Celebrity dad Luis Manzano tells Smart Parenting that his daughter Rosie is “definitely a Manzano.” He explains, “Pilya siya, personality wise. Definitely a Manzano. For example, lalambingin mo, kiss-kiss, she’s gonna run to you. Pag palambing ka na, biglang she runs away laughing.” 

Luis Manzano has embraced countless new experiences since becoming a father to Isabella Rose, affectionately known as Peanut or Rosie.

Even though it has been a year and a half since he and his wife Jessy Mendiola welcomed Rosie, Luis admits that he still has much to learn about his role as a father.

“I matured a lot now, but still a long way to go,” the TV host says in his exclusive interview with SmartParenting for its June 2024 digital feature.

PHOTO/S: JAYSON ISAAC FOR SMART PARENTING

One significant change in his life is how he prioritizes and manages his time between work and family.

He says, “Siguro one thing na nagbago talaga sa akin is time management. It’s a very big thing na ginawa ko ngayon. My priorities… Siguro before it was always about work.

“These days, I slowed down a bit. Sabi nga, you have to find the perfect balance.

“Kasi dati ratrat. ‘O, Luis, may bago kang show.’ Tanggap! ‘O Luis, may ganito ka.’ Go! Even if I was already married.

“But you realize na you really have to slow down to appreciate every day with your family. I’m still working a lot pero you still have to put in the effort.”

The first-time dad also shares a valuable lesson he picked up from his father, Edu Manzano, about spending time with loved ones: while many emphasize quality over quantity, his dad believes both are important.