Former Filipino child actor Jiro Manio has sold his Gawad Urian Best Actor trophy for P75,000 to a vlogger known as Boss Toyo. Manio, who won the award in 2004 for his role in the film “Magnifico,” initially hoped to sell the trophy for P500,000 but eventually settled for the lower amount. He made this decision with the intention of having his trophy displayed in a museum that Boss Toyo plans to build.
Manio expressed no regrets about selling the trophy, seeing it as an opportunity to be part of a larger collection of memorabilia that will be remembered by many. Despite the financial challenges he faced, which led to the sale, Manio chose to view the transaction positively, believing that his award and his contribution to the film industry will be preserved in the museum.
The actor has faced significant challenges in his life, including being found wandering at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in 2015 and a subsequent arrest in 2020 for frustrated homicide. His struggles with substance abuse led to intervention from AiAi Delas Alas, a co-star in the “Ang Tanging Ina” series, who helped him enter a rehabilitation center.
Manio is now focusing on his recovery and self-improvement, volunteering at a drug rehabilitation center and prioritizing his family and self-recovery. He has expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery and is content with his current life, with no immediate plans to return to acting in movies or television.