Jose Manalo, family man

We all know him as the homeless Bal in Daddy Di Do Du or the singing partner of Vic Sotto on Eat Bulaga’s Bulagaan segment. He is the comedian that makes us laugh with his perfect punch-lines, making our weekdays light. However, when the laughter fades and real life steps in, who is the real Jose Manalo? Text by Alula Love M Dela Cruz. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Jose values the importance of his family. When we asked him about the thing that he misses the most in his province of Bulacan, he told us that it was his relatives. Specifically, he explained, he missed the way his family converses. “Yung mga kamag-anak ko maiingay, yung ingay na mi-miss ko." He also adds that he misses the food that his family serves. From that first answer it is obvious that that he is very family-oriented guy. When asked what his first big purchase was, he said, “Di ko na matandaan, ang alam ko para sa pamilya ko eh. Kahit naman ngayon hindi ako bumibili para sa sarili ko, yung wife ko yung bumibili para sa akin." He also adds that everything he does is really all about them. His day-to-day life consists mainly of heading to Eat Bulaga in the morning, then he heads straight home to see his family immediately after. At night he attends shoots for his other shows. During his spare time, he prefers to stay home and play basketball with his kids rather than socialize on gimiks. “Ang pinaka-activity ko talaga kapag wala akong ginagawa, sila eh". He even told us that even if God gave him a day of rest with no worries, he would still want to spend it with his family. “Ibubuhos ko yung oras ko sa kanila, iba pa rin yung isang buong araw na makasama ko sila". It’s exemplary to see that such devotion exists in this mad world we live in. Jose truly inspires and makes everyone around him feel the happiness that we all long for. Kudos for the man who gives his best in everything and anything he does. He truly is an exceptional individual. - iGMA