MANILA, Philippines — Brent Manalo has responded to the backlash following his viral on-air banter with Darren Espanto on “It’s Showtime,” saying he has endured months of criticism in silence but is now asking the public for “a little bit of grace.”
In a lengthy statement posted on X on Sunday, Manalo said he was not trying to change how people perceive him but wanted to share what was on his mind after initially choosing to remain silent.
“Hi guys! dropping by to share what’s on my mind. I’m not here to change or dispel [your] perception of me, but I am asking for a little bit of grace. For months, I took all the lashings and never said a word [because] I’m a firm believer that you should always let your work speak for [you],” Manalo wrote.
The statement came two days after Manalo and Espanto went viral for their playful exchange during the Miss Q and A segment of the Sept. 4 episode of “It’s Showtime.”
The banter began as the two co-hosts traded jokes about their respective reality show roots.
Manalo teased Espanto about his dancing, saying, “Ang galing mong sumayaw, halatang galing siya sa ‘The Voice.’” (You’re so good at dancing, it’s obvious he came from “The Voice.”)
Espanto quickly fired back, embracing his background on the singing competition.
“Galing ako sa ‘The Voice.’ Kaya nga multi-talented, ’di ba?” (I came from “The Voice.” That’s why I’m multi-talented, right?)
Manalo then highlighted his experience on “Pinoy Big Brother,” saying, “Ako, subok sa hamon ng buhay dahil galing ako sa ‘PBB.’” (I’ve been tested by life’s challenges because I came from “PBB.”)
Espanto responded with a remark that drew loud cheers and laughter from the studio audience.
“Parang wala ka naman ganap masyado doon sa loob ng bahay.” (It seemed like you didn’t really have much going on inside the house.)
Co-hosts Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis and the audience reacted to the exchange.
The two appeared to remain on good terms as it was a playful banter. Espanto hugged Manalo after the segment and reminded viewers, “Magkakaibigan kaming lahat dito sa ‘It’s Showtime.’” (We’re all friends here on “It’s Showtime.”)
However, the viral exchange also prompted criticism from some netizens, which Manalo addressed in his latest statement.
The actor and television personality emphasized that he remains grateful for the opportunities currently being given to him, while stressing that his career opportunities came after years of waiting and hard work.
“With all the opportunities being given to me right now, I am truly grateful to the management and everyone who believes in me and my capabilities. But these things were never handed to me. It was years of waiting and hard work. I’ll never waste an ounce of opportunity given to me,” he wrote.
Manalo also asked the public not to prevent him from accepting and performing the work offered to him.
“Huwag niyo po sanang ipagkait sakin na gawin yung trabahong binibigay sakin. I am simply doing my job.” (Please don’t deny me the opportunity to do the work that is being given to me.)
He said he hopes to eventually be able to work without feeling that his every move is being scrutinized for something that could be used against him.
“I hope to one day be able to show up to work and not walk on eggshells ‘cause everything I say or do is being watched closely just to fault me for something so minuscule,” Manalo wrote.
Manalo also addressed his “PBB” stint saying, “Admittedly, my win was polarizing but it is my journey and I hope to be able to look back at it with pride. I never once took that win for granted. I owe it to all those who fought for me,” he said.
He also acknowledged his past disgressions.
“I have made mistakes and learned from it. I have apologized time and time again to those whom I’ve offended. This chapter has been closed so I hope we can all move forward,” Manalo wrote.
Despite the criticism, Manalo said he remains willing to listen when feedback is intended to help him improve.
“I will always listen to constructive criticisms. And I’ll always try to continuously improve because it is our responsibility to provide quality TV to our audience. I know that it is my job and I have to do it well. I’m still a work in progress and I promise to stay committed,” he said.
“But if your sole purpose in life is to throw unwarranted hate at me, please keep your opinions to yourselves because I will never acknowledge it. Hindi po ako punching bag. Maraming salamat po.” (I am not a punching bag. Thank you very much.)
Manalo won “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” in 2025 alongside Mika Salamanca, with their BreKa tandem becoming the first Big Winner Duo in the reality show’s history. Espanto, meanwhile, rose to prominence as the first runner-up of the inaugural “The Voice Kids Philippines” season in 2014, where he finished behind Lyca Gairanod.
