The list of hardcourt heartthrobs turning showbiz idols is apparently growing. Following in the footsteps of Joey Marquez and Benjie Paras is BJ Manalo, the latest tinseltown recruit from the world of basketball. Tall, charming and good looking, 23-year-old BJ has shown his promise and skill on the hardcourt. Now, as one of the mainstays of ABS-CBN’s daily noontime program, MTB: Ang Saya Saya, BJ is out to prove his flair for hosting, as well. BJ is the eldest of three children. He was named after his dad, Benedict, a civil structural engineer. His younger siblings are Denise and Renzo. His mom is the former Odette de Jesus. The six-foot-tall hardcourt heartthrob has gained quite a following among basketball fans, first when he played in the UAAP junior league with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and for the La Salle Green Archers when he went to college. He also played point guard for the RP Youth Team in 1998. Now that he’s taking his Masters Degree, BJ is back to playing for Ateneo-Smart for the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). Hence, being on the limelight is nothing new to BJ. "In basketball, you also gain your own fans," asserts BJ. "When you’re a UAAP player, you’re like one of The Hunks." "There are people who recognize me when I go out. But when I started hosting MTB, more people recognize me because I’m more visible on TV." The biggest adjustment BJ had to make was wearing makeup everyday when he faces the cameras. "When I was in high school, I would face the cameras in my basketball jersey and that was it," shares BJ, then the most popular campus figure at De La Salle University. "Actually, the entire experience of being in a noontime show is new to me. Before, I would only watch Angelica (Jones) and Mickey (Ferriols). But now, I’m actually working with them. Being on MTB is like a field trip. Lahat bago sa ‘kin" BJ now juggles his time between basketball games/practices and the daily noontime show. But all the grueling work is apparently not too tough for him. And BJ is hardly complaining. Playing basketball was his childhood ambition, fueled by his idols such as NBA superstar Michael Jordan, as well as local hardcourt heroes Alvin Patrimonio and Johnny Abarrientos. He is aware that it is through playing basketball that he got his break to become a noontime TV host. "Before, I enjoyed watching noontime show hosts and I thought they were simply doing an easy thing," BJ allows. "I had a short-lived hosting stint when I did Unang Hirit with Hans Montenegro on GMA 7. But when I started hosting MTB everyday, mahirap din pala. I know I need to improve on a lot of things. I attend workshops on hosting so I can hone whatever talent I have in that field." BJ, who is now being managed by Dondon Monteverde, has been enjoying his daily hosting stint on MTB. "We’re like a family," BJ says. "I’m the kuya to Angelica and Mickey is like a sister to me, too. More than working together, we’re also having fun. When we’re not in front of the cameras and we’re simply waiting for our turn in the dressing room, we share a lot of stories." Clowning in front of the cameras is something new to BJ, although the guy is a natural comic and has a good sense of humor. In high school, he is said to be the comedian in class. However, BJ does not see himself going into acting in the near future. "But I think I can do it," he smilingly says. "I have no expectations when I entered showbiz. I know that my responsibility is to share more of myself to the audience, to let them know the wonderful moments in my life and most especially my faith. To whom more is given, more is asked in return. I can feel God’s blessings in my life now and I want to share that even with the influential people I get to meet." When it comes to basketball, BJ is dead serious on achieving his goal to be on the professional league. "That’s the direction I’m going to take, to play in the PBA," he says with confidence. "But I know that playing basketball is not just popularity, glamour or money. It requires a great deal of training, hard work, discipline and perseverance." Despite his celebrity status, BJ has remained firmly grounded. Thankfully, popularity has not gotten to his head. When he’s not on TV, he prefers to be seen in denim jeans, polo shirts, tees and sneakers. Of course, that’s aside from his basketball jersey and Adidas shoes when he’s on the playing court. He had a humbling experience last year when he was sidelined from the hardcourt after suffering from a serious knee injury. On top of that, his best friend had a heart attack while playing basketball. "I couldn’t play after that," BJ shares. "It was both physical and emotional pain for me. But that taught me a lesson. Before, I based my self-worth on the car I drove, my achievements and how I would always easily get what I wanted. But suddenly, when I stopped playing, I felt I had no self-worth. That brought me to the realization that everything is so temporary." BJ is not just all looks and playing muscles, he definitely has something between his ears. The marketing management graduate from De La Salle University has learned to be enterprising earlier on by investing his money in exporting shoes and basketball uniforms to the United States. "I got my business sense from my dad, who is also a businessman," BJ admits. "I’ve been enterprising since I was small. I know that being a basketball player is not a permanent job. And neither does being in showbiz. So I want to have something to fall back on." Sorry, ladies, but the basketball star-turned-celebrity TV host has already found his significant other, although settling down is still farthest from his mind. At present, he simply wants to make the most out of what he does and continuously thank his Creator for all the blessings he has received. |