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THERE
are three young men who are hell-bent in their quest to
make it in show business. One of them is a graduate of
New York University, two of them are named Michael, and
three of them boast of a celebrity lineage over which we
can only turn green, blue and pink with envy.
Meet
Michael Manahan, Michael Manotoc and Gian Sotto—yup, all
three pack formidable celebrity pedigree. The first
Michael is the nephew of Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan, while
the other one is the son of Rep. Imee Marcos and younger
brother to Borgy. Meanwhile, Gian is the unico hijo of
Helen Gamboa and Tito Sotto.
You’re
all trying your luck in showbiz, when in reality you
don’t have to work anymore since you’re well-off. What’s
up with that?
 Manahan:
We’ve been brought up by very supportive parents who
really encourage us to do whatever we want. I’ve always
appreciated the arts and performing.
Manotoc:
It’s not like we don’t have to work. We’re ordinary
people, too, who just want to make a decent living.
What is
it about acting that enticed you to go into the
business?
Sotto:
Acting has always been a passion. I’ve been interested
in it ever since. I’ve done a few acting gigs before and
it really gives me a different feeling.
Manahan:
I see acting as an art…well, like an art and a science.
I’ve always considered myself an artist and I express
myself through art. Whether through music or through
acting. It’s very cathartic for me.
Speaking
of music, Michael (Manahan) and Gian, I heard you both
are in bands….
Manahan:
That’s true. I am part of a duo with my brother called
Michaelangelo. I play the guitar and we have a single
out now called “Trapik.”
 Sotto:
My band is called Nerveline. We’re an alternative band,
and I do vocals and play the guitar like Michael.
So what
is your priority, acting or music?
Manahan:
Can’t it be both?
No,
both of you have to choose only one….
Manahan:
For now, I already talked to my brother and he knows I
would concentrate on acting. So acting probably, but I
would still like to think that I can balance both. I
don’t want one art form to suffer in favor of another.
Sotto:
Honestly, it would have to be music. I’ve been into it
ever since I was young. I was told that people don’t
want to be confused when a personality is new….That I
should prioritize if I’m a musician or an actor. I would
like to think that I can be among those artists who can
be both.
What
about you, Michael (Manotoc), why didn’t you pursue an
international career? I mean you were already there and
you could’ve started in
New York?
 Manotoc:
Asian actors are still stereotyped abroad. The
opportunities here are big. But most important, I’m
still a Filipino, and that’s the main reason why I went
back here.
Did
your famous relatives give you any advice when you told
them about your plans of going into showbiz?
Manotoc:
They just told me to stay grounded.
Sotto:
Nothing much. They’re very happy for me and told me to
just take care of myself.
Manahan:
They told me that acting is a job. And just like any
other job, you have to give your best to make it. Uncle
Johnny also told me to have fun. And these were his
words: “Baka may maloko ka!” (Laughs) |
