Talent manager Mannix Carancho has come to the defense of his longtime talent Fyang Smith, dismissing claims that the young actress has a “bad attitude” and insisting that she is simply misunderstood.
Speaking during the Mannix Management press conference, Carancho said many people mistakenly perceive Smith as unfriendly because she tends to be reserved around those she has yet to get to know.
“Siguro dahil hindi niya pa close ’yung maraming tao, akala tinatarayan sila. Pero kapag nakilala niyo siya, wala kang masasabi sa pakikisama niya.”
He described the ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11’ Big Winner as someone who is genuinely kind, humble, and easy to work with.
“Napakabait, walang masamang tinapay. Walang insecurities. Gusto niya lang mag-enjoy.”
Carancho also looked back on how Smith became part of Mannix Management, revealing that she initially frequented the Mannix House to create content before eventually signing with the agency.
“Bumibisita sa Mannix House, nagko-content. Nagustuhan po namin siya at nagustuhan niya rin ‘yung environment doon. Naging probationary muna kami for three to six months. Ngayon, three years ko na siyang mina-manage.”
Although he admitted he did not expect Smith’s rise to happen so quickly, he said he immediately recognized her potential to become a major star.
“Nakitaan ko po siya ng potential. Talagang malayo ang mararating ng batang ito.”
Carancho likewise brushed aside rumors that Smith is already living with her on-screen partner JM Ibarra. According to him, the speculation likely stemmed from the fact that the two spend a lot of time together because of work commitments.
He stressed that the pair are simply often seen together, leading some people to make assumptions about their relationship. JM had also previously denied the live-in rumors in an earlier interview.
Despite the controversies surrounding his talent, Carancho maintained that fame has not changed Smith, saying she remains the same respectful, hardworking, and grounded young woman he first met years ago.
