Luis Manzano
Birth nameLuis Philippe Santos Manzano
Birth dateApril 21, 1981 (age 45)
Birth placeSan Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Other namesLucky
OccupationActor · comedian · television host · VJ · model
Years active2002–present
AgentViva Artists Agency
(2005–present)
SpouseJessy Mendiola (m. February 21, 2021)
Alma materDe La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (BS)
Political partyNacionalista
Parents
Relatives

Luis Philippe Santos Manzano (manˈsanɔ; born April 21, 1981), also known by his nickname Lucky, is a Filipino actor, comedian and television host. He is the son of actors Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos. He is widely recognized for hosting various game and talent competition television programs aired by ABS-CBN, such as Pilipinas Got Talent (2010–2016), Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal (2012–2016, 2026–present), Minute to Win It (2013–2019), The Voice of the Philippines (2014), Family Feud (2016–2017), the Philippine version of I Can See Your Voice (2017–2024), Pinoy Big Brother (2006–2008, 2025–2026), and for his role in the 2009 film In My Life as Mark Salvacion.

In 2024, Manzano filed a Certificate of Candidacy for 2025 midterm elections and run as Vice Governor of Batangas, but he lost.[1][2]

Early life

Manzano is the only child of Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano.[3] His stepfather is Senator Ralph Recto, husband of his mother. Manzano has a maternal half-brother, Ryan Christian Recto, and three paternal half-siblings, Addie, Enzo and Diego Aspiras. His cousin is Andi Manzano, a former VJ for MTV Philippines, and also a radio DJ for Magic 89.9 FM.

Manzano studied at Colegio San Agustin - Makati for high school[4] and at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in Malate, Manila, majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Institution Management.[5]

Entertainment career

Manzano started his career as an image model for clothing brand, 'Human'.[6] He later pursued a television host and acting career. Manzano began his professional trajectory by working as a VJ for the renowned music channel, Myx, with Iya Villania.[7] He later served as a host and performer on the television veriety show ASAP in 2003, and on the reality show Star Circle Quest in 2004.[8] Following his hosting engagements, Manzano transitioned into acting, portraying the roles of Luigi in the sitcom series Bora and Pablo in the drama Kampanerang Kuba,[9] both of which aired in 2005. In addition to his television work, Manzano was also part of the main cast in several films in consecutive years, including All About Love as Wesley (2006), Ang Cute ng Ina Mo! as Val Quizon (2007),[10] In My Life as Mark Salvacion (2009),[11] Hating Kapatid as Edzel (2010),[12] and Petrang Kabayo as Erickson Santos (2010).[13] Manzano starred in the comedy film Moron 5 and the Crying Lady in 2012 and its sequel in 2014,[14] as well as in This Guy's in Love with U Mare! as Mike, also in 2012.[15]

Manzano returned to hosting in 2007 through the talk show Entertainment Live,[16] alongside Toni Gonzaga, Mariel Rodriguez, and Bianca Gonzalez. That same year, Manzano also co-hosted the reality game show Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus with them.[17] In 2010, he hosted the game show Panahon Ko 'To!: Ang Game Show ng Buhay Ko with Billy Crawford. He also co-hosted the reality talent competition Pilipinas Got Talent with Crawford from 2010 to 2016. In 2011, Manzano starred in the sketch comedy show Laugh Out Loud alongside Alodia Gosiengfiao.[18] Manzano replaced Kris Aquino as host of the game show Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal from 2012 to 2016 and since 2026.[19] In the same year, Manzano co-hosted the musical variety show Sarah G Live with Sarah Geronimo.[20] He also hosted the game show Minute to Win It from 2013 to 2019.[21]

From 2014 to 2015, Manzano served as host for both The Voice Kids[22] and The Voice of the Philippines.[23] Manzano replaced Billy Crawford as host of the game show Celebrity Playtime, which aired from 2015 to 2016.[24] He then succeeded his father, Edu Manzano, as host of Family Feud from 2016 to 2017,[25] before being replaced by Dingdong Dantes in 2022. Manzano was the original host of the talent competition The Voice Teens in 2017.[26] In 2019, he hosted the interactive reality competition World of Dance Philippines alongside Pia Wurtzbach.[27]

Manzano later replaced Billy Crawford as host of Season 3 of the singing and impersonation competition Your Face Sounds Familiar.[28] He also headlined the variety show It's Your Lucky Day.[29] As of 2024, Manzano serves as the host of the game show Rainbow Rumble. In October 2025, Manzano returned to hosting Pinoy Big Brother after seventeen years through Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.[30]

Political career

Manzano ran for vice governor of Batangas in the 2025 local elections, but lost to outgoing governor Hermilando Mandanas.[31] In December 2025, Manzano expressed he is no longer interested in pursuing a government position.[32]

Personal life

Manzano owns a taxi company, LBR Transport Inc.[33] Manzano is also a member of Tau Gamma Phi, a fraternity established in the Philippines.[34]

Before dating actress Jessy Mendiola in June 2016, he dated several other actresses including Nancy Castiglione, Anne Curtis, Jennylyn Mercado, and Angel Locsin. Manzano became engaged to Mendiola on December 12, 2020,[35] and were married on February 21, 2021, in a civil wedding officiated by Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa at The Farm in San Benito (Barangay Tipakan Lipa, Batangas).[36]

On August 11, 2022, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Isabella Rose Tawile "Peanut" Manzano was born on December 29, 2022.[37]

Manzano and Mendiola's church wedding was officiated by Jesuit priest Carmelo Caluag II in a Coron, Palawan church and beach on February 15, 2024. Present were Edu Manzano, Vilma Santos, and the bride's parents Roger Tawile and Judith Mendiola, with their daughter Rosie as the "little bride."[38][39]

In May 2024, Manzano was cleared of cancer after medical tests including biopsy of his head lump.[40]

Filmography

Film

YearFilmRoleNotes
2006All About LoveWesley"Kalesa" (also debut film)
2007Ang Cute ng Ina MoVal Quizon
2009In My LifeMark Salvacion
2010Hating KapatidEdzel
Petrang KabayoErickson Santos
2011Who's That Girl?John Eduque Jr.[41]
The Unkabogable Praybeyt BenjaminEricsonCameo
2012Moron 5 and the Crying LadyAlbert Macapagal
This Guy's in Love with U Mare!Mike
SisterakasWaiterCameo
2013Girl, Boy, Bakla, TomboyPriest
2014Starting Over AgainProfessor
Moron 5.2: The TransformationAlbert Macapagal
The Amazing Praybeyt BenjaminYoung BenCameo
2018The Girl in the Orange DressEric Dela CruzSpecial participation

Television

YearTitleRole
2002–2013My Myx[42]VJ
Myx Daily Top 10[42]
Myx Mobile Top Picks[42]
Pop Myx[42]
2002–2009OPM Myx
2003–presentASAPHost (performer)
2004Star Circle QuestHimself (host)
2005BoraLuigi
QpidsHimself (host)
Kampanerang KubaPablo
2006Your Song Presents: I'll Never Get Over You, Gettin' Over MeJustin
Komiks Presents: Paa ni IsabellaJohn
Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition 1Host
Crazy for YouWacky
2007Your Song Presents: If We Fall in Love
Your Song Presents: IkawLouie
RouninJuris
Your Song Presents: IkawAbel / Adam
Maalaala Mo Kaya: LarawanRodel
2008Entertainment LiveHimself (host)
DyosaKulas
Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition PlusHimself (host)
2009Komiks Presents: Flash BombaFlash Bomba / Roldan Legaspi
Maalaala Mo Kaya: VideokeRey
2009–2013Pinoy Myx[42]VJ
2010Your Song Presents: My Last RomanceNico Suarez
Panahon Ko 'to!: Ang Game Show ng Buhay KoHimself (host) with Billy Crawford
Wansapanataym Presents: KokakLeo
2010–2013; 2016Pilipinas Got TalentHimself (host)
2011Laugh Out LoudHimself (host) with Alodia Gosiengfiao
2012–2013; 2015–2016; 2026–presentKapamilya, Deal or No DealHimself (host)
2012Sarah G. Live
Be Careful With My HeartJames Luis Ventura
2013–2014; 2016–2017; 2019Minute to Win ItHimself (host)
2014–2016The Voice Kids
The Voice of the Philippines
2015–2016Celebrity PlaytimeHimself (host) (episode 8 onwards, replacing Billy Crawford)
2016–2017Family FeudHimself (host)
2017The Voice Teens
It's Showtime
2017–2024I Can See Your Voice
2019World of Dance Philippines
2019–2020Home Sweetie Home: Extra SweetPip
Your Moment[43]Himself (host)
2020The Voice Teens
2021Your Face Sounds Familiar
2021–presentLuis ListensHimself (host)
2023It's Your Lucky Day
2024Can't Buy Me LoveRestaurant waiter[44]
2024–2026Rainbow RumbleHimself (host)
2025–2026Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0Himself (host)

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
200317th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest New Male TV PersonalityASAP
2004PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent-Search Program HostStar Circle Quest Kids & Teens (with Jodi Sta. Maria)
2005PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent-Search Program HostStar Circle National Teen Quest (with Jodi Sta. Maria)
200620th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Male TV HostASAP '06
200723rd PMPC Star Awards for MoviesNew Movie Actor of the YearAll About Love
200824th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesMovie Supporting Actor of the YearAng Cute Ng Ina Mo
PMPC Star Awards for TVMale Star Of The Night
200923rd PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Male TV HostASAP '09
2010GAWAD TanglawBest Supporting ActorIn My Life
25th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesMovie Supporting Actor of the YearIn My Life
41st Box Office Entertainment AwardsFilm Actor of the Year (with John Lloyd Cruz)[45]In My Life
201125th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent Search Program Hosts (with Billy Crawford)Pilipinas Got Talent
Best Game Show HostPanahon Ko 'To (with Billy Crawford)
Best Male Showbiz-Oriented Show HostE-Live
Best Male TV HostASAP Rocks
Male Sexiest of the Night
Yahoo! OMG! AwardsFavorite Male TV HostPilipinas Got Talent
2013GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment AwardsPrince of Philippine Movies[46]This Guy's in Love with U Mare!
201430th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesDarling of the Press
2015PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Game Show HostKapamilya, Deal or No Deal
2016PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Male TV HostASAP
PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent Search Program HostThe Voice Kids (season 3) with Robi Domingo & Kim Chiu
2017PMPC Star Awards For MoviesDarling of the Press

References

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  2. ^ Iglesias, Iza (May 13, 2025). "Luis Manzano loses Batangas race; wife Jessy Mendiola shares message of faith". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
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  6. ^ "Lucky to be Human". The Philippine Star. March 12, 2003. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
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