Cover Brent Manalo was the most recent “Big Winner” of “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB), alongside his duo Mika Salamanca (Photo: Mik Primacio; hair and makeup: Mycke Arcano)
Brent Manalo was the most recent “Big Winner” of “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB), alongside his duo Mika Salamanca (Photo: Mik Primacio; hair and makeup: Mycke Arcano)
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Model and actor Brent Manalo opens up about rejections, late beginnings and why staying true to himself helped him win hearts on and off screen
His confidence and way with words are what make audiences take notice of his rise in the industry. Brent Manalo, a model, actor and content creator who has appeared in several shows, including The Broken Marriage Vow, Beach Bros and Ampalaya Chronicles, is ready to go further into his acting career. “I want for the projects I do to be aligned with who I am as a person,” Manalo says, as he reflects on the actors he looks up to such as Jericho Rosales and Timothée Chalamet.
Manalo believes that timing is everything. He’s been in the industry for six years now, but what made him well-known to many is his authenticity showcased on the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), where he was declared the “Big Winner” alongside his duo Mika Salamanca. Now back into the grind of being an actor, Manalo reminds aspiring artists: “As long as there’s one person who supports and loves you despite everything, that can give you the motivation to truly pursue your dream.”
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What are your thoughts on GMA and ABS-CBN, once considered rival networks, now working together and producing collaborations like PBB? And how do you feel about being part of such a successful show and winning?
For me, it’s really history in the making. Two networks collaborating is something I never imagined. I’ve grown up watching shows from both ABS-CBN and GMA, and it never crossed my mind that they would work together on one big show—and it’s PBB, of all shows. It’s an honour to be part of it. I never thought it would be possible for me to be involved in something this huge. So yes, it’s definitely a moment in history.
How did your journey into showbiz begin, and was it something you had always envisioned for yourself?
Actually, it started when I graduated from college. My graduation photo from De La Salle University (DLSU) went viral, and the head of Star Magic, Mr M (Johnny Manahan), reached out and asked me to audition. A week after I graduated, I had the audition. At first, I didn’t think I was going to get in because I’m an introvert and I’m very awkward when it comes to interviews or auditions. I used to model as well, but whenever I auditioned for modelling or commercials, I never got the part because I was extremely shy in front of the camera.
So when I took that chance, I was honestly surprised that I was even considered. I think there were about 50 of us auditioning for Star Magic at the time, and only three of us were selected. The following week, we began workshops—acting workshops, dance workshops—and that’s really when it started, back in 2018.
But then the pandemic happened. I had been doing workshops non-stop before that, and everything stopped. I spent over a year fully committed to the training, giving all my time to it. At one point, I really felt like there was no hope. I was even planning to go back to my marketing career, which was my course in DLSU.
But then my very first project came along: The Broken Marriage Vow. It’s the Filipino adaptation of The World of the Married, the Korean drama. That was such a hit, and after that, more opportunities started coming in.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Rejections. I guess it’s really a big part of joining showbiz. I’ve been told so many times that everyone goes through it—even the biggest stars. They went through it, and you really do go through it.
So I would always try to reassure myself that all the rejections I’m experiencing now will one day become part of my story—my success story. I never really took it to heart, but there were moments when it hurt. There was a time when I was really hoping. The rejections just kept coming, one after another.
There was even a time I was supposed to be part of a primetime show—a really big one. I had already signed a contract, I had my schedule. But then, surprisingly, during the media launch, I wasn’t invited.
I would always see that show on my social media. And it hurt. That experience made me question if I was really meant for showbiz. I even prayed to God. I wanted to stop dreaming about it. I didn’t want it anymore.
But yes, that experience made me stronger. It taught me that there really is a perfect time for everything. I used to say I believed that, but deep down I would wonder, “When is that time going to come?” It felt like it never would. But now, I understand—now is the time. There really is a perfect timing for everything.
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Who or what has been your greatest influence in shaping you as an actor?
I really look up to Jericho Rosales. I’ve seen his filmographies and really try to study his work.
Now, among Hollywood actors, I look up to Timothée Chalamet. He’s full of talent. I also admire how he marries his personality with his craft, because that’s something I truly aspire to do with the projects I take on in the future. But I want to make sure that everything I do is really aligned with who I am as a person.
And yes, I try not to neglect that part of me. I wouldn’t say yes to everything just for the sake of being busy with projects.
With growing competition in the local scene, how do you stay grounded and focused on yourself and your craft?
Honestly, showbiz can really feel like a race. I felt that even when I was just starting. But you really have to remind yourself that you’re only in competition with yourself, because there is space for everyone. There truly is.
I’ve seen many of my peers question whether this path is right for them, or wonder, “Why do they have it and I don’t?” But then, after a few years, you see them flourish. You see them bloom. So going back to what I said earlier, there really is perfect timing, not just for me but for everyone.
So for now, even though the competition is tough, you just have to stick to your core. You’ll find your audience.
Are there any dream projects, genres or collaborations you’re hoping to explore in the near future?
If I can do more acting projects in the future, I’d like to do something light, since my very first one was a drama. I really want to try something like a rom-com, something fun and easy-going. But at the same time, I would also love to take on something gritty, like an indie film.
Hopefully, if I go through enough acting workshops for that, they might consider me. But for now, I will take it day by day. Whatever opportunity comes my way, I will try to grab it.
What message would you like to share with aspiring artists who look up to your journey and hope to break into the industry themselves?
I would share two things. One thing I’ve really learned—and something I’ve now proven to myself—is that timing is everything. There’s a perfect time for everything. I only entered showbiz when I was 21, which is considered quite late for actors. Usually, you’d start as a child actor, and coming in that late, you get fewer opportunities.
During those times, I would tell myself, “Maybe I came in too late. Maybe it’s not for me since nothing’s happening.” But now, even just having this conversation with you—I would never have imagined it. I never thought I’d be considered for something like a Tatler feature. And yet, here I am. It just proves that there really is a perfect time for everything.
The second thing I’d share is this: even if you’re not yet part of the industry, some people will learn to love you, and some people will hate you. But as long as there’s one person who supports and loves you despite everything, that can give you the motivation to truly pursue your dream.
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Credits
Photography: Mik Primacio
Hair: Mycke Arcano
Make-Up: Mycke Arcano
About
Jessica grew up writing letters for everyone, on every occasion. Little did she know that her hobby would eventually turn into a true passion. She believes that content should be relatable yet factual, engaging yet straightforward.
Work
A journalism graduate, Jessica never stops learning and honing her craft. She began her career as a Global Content Editor for a travel company, inspiring readers and travellers to explore the world. Currently, she writes on topics ranging from entertainment, health, sports and travel to in-depth stories about influential and impactful personalities.
For any leads, you may reach her through jessica.zapata@tatlerasia.com via email.
