Photo credit: Inding-Indie FILM Festival

Jiro Manio is officially back, After years away from the spotlight, the former child star is making his acting comeback in the short film Eroplanong Papel. And while returning to the set wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, Jiro is embracing this new chapter with open arms.

Shaky Start, But a Smooth Landing

In an interview with MJ Marfori, Jiro admitted that stepping back in front of the camera after so long was nerve-wracking.

"Nung unang meet namin ni direk, medyo kinakabahan talaga ako kasi di na ako familiar eh. Tapos binigay sa akin 'yung script, pagbasa ko, sabi ko ang dami, sumakit ulo ko," he recalled with a laugh.

But despite the initial jitters, he pushed through, slowly finding his rhythm again.

"Siningit-singit ko sa ginagawa ko 'yung script. Nung naramdaman ko na parang sinasabon 'yung isip ko, sabi ko sa ate ko, 'praktisin mo nga ako.' Okay naman, success naman. Sabi ko, 'sige, okay na!'"

For Jiro, Eroplanong Papel is more than just a role—it’s a symbolic step toward his renewed love for acting. "Tiwala pa rin ako sa sarili ko kasi napagdaanan ko na rin," he shared.

A New Perspective on Showbiz

Jiro had previously hinted at a possible return to acting, but he’s doing it on his own terms. In a 2024 interview with Boy Abunda, he shared that while he’s open to projects, he’s being selective.

"Pinipili ko po eh. Sa ngayon, 'yung mga tinatanggap ko po, 'yung pwede. Pero hindi na po katulad dati na babad talaga ako sa TV."

His doctors have also advised him to avoid too much stress, as he continues to take medication and follow strict health guidelines.

"Pinagbawalan po ako ng mga doktor sa rehab na baka daw po, dahil sa stress, magkasakit ako ulit. Hanggang ngayon nagte-take po ako ng medicine. Tsaka marami pong binawal sa akin—bawal akong mapuyat, bawal akong masyadong magalit."

From Rehab to Giving Back

Jiro’s journey hasn’t been easy. He was in and out of rehabilitation from 2011 to 2017, battling substance abuse. But instead of running away from his past, he’s using his experience to help others.

"Kapag po umuuwi ako ng Bataan, nagvo-volunteer po ako sa rehab. Isa po ako sa mga volunteer staff doon na nagbibigay ng testimony, lalo na kapag may special events like drug abuse prevention and control."

From a troubled past to a hopeful future, Jiro Manio is proving that second chances are real. And with Eroplanong Papel as his reintroduction to the industry, who knows? This might just be the start of something bigger for him.