PEP: Jiro Manio voluntarily enters drug rehabilitation center

Jiro Manio voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility last March to address his drug problem. This was disclosed by his manager, director Maryo J. de los Reyes. Direk Maryo also said he believes the young actor has the potential to make a comeback in the entertainment industry. In the award-winning director's words: "Hindi naman siguro mawawalan ng proyekto iyan, dahil tulad din naman ng ibang mga artista natin na nanggaling din doon. "Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon dahil ang talino hindi naman nawawala, e. "The industry has always a space for talented people," he said. Andrew Manio, Jiro's father, also confirmed the report during an interview with Showbiz News Ngayon recently. "Nagte-taping pa siya ng Tayong Dalawa, bumibigay na ang career niya kasi napapabarkada," Mr. Manio said. He added, "Tapos hanggang sa gumagamit na siya ng hindi tamang gamot." Mr. Manio assured Jiro's fans that the actor is committed to becoming a better person. Daddy Andrew (as Mr. Manio is called) recalled his son's words to him: "'Daddy, bahala ka na muna sa anak ko, sa asawa ko. "Kapag gumaling ako at nakabalik ako ng showbiz, hanap ulit tayo ng bahay, sama-sama ulit tayo doon.'" Considered as one of the most talented child actors of his time, Jiro received accolades for his acting. In 2004, he was named Best Actor at the 26th Gawad Urian for the movie Magnifico. He also bagged the Best Child Actor plum for the Maryo J. de los Reyes-directed movie in the 53rd FAMAS Awards. In June 2009, Jiro made headlines when he was dropped from the roster of Star Magic's talents and removed from ABS-CBN's now defunct teleserye Tayong Dalawa. For some time, Jiro was also rumored to have a fathered a child. He initially denied it. But in July 2010, the then 18-year-old actor admitted that he indeed had a two-year-old daughter. Jiro Manio's film bio counts such films as: Magnifico, Mila, La Vida Rosa, Ang Tanging Ina, Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat... Bagong Buwan, Manay Po, Manay Po 2, Tambolista, Tirador, Ang Lihim ni Antonio, Anghel sa Lupa, Foster Child, and Bahay Kubo. He was also part of various TV shows, including Kung Fu Kids, Margarita, Maging Sino Ka Man, Love Spell, Mga Anghel na Walang Langit, Basta't Kasama Kita and Pangako Sa 'Yo. - Paula Joan Garcia, PEP