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Jan Manual is the perfect impersonator of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, from the fighting stance to the accent. Da Who's Pacboy also dreams of being a bad boy. Meantime, the Bagong Gang winner improves his skills by drawing inspiration from top local and international comedians. 

Most people know Jan Manual as the Manny Pacquiao impersonator from the Da Who? segment of Startalk TX. The StarStruck alumnus is now soaring to new heights in the comedy department. Besides having a memorable, scene-stealing role in Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko, he was also declared the winner of Bubble Gang’s Bagong Gang.

Currently, Jan stars as Phil, the gay bestfriend of Kris Bernal’s character in Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko. He describes the character as “medyo malandi pero mabuti ang kalooban”.

So far, he is loving his role because it is light and funny. It seems that playing gay characters has become his niche.

Jan shares, “Noong Daddy Dearest, gay din po ako. Kadalasan po ang roles na nakukuha ko ay gay roles po kaya medyo komportable ako. Medyo sanay na ako.”

Whenever he takes on gay roles, does he have any pegs?

“Ginagaya ko ‘yong mga make-up artist, ganyan. More on observations,” he states.
Being keen on details has always helped him in developing the characters he portrays. He also notes that he has been trying to improve his craft since his StarStruck days.

“’Pag nakikita ko ‘yong sarili ko sa TV, ‘pag medyo nakukulangan ako, dinaragdagan ko at nagtatanong ako sa mga kasamahan ko. Kunwari, kina Aljur, tatanungin ko kung ano ‘yong tamang atake. Sa workshop din po, nagtatanong ako,” says Jan.

With his brand of comedy, he draws inspiration from the likes of Michael V., Ogie Alcasid, Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler.

Now that he has been declared as the Bagong Gang winner, Jan believes in staying humble and keeping an open mind and heart for learning. “Alam kong marami pa akong dapat matutuhan,” states Jan.

In the future, would Jan be willing to take on other genres like drama or action?

The Kapuso actor says, “Gusto kong i-try ‘yong kontrabida, ‘yong mga tipong bad boy. Feeling ko kaya ko, eh. Pero sa ngayon, mas komportable ako sa pagpapatawa.”

Catch more of Jan Manual in Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko before 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad. Have a laugh with him every Friday night in Bubble Gang. For more updates on Jan Manual and your favorite Kapuso stars and shows, keep visiting www.gmanetwork.com. - Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com