Edu not bowing out of the ‘Game’
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:19:00 01/07/2009
Filed Under: Entertainment (general), Celebrities, Television
MANILA, Philippines—Edu Manzano couldn’t be more emphatic in denying the rumor that he resigned from the ABS-CBN show “Pilipinas, Game KNB?” over the holidays.
“No, that’s not true,” Manzano asserted. He said that the “farewell” spiel he delivered in an episode last month was an annual tradition.
“Every year, I thank the audience for welcoming me to their homes,” he explained.
He didn’t deny, however, that his contract with the game show ended on Dec. 31.
“It’s a yearly contract and it’s really up for renewal,” he noted.
Unfortunately, his manager, June Rufino, was confined in a hospital for a series of surgeries, he said. “June wasn’t able to sit down and renegotiate the terms with [head of TV production] Cory Vidanes,” Manzano said.
Even though he has yet to sign a contract, he still taped episodes on Dec. 30 and Jan. 5, he said.
He also insisted that the resignation rumor had nothing to do with the controversy involving director Wenn Deramas whose victory on the show was deemed dubious by a tabloid report.
According to the scuttlebutt, Manzano made it easy for Deramas to win.
Manzano admitted that he got upset because the intrigue questioned his integrity and credibility as host.
A network insider claimed that Manzano had a disagreement with the show’s staff over the gossip. “It’s the second time he was put on the spot,” said the source.
Earlier, contestant Wendy Valdez complained and raised a ruckus because Manzano had deemed her answer unacceptable in an episode of the show.
Manzano denied that he was squabbling with the show’s staff. “I’ve always said that one of the reasons the show has become successful is because the staff and I work well together,” he said.
If there’s one thing he’s not denying, it’s his son Luis Manzano’s romantic relationship with Angel Locsin.
He said he’s all-thumbs-up for the pair.
“They look good together,” Manzano said, adding that he wouldn’t mind becoming a grandfather soon.
“Unlike Luis’ mom [Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos], I’m excited to be a lolo. I still want to be strong enough to carry my apo,” he said, laughing.
Manzano, who is also the Optical Media Board chief, is set to make a cameo in Gov. Santos and the younger Manzano’s upcoming movie with Star Cinema, the tentatively titled “A Mother’s Story.” He is also in the cast of Peque Gallaga’s digital movie with APT/Directors’ Guild, “Agaton & Mindy.”
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