na maalala kung alin. Si Toni Gonzaga pa ang nag-host. Ang choice ko noon ay P500,000 na meron ako, o P1 million. Dahil maganda ang ipinaglalaban ko at bawat piso may matutulungan, um-okay na ako sa P500,000. So, naka-depende talaga sa rason kung bakit ako naglalaro.”

If you had to pick one briefcase, which number would you choose and why?

“Wala kasing 28. Twenty-eight is Peanut’s birthday, eh. So, I’ll stay with 21 or three — birthdays namin ni Jessy.”

Which briefcase would you eliminate first? Any reason behind it?

“Good question. Sinasabi nila malas daw ang 13.”

Would you accept the Banker’s offer early or hold out until the end?

“Laban. Laban talaga. I think whatever drives you will give you the courage to risk a few things here and there. At the end of the day, you still have to play smart.”

Why do you think ‘Deal or No Deal’ connects with Filipino audiences?

“Ito ‘yung game show na hindi mo kailangang mag-isip ng napakaraming bagay. May mga game show na trivia-based at may mga taong gustong makisagot. May iba namang gustong mag-relax lang. Sa ‘Deal or No Deal,’ it’s a family thing. Uupo ang buong pamilya — may gustong mag-deal, may gustong hindi. Kahit nasaan kayo sa mundo, mararamdaman at mararamdaman n’yo ang kaba. At imposibleng hindi kayo makikisagot kung deal ba o no deal.”

Name three personalities you’d love to see play ‘Deal or No Deal’ and why.

“Of course, si Jessy. At ito naman, wishful thinking. Kapag dumating ang araw na nandito pa rin ako at nag-ho-host, I would love na si Peanut mabigyan ng pagkakataon. Baka hindi ako makapag-host noon, iiyak lang ako nang iiyak. Hindi ko kakayanin ’yun.

“I think nakapaglaro na rin ang parents ko. Ayun ang wishlist ko.”

After 10 years, the deal is back. And for Luis, it feels exactly like coming home.