Those who grew up watching TV and films in the early 2000s are surely familiar with Jiro Manio, one of the finest and brightest child stars of his generation during that time. However, just when his acting career was flourishing as he had been reaping recognitions and nominations from various award-giving bodies, things turned downwards for him after going through personal struggles that took a toll on his life.

And recently, Jiro once again made headlines after appearing in a popular content creator’s vlog wherein he was seen selling one of his prized possessions – the Gawad Urian trophy he won for his commendable performance in the 2003 classic film “Magnifico.” In the latest episode of the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs show “Tao Po,” its main host Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo caught up with him.

During the prime of his career, the former actor starred in a slew of projects, through which he was able to develop, hone, and astound with his acting chops. Arguably, among his most remarkable stints was in the iconic 2003 comedy flick “Ang Tanging Ina,” wherein he played Shammy, the ninth among the 12 children of the titular character Ina, portrayed by Ai-Ai Delas Alas.

But unlike in the movie, Jiro actually grew up in a small family as the older of two siblings. He didn’t have the chance to meet his father, while his mom, who singlehandedly raised them, died in 2007. Since then, they have been left under the care of their relatives. Although their life then was just simple, he and his brother were still able to pursue and finish their studies.

He was six years old when his life suddenly changed after a talent scout, who’s a friend of theirs, discovered him and invited him to appear in the “Otosan” episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, alongside Gardo Versoza. His impressive performance brought him more projects, with the 2001 Filipino drama film “Bagong Buwan” as his top favorite, as it involved a lot of thrilling gunfights, since it tells the story of the war between Christians and Moros in Mindanao, as well as made friends with everyone part of the production, making it an enjoyable experience for him.

But for many people who were able to follow his career, it would be “Magnifico” that is arguably considered the most notable. He was 10 years old then, and recalled asking for tips and advice from his older co-stars and establishing connections with them. And it was his portrayal of the titular character that brought him the grand slam win as “Best Actor” in 2003, which he totally didn’t expect.

“Hindi ko naman din ine-expect na mananalo ako ng mga gano’ng klaseng award. Masaya po ako, nakaka-touch kasi sabi sa’kin ng mga kamag-anak ko, ang swerte ko daw kasi sa history ako raw ang pinakabatang naging ‘Best Actor’,” he told Bernadette.

Just when things were looking up for him, Jiro’s luster dimmed as he began to become drug-dependent at the age of 14 and a young father to two children. However, he’s not living with them at present as his ex-partner broke up with him due to his vice and brought their kids with her to Quezon Province. Another challenge that he faced then was his removal from projects that he was part of during that time as he had to undergo rehabilitation for four years, from 2011 to 2015.

After living in the dark throughout those years, Jiro was able to wake up from that nightmare and is now taking life “one day at a time.”

“Nakukuha ko po ‘yong tiwala ng family ko at saka ‘yong para sa recovery ko. Ngayon po, mas napapangalagaan ko ‘yong sarili ko na hindi na ako gumagamit talaga. Kaya ko pong maiwasan na,” he imparted.

With regard to his Gawad Urian trophy, he told Bernadette that although it has sentimental value, he was compelled to sell it for Php75,000 in order to provide for the needs of their family. He might not be able to take it back, but he holds on to the promise of Boss Toyo that he can visit it once the museum that he’s going to build to house the plethora of memorabilia is already open.

Even though people have been offering him projects for his anticipated comeback, Jiro said that he chooses to decline them as he wants to focus first on serving as one of the volunteers and co-facilitators of a rehabilitation center in Bataan, where he stayed before during his recovery.

“Naging mahirap po ang karanasan ko noon. Ang masasabi ko lang siguro, dapat nating aral na. Ang importante kasi mapangalagaan ang kalusugan, tapos yung tiwala sa pamilya. Iwasan natin ‘yong masamang impluwensya,” he stated.