The fight must go on

the fight must go on. The glib-talking actor-slash-host fully supports his mother’s decision to run even if he knows how controversial and dangerous Philippine politics can be. “It’s part of the territory,” says Luis, who remembers that while his mother was Lipa mayor, a big shabu raid was conducted, after which she began to receive death threats from unnamed sources.

Despite that, he’s not worried, says Luis, because his mother “knows to take precautions, and she’s being careful”.

Vilma has strong support coming not just from her fellow Batanguenos, but also from major political parties at the national level. Luis is not surprised.

“It’s pretty obvious what she’s done for Batangas,” he says, pointing out the fact that under his mother’s guidance, Lipa was transformed and became one of the most progressive cities in the province. She helped attract a great deal of investments that gave people jobs and helped raise their standard of living. “She’s helped a lot of people, and personally, I’d want her to help more.”

But Luis isn’t sure whether he would ever want to go into politics. Both his parents —Vilma and Edu Manzano (who once served as Vice-Mayor of Makati) entered politics, but according to Luis, never once did they force him to follow in their footsteps, whether it be acting or politics. “They only encouraged me to do one thing, and that was to follow my own dream,” says Luis.

He’s not closing the door, though. “Maybe someday, who knows?” adds Luis, currently starring as Juris in ABS-CBN’s new tele-epiko Rounin.