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Powerhouse comedian Jose Manalo on being a judge-mentor in 'Battle of the Judges': 'Mas alam ko kung paano lumaban 'yung contestant kasi naging contestant din ako before."

Jose Manalo's success from being an underprivileged Tondo boy to becoming one of the most respected comedians in show business is something that was born out of his unwavering perseverance. It is his humble beginnings and his street smarts that have made him beloved to the Filipino audience.

Jose, now one of the most recognizable faces on television, once had to help his parents earn money so they could eat three times a day. While his father worked as a policeman, Jose helped his mother sell lugaw in Divisoria. Jose's mother also made him join amateur singing contests so they could use his cash winnings to buy rice for their dinner table.

Jose attended various schools in college but was more interested in extra-curricular activities because he likes to sing, dance, and play basketball. At 18, Jose had to quit school to support his growing family. Without a college degree, he took every odd job that came his way--errand boy, pedicab driver, and street vendor.

His comedic beginnings came when Jose had a stint as part of the Boyoyong clown trio.
In 1992, he made his first foray into showbiz when he joined the cast of the afternoon drama series, Valiente. He also pinched hit in the youth-oriented variety show That's Entertainment whenever any dancer was unavailable. Jose began working behind the camera as production assistant to floor director, and this exposed him to the tricks of the trade in the entertainment industry, in a more intimate way.

His big break came when he was made a regular co-host of Eat Bulaga. Since then, he has become a household name and starred in successful movies and sitcoms alongside Vic Sotto. He has also headlined sold out concerts and shows here and abroad. He has also received recognition from prestigious award giving bodies for his work.

He believes that his killer instinct for talent, developed as an audition master for the noontime show, is his main armory in selecting his squad members for Battle of the Judges which includes Tiktokerist dancer-contortionist Marlou Mangeron, kiddie dance group Electrogroovers, Philippine aerial champion Marvin Peralta, emerging hip-hop dance crew Steps of Gold, national beatboxing champion Roxor Beat, and Philippine Laserman JB Dela Cruz.

"Alam ko ang totoong talent 'pag nakita ko," he said in a statement.

Jose also said, "Ako bilang isang judge, competitive ako. Mahihirapan kayo. Hindi puwedeng wala-wala lang 'to, seryoso ako."

Asked about his edge over his fellow judges Boy Abunda, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Bea Alonzo, Jose proudly declared, "Mas alam ko kung paano lumaban 'yung contestant kasi naging contestant din ako before."

Hosted by Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards, Battle of the Judges airs Saturdays, 7:15 p.m. after Pepito Manaloto on GMA.

It can also be viewed via livestream on the program's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Battle of the Judges is directed by Rico Gutierrez.

CHECK OUT THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS FROM THE SET OF THE ULTIMATE TALENT COMPETITION: