Following a year marked by detours, rediscovery, and renewed purpose, celebrity couple Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano welcomed members of the media to an intimate thanksgiving gathering—an afternoon filled with candid reflections, heartfelt gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead in 2026.
During the casual kwentuhan, Luis opened up about the lessons he learned after his political bid in Batangas. He described redirection as life’s way of protecting someone from a path that isn’t meant to continue.
When asked if he had any plans to return to politics, Luis was straightforward: “Honestly, hindi ko na naiisip. After everything na we went through… para sa akin, I found my niche once again.”
He recalled feeling lost immediately after the elections but shared that things eventually aligned in his favor.
“For a while, I was lost. Pero after, everything fell into place right away. Ayoko na sayangin ’yun kasi not everyone is given a second chance na manumbalik sa industriya.”
Now, Luis is focused on what he does best—hosting—and spending time with his family.
“As of now, my main focus is balik sa pagho-host and taking care of the family. But marami pa rin akong itutulong sa Batangas.”
He also teased a packed 2026 lineup: “Good situation ang mangyayari next year… may babalik akong daily game show, nandiyan pa rin ang Rainbow Rumble, at meron pa akong isang gameshow na gusto gawin. Next year, two to three shows ang tinatry gawin.”
For Jessy, gratitude colored every part of the conversation—especially after her successful return to acting through “Sins of the Father.” After six years away from television to embrace motherhood, her comeback reaffirmed her passion and discipline.
“I can confidently say na nahanap na namin yung tamang pattern para sa aming dalawa, sa pamilya namin, and individually,” she said.
She expressed her deep appreciation for ABS-CBN, which welcomed her back after a long hiatus.
“I’m grateful to ABS-CBN also… akalain niyo nakabalik pa ako, ’di ba? After 6 long years… aakting ulit ang Jessy Mendiola. Napatunayan ko rin sa sarili ko—nakapagtapos ako ng isang show.”
With the holidays approaching, Jessy’s wishes turned outward: “Peace for my family, my husband, for everyone else… Sana amidst all the chaos, amidst the calamities, maramdaman nila yung warmth, yung pagmamahal.”
When asked about wishes for herself, she smiled: “For myself, wala na ako masyadong hilingin pa… nagpapasalamat na lang din ako. Masaya po ako.”
For Jessy and Luis, 2025 was defined by rediscovering rhythm—both as individuals and as partners. Their thanksgiving gathering highlighted how setbacks transformed into blessings, how second chances found their way back into their lives, and how they continue to walk forward with grounded hearts.
