Actor and television host Luis Manzano and his wife Jessy Mendiola are set to have a busy year as Jessy makes a comeback in showbiz.

"She's ready for a comeback. She misses the industry. She misses her craft and the people in the industry. Whatever she wants to do, teleserye, movies, whatever the offers are. Based on the few weeks of the year, mukhang it will be a busy 2024 for her," said Luis during an interview at the launch of Shakey's Supercard Super Cars Monthly Giveaway held at SM North Edsa in Quezon City recently.

Luis added: "Medyo maraming offer pa rin ang dumarating kay Jessy but she's giving a bit of allowance rin to spend time with Peanut."

Asked if he would limit Jessy to certain roles, Luis said: "No restrictions. She can do whatever she wants. If it will give you artistic fulfillment, then you can go with it. I grew up in an environment where there are bed scenes, kissing scenes and I fully understood that it's for the craft."

"If para sa akin there's fulfillment in that role, by all means, go ahead. Basta sabihin lang niya na masaya ako bilang artist. I will never argue with that.

"Kaya ko rin sinasabi yun kasi ready na rin ako for mature roles. At 42, ready na ako sa mga mature roles," Luis said.

With both of them getting busy, Luis said that he and his wife trusted their household to care for their daughter Isabella Rose (Peanut) even if they were not around.

"We make sure as much as possible may bantay si Peanut. Pero kasi may mga days na kailangan talaga namin magtrabaho. Pero may tiwala naman kami sa household namin," he also said.

Luis mentioned that he is thrilled for his daughter, Peanut, who is also receiving endorsement deals.

"I wouldn't mind (Peanut getting endorsements). In fact, naka-dalawang endorsement na siya. In terms of acting, I would love for her to try. But I wouldn't pressure her to try. If she tells us ayoko na, by all means. Pero ang gusto ko, after a few years, gusto ko sabihin niya at least I tried," he said.

Luis was also asked if he and Jessy were ready for another baby. He answered: "May mga contractual obligations pa na kailangan asikasuhin pero hopefully in a year or two, kapag naging ate na si Peanut."

Game shows

Rumors suggest that "Pilipinas Got Talent" will return this year, but Luis confirmed he will not be involved.

"Congratulations kung sino man (ang magiging host). Rest na ako sa 'Pilipinas Got Talent.' Sabi ko why not give it to the new generation? I think I posted it on social media before. Puwede si Robi (Domingo), Donny (Pangilinan), Edward (Barbers) or Enchong (Dee). Napakarami. Its about time a ibigay na yung show sa ganung generation," he said.

Luis expressed his desire to host an original game show and award prizes to a large audience.

"Sariling game show na talaga. Whatever we did sa It's Your Lucky Day na original at nanalo yung taong bayan, yung ang gusto kong magtuloy, tuloy for 2024," Luis said.

Luis said there's also a possibility that he would work with his mom, Vilma Santos-Recto, for a sitcom, but something is still being determined.

"She's happy vlogging. It's a different persona na nabibigay niya as a public servant. She's very happy vlogging, she's very happy acting. Kumbaga step by step. Bigla naman niya hahanapin ang fulfillment sa politics or do more movies, or a series or sitcom. May balita ako na pwedeng magka-sitcom si mommy," he said.

Luis congratulated his mom who won best actress at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival last December. "I know how she and her team worked for 'When I Met You In Tokyo.' I'm happy for her. In fact, may chatroom kami at sinabi niya 'Nanalo ako anak.' So I'm very happy for her."

Pizza fan

Luis admitted to being a fan of Shakey's Pizza and claimed he could consume a party-size pizza all alone.

"Matagal na ako sa Shakey's. When I signed for Shakey's it's not because it's an endorsement. I'm really a fan. Nakwento ko nga sa kanila, kaya kong umubos ng isang Shakey's on my own. That's why they got me pala.

"May short-list na sila ng possible endorsers. That time, they went to my Twitter, may nahanap silang isang post ko na I just finished a box of Shakey's pizza on my own. So sinabi nila it doesn't get organic than that. It was me being a fan of Shakey's. So sabi nila okay si Luyis would be the best (endorser). I'm really a fan," he recalled.

Vicente L. Gregorio, president and chief executive officer of Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI) since 2003, thanks the brand's fans for their continued support.

"The pandemic was really a tough time. Dapat tayong magpasalamat sa Diyos dahil it's all behind us now. A lot of the industry is just beginning to shake up and fully recover. As a group we have recovered faster than some. But you can never relax. That we should always be mindful and careful. The learnings we got from the pandemic kailangan hindi nasasayang yan.

"Competition is something we always respect. And it's really good for the consumers. We focus on what we do. We focus on how to wow! Collectively, the brands under SPAVI, we call them 'Wow' brands. I hope this promo will wow our guests," he added.