Simply Jay

He is best known for breaking women’s hearts and men’s bones in his numerous silver screen roles. He is also famous for being the kind matinee idol Cristoph in Bakekang. But there is more to Jay Manalo than his apparent street smarts and sex appeal. Intrigued? Read on! Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Getting Real A typical day for Jay Manalo is hanging out with his pals. Not just any other pal, but friends whom he has known even before he entered the biz. “Tumatambay ako sa barkada. Madalang akong uminom. Di ako mahilig sa social stuff. (I’m) not exactly a loner but I want to be with my friends, my before-showbiz friends,” he shares. Among the activities the actor likes is the not-so-physical sport of golf. “Dito wala kang kalaban. Kalaban mo lang sarili mo, saka makikita mo (ang) isang character ng tao -- kung medyo pasensyoso siya o hindi,” he notes. Also it tests his patience, which he believes is a good virtue to have in his line of work. But, like most Pinoy men, Jay is passionate about basketball. In fact, if not for an accident, he would have probably been famous for his moves on the hard court rather than his talent on the silver screen. “Dream ko ang maging isang pro basketball player before kung di nasira ang tuhod ko. Pumasok na ako ng PBL (Philippine Basketball League). Maglalaro na sana ako…The thing is I met an accident. I fractured my right knee,” he recalls. Basketball world’s loss then became the gain of the showbiz industry. The Reel Jay What makes Jay happy? “If I make someone happy,” he answers. Is that why he’s in the entertainment business?” “Yeah, mapasaya ko sila. Mapagalit ko sila,” he says, laughing. This is exactly what he does, be it on television or the big screen. He is not selfish towards his audience or his co-workers. “Kapag alam ko sa sarili ko na magaling iyong kaharap ko, doon ako lalo na-cha-challenge. Sa mga baguhan, different challenge din iyon, kasi nagdaan ako sa ganoon and share mo rin with others iyong natutunan mo,” he stresses. As a last note, he says that he is proud of all his projects, but admits that his unforgettable role as “Totoy Mola” is his biggest break. He then blushes at his own statement. Isn’t that simply adorable for someone who’s known for his tough exterior? You can now text Jay himself via Fanatxt! Text JAY (your message) to 4627 for all telcos. (PhP2.50 for Globe, Smart, and Talk 'n Text; PhP2.00 for Sun subscribers) Join our forum for more on Jay Manalo!