Looks like the child star is letting go of his past.

PHOTO BY SCREENSHOT YOUTUBE / BOSS TOYO PRODUCTIONS

(SPOT.ph) Former child star Jiro Manio popped up recently on Pinoy Pawnstars to sell his prized Gawad Urian award. You know the one, the massive trophy given by one of the most prestigious awards body in Philippine cinema—the one he won at just 12 years old thanks to a heartbreakingly bittersweet performance as Magnifico in the 2003 drama of the same name. The unexpected appearance on the popular vlog marks a sort of closure for the child actor and the troubled journey he’s gone through.

Jiro Manio with Boy Toyo at their shop.
PHOTO BY SCREENSHOT YOUTUBE / BOSS TOYO PRODUCTIONS

Why did Jiro Manio sell his Gawad Urian award on Pinoy Pawnstars?

Manio went on the “pawnstars” series hosted by rapper Jayson Luzadas, a.k.a. Boss Toyo, in an episode posted early January. He brought in his Gawad Urian award, pegging the price at a cool P500,000—eventually closing the deal at P75,000. You can spot the coveted trophy wrapped plainly in a plastic bag.

According to the former child star, he wanted to sell it to the rapper so that he could become part of a museum Boss Toyo is working on. “Sabi ng utol ko na magtatayo ka daw ng museum. Naisip ko, sana mapabilang ako doon, sa mga dating artista na nakatanggap ng award.” The rapper, in turn, was quick to reassure the former child actor that Manio is still a respected artist in their eyes. “Mataas pa rin respeto namin sa iyo,” he said. “Nung time na ‘yon, isa ka sa mga hinahaangaan namin, mga idol. ‘Di mo maalis sa mga puso ng nakapanood sa’yo noon.”

PHOTO BY VIOLETT FILM PRODUCTIONS / MAGNIFICO

At the end of the video, the rapper told the actor that all his contributions to Philippine cinema will never degrade. Manio left his signature on his trophy, also saying, “Happy ako na tinanggap ni Boss Toyo ‘yung award ko na pinapatago ko sa kanya. Sana malagay niya sa museum.”

So far, Boss Toyo has collected a jersey of Francis Magalona, the “Bagkasan” polos of Chito Miranda, Gloc-9, and the Master Rapper, Salbakutah’s trophy for Best Song of 2022 “S2pid Luv” and more.

Where is Jiro Manio now?

Jiro Katakura was born to a Japanese father, who passed early on in his childhood, and a Filipino mother. He began his acting career at just six years old after being scouted while with his older brother’s dance troupe, starring in a fast food commercial with Aga Muhlach. His real talent was discovered in the drama genre, making his first mark in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled “Otosan” where he played a guerilla couple’s child who befriends a Japanese soldier during the war. It was in Magnifico, where he played as an impoverished kid called Ikoy who touched the lives of many, that he was recognized by the Gawad Urian. He still holds the record for youngest actor to receive the award.

PHOTO BY SCREENSHOT YOUTUBE / BOSS TOYO PRODUCTIONS

At a young age, the actor fell into a long battle with drug addiction. In 2015, many were shocked by reports that Manio had been found wandering around NAIA Terminal 3, apparently homeless. In 2020, he was nabbed in Marikina after having allegedly stabbed a man.He was given aid by many throughout the years, including his co-star and on-screen mother in Ang Tanging Ina, Ai-Ai delas Alas.

After stints in rehab centers, it appears the child actor has officially moved on from his vices. Julius Babao interviewed Manio in his YouTube series in late 2023, finding the child actor volunteering at the same DOH rehab center in Bataan he went to in 2016.

Now 31 years old and continuing to volunteer at the DOH, Manio appears to have finally found peace and is leaving his childhood-actor past behind. We’ll be waiting to catch a glimpse of his Gawad Urian award at the museum, too!