Jiro Manio on why he won't return to showbiz: 'Pinagbawalan ako ng mga doctor ko'

Former child actor Jiro Manio explained why he left behind his successful career in showbiz—and why he won't return to it just yet.

In an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Manio shared that while he isn't completely closing his doors on acting, he is not keen on resuming an active life in the showbiz industry.

"Pinipili ko po sa ngayon 'yung mga tinatanggap kong [roles]," Manio said. "Hindi na po katulad dati, 'yung babad talaga ako sa TV."

He revealed that he was discouraged to continue his career by his rehabilitation doctors.

"Baka raw po maging effect ng stress ko, magkasakit daw po ako ulit, dahil hanggang ngayon po nagta-take po ako ng medicine," the local star said.

"Atsaka marami pinagbawal sa'kin. Bawal po ako mapuyat, bawal po akong masyadong magalit, 'yung mga substance, mga ganun," he added.

Manio left the showbiz industry sometime in 2011 due to drug addiction. He eventually underwent rehabilitation treatment to manage his condition and regain control of his life.

After a year of therapy, his rehabilitation center allowed him to finish his senior year of high school. He has since become a volunteer at the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Bataan, where he helps in guiding and inspiring residents.

When asked about the times he gets asked by fans on whether he'll still go back to acting, Manio said, "Minsan po paulit-ulit eh. Minsan sinasabi ko na lang, nagpapahinga pa po kasi ako dahil kailangan ko pa ng full recovery."

Despite the controversies, Manio shared that he does not hold a grudge against the entertainment industry for not supporting him during this difficult stage in his life.

"Parang feeling ko lang po, I need some space para makagawa ako ng sarili kong kagustuhan," he said.

Moving forward, the award-winning actor highlighted that he wants to be able to face the challenges in his life head on as well as to stand on his own feet.

Manio recently made headlines when he sold his Gawan Urian trophy, which he won for his acclaimed performance in the movie Magnifico in 2004, to social media personality Boss Toyo for P75,000.

While he had an asking price of P500,000, he eventually agreed to settle for P75,000. He later disclosed that he used the money to celebrate the holidays with his nearest and dearest.