In a recent turn of events, former child actor Jiro Manio made headlines when he sold his Gawad Urian Best Actor trophy to vlogger and collector Boss Toyo of Pinoy Pawn Stars for P75,000. The trophy was awarded to Manio for his outstanding performance in the critically acclaimed 2003 film “Magnifico,” where he co-starred with Gloria Romero, Lorna Tolentino, and Albert Martinez, under the direction of the late Maryo J. de los Reyes.
In a YouTube vlog, Manio shared the story behind the trophy and his decision to part ways with it. He brought the trophy to Boss Toyo’s shop, carefully wrapped in a plastic bag. Alongside the trophy, he also showed downloaded photos of himself with other awards he had received over the years. However, he mentioned that these other trophies were lost.
Initially, Manio valued the Gawad Urian trophy at P500,000. However, Boss Toyo expressed doubts about its potential resale value at that price. After negotiations, they settled on a final price of P75,000, considering that the trophy did not have an engraved name. Manio took a marker and signed the trophy, expressing his hope that it would find a place in Boss Toyo’s future museum.
During the interview, Manio opened up about his past struggles and the challenges he faced after leaving the entertainment industry. He candidly admitted that he had fallen into vices and had to undergo rehabilitation four times, which marked the beginning of his downfall. The 31-year-old actor shared, “I stopped showbiz. I was repeatedly on the news.”
Manio also recalled a time when Ai-Ai delas Alas, his onscreen mother in the hit movie series “Ang Tanging Ina,” came to his aid when reports surfaced of him roaming and begging for food at the airport in 2015. At that time, he was battling drug addiction. Reflecting on his past, Manio acknowledged that he had started indulging in vices at a young age.
The former child actor also discussed the difficulties he faced in handling fame during his early years in the industry. He revealed that he rarely went out and, when he did, he was constantly surrounded by people. He explained, “It’s unavoidable. I don’t just go out casually; I always have to ask for permission.”
Aside from the Gawad Urian, Manio’s talent and dedication were recognized with awards such as the Best Child Actor award at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) for his role in “Magnifico” in 2004. Prior to that, he received the Best Child Performer award at the 2001 Metro Manila Film Festival for his role in Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Bagong Buwan” (2001). He also received nominations for his performances in “Mila” (2001) and “Foster Child” (2007).
Manio’s career took a downturn, and he faced professional consequences when he was terminated by ABS-CBN’s talent management agency Star Magic in June 2009 due to unprofessional behavior. In a further turn of events, he was arrested on January 17, 2020, for allegedly stabbing a man in Marikina.
Currently, Manio is a father of two daughters who are not under his care. He became a father at the young age of 15, which added to the challenges he faced during his early adulthood.
Jiro Manio’s journey serves as a reminder of the struggles that child actors often face as they transition into adulthood. It highlights the importance of providing support and guidance to young talents in the entertainment industry. Manio’s story also emphasizes the significance of redemption and the possibility of rebuilding one’s life after facing personal challenges.
As Manio moves forward, we can only hope that he finds the strength and support he needs to overcome his past struggles and build a brighter future for himself and his family.
Source: The Manila Times
