MANILA, Philippines – Marvin Agustin said that he is ready to help former child actor Jiro Manio, when Jiro is ready.

During the press conference for teleserye FlordeLiza Tuesday, July 14, Marvin said that he and actress Ai-Ai delas Alas have been communicating regularly about Jiro’s status. Jiro and Marvin were part of the Tanging Ina series starring Ai-Ai. (READ: Ai-Ai delas Alas gives update on Jiro Manio)

“Ang pinag-usapan namin ni Mommy Ai-Ai is ano yung plano nung bata? Actually masarap magsimula doon pag naging maayos na yung takbo ng buhay niya. Dahil hindi lang ako or si Mommy Ai ang gustong tumulong sa kanya, maraming tao, dahil alam natin kung gaano siya kagaling, pero dapat magsimula sa kanya kung ano yung gusto niya.” Marvin said.

(What Mommy Ai and I have talked about is, what is the kid’s plan? Actually, it would be good to start there once he gets his life in order. Mommy Ai and I aren’t the only ones who want to help him, there are so many who want to help, too, because we know how good he is – but it should come from him, what he wants to do.)

Marvin said that he is willing to give Jiro a job and is confident that there are still roles that Jiro can do. 

“Ako, madami akong puwedeng ibigay sa kanyang trabaho. I‘m sure ABS-CBN, ang daming roles ang naghihintay para sa kanya. Yung pagkahanda lang ng tao, iyon ang hinihintay natin,” he said.

(There are jobs I can offer. I’m sure at ABS-CBN, there are roles that might be waiting for him. We’re just waiting for when he’s ready.)

Maryo on Jiro 

Meanwhile, in an interview with Pep, award-winning director and talent manager Maryo de los Reyes gave his well-wishes to Jiro and his concerned family and friends on Friday, July 17. Maryo directed Jiro in his breakout role in the successful movie Magnifico.

He said that he, together with actor Yul Servo and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, previously supported Jiro through rehab in the past.  

“I hope matutunan ni Ai-Ai how to handle it well because it’s really not that easy. I have my experiences too, and it’s not that easy,” said Maryo.  

“Siguro showbiz for him may not be the right thing,” he said, adding that he hoped that Jiro would get better soon and that he felt Jiro needed his family and professional help. He said he did not want to say too much as he hadn’t seen Jiro recently. 

Wenn on Jiro 

Meanwhile. Wenn Deramas, who directed Jiro in the Tanging Ina series, said he really felt sad upon finding out Jiro’s troubles. However, like Marvin, he believes that change should start from Jiro himself. 

“Nanghihinayang ako kasi sa mga anak, isa iyan sa mga mahusay. Sa Tanging Ina Part 2 sa kanya ko binigay yung pinakamabigat na eksena with Ai-Ai kasi naniwala ako sa galing nung bagets,” Direk Wenn said.

(I really felt some regret because among the kids, he is really good. In Tanging Ina Part 2 , I gave him of the heaviest scenes with Ai-Ai because I really believed in his talent.)

“Sayang, kasi naniniwala ako na ang childhood ang foundation nung pagkatao natin lahat. Kung maganda yung childhood, maganda yung paglaki.

(I believe that childhood is the foundation of who we are. If you had a good childhood, things might go more smoothly growing up) 

“Ang nangyari kay Jiro maaga siya nagkaroon ng lahat bagay, too much of everything,” he said.  

(What happened with Jiro is he got a lot of things early, too much of everything.)

But Direk Wenn said they are ready to help for as long as Jiro helps himself. (READ: Ai-Ai delas Alas volunteers to take care of Jiro Manio)

“Kung pinakita mo na gusto mo na magbago, ready na kami, tutulong kami pero hindi yung kami ang mag-aahon sa iyo kasi wala kaming magagawa pare-pareho kung ayaw mo. Pero pag gusto mo, nandito kami,” he said.

(If you show you are ready to change, we are ready to help, but we will not be the one to get you back on track because we cannot do anything if you don’t want it. But if you want it, we’re here.)

Jiro rose to fame via the movie Magnifico directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes. He’s also starred in a number of movies and TV shows. (READ: PH stars express concern for Jiro Manio)

On June 30, Jiro was found roaming around the NAIA 3, and said he was done with acting. (READ: Jiro Manio done with showbiz, says he has nowhere to go) 

In an interview on Startalk last Saturday, July 11, Ai-Ai gave an update that Jiro is now improving and could recover within 3 to 4 months. – Rappler.com