Luis Manzano admits he has lost endorsements following his decision to run for Batangas vice governor.
Luis, actor and TV host, recently made the life-changing decision to enter politics, a move that comes with personal and professional sacrifices. As part of his commitment to serving his province, Luis recently revealed that some of his endorsements were not renewed and he has had to give up his popular show “Rainbow Rumble.”
At last Thursday’s Barako Fest press conference in Lipa, Luis candidly shared how challenging it was to make the decision to run. “Nagpaalam na kami, katunayan marami din sa mga endorsements ko ang hindi na nag-renew,” Luis revealed. “Sabi ni Gov. Vi, sa maniwala ka na the moment na mag-announce ka, lahat, maniwala ka sa hindi, kahit mga endorsements mo mawawala, aatras.”
Luis also opened up about the inevitable financial impact of his decision. “Yung income ko rin, syempre tatamaan naman talaga,” he said. However, his mother helped him gain a new perspective. “Sabi nga ni Gov Vi, ‘Ramdam ko to simula’t sapul, anak, mabawasan ka man ng commercial, mabawasan ka ng endorsements, mas masarap tulog mo dahil marami kang natutulungan na tao’.”
Luis’ wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, also shared her thoughts on his decision. She admitted her initial hesitation, even telling him that she would leave him should he decide to be a politician. “Sabi ko nga po sa kanya nung mag-nobyo pa lang kami, ‘Ay naku, pag tumakbo ka, hihiwalayan talaga kita’,” Jessy said.
However, witnessing firsthand her husband’s selfless nature and his passion for service, she changed her stance. “Tumutulong po ito nang hindi nagpapasabi ng pangalan… Gusto ko ngang sabihin, si Luis po ‘yan… At hindi po siya humihingi ng kahit anong kapalit,” Jessy said with pride.
The couple also reminisced about their emotional conversations about Luis’ decision. Luis shared, “Umabot kami sa iyakan, dahil alam namin, hindi biro ang buhay ng isang lingkod bayan… Wala na tong telebisyon, wala na tong patawa, wala na tong game show, wala na tong papremyo… Ang pinag-uusapan natin ay buhay ng bawat Batangenyo, at ‘yun ang bagay na dapat seryosohin natin araw-araw.”
Now that Luis has finally thrown his hat in the ring, Jessy is supporting him all the way, “Hangga’t makakaya ko po, sasamahan ko po siya sa lahat bilang asawa,” she assured him.
