Jay Manalo

Jay Lan Manalo (born January 30, 1973) better known as Jay Manalo, is a veteran Filipino actor of Filipino-Vietnamese descent. Although born in Saigon, Vietnam, he was raised in Tondo, Manila, Philippines.

Career

After he won as 1st runner-up of SM Man of the Year he became a model/endorser of Blowing Bubbles.

Movies

His film debut was through the action movie Brat Pack in 1994 which starred Arman Menguito. He became a lead in his second film, Paracale Gang, which was released in 1996 and followed by the movie Urban Rangers. That same year, he did a switch from action to sexy roles when he starred in the movie Gayuma opposite Aira Marie Nadurata. Possessing boyish looks and an oozing sex appeal, he became a staple of sexy movies in the Philippines, with the film Totoy Mola pushing him to sexy stardom.

After Totoy Mola, he played lead in "bold flicks" like Kool Ka Lang, Kaliwat Kanan, Sakit sa Katawan, Bayad Puri, Bawal na Halik and Balahibong Pusa. By the turn of the century, his roles had become more serious and dramatic. His recent performances have been well received by movie critics, and he has won a number of acting awards in the Philippines. Some of his noticeable portrayals are in the films Prosti, Bayaran, Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa, Hubog, Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita and Mano Po 3: My Love. He ventured into other film genres, having starred recently in comedies such as I Will Survive and Ako Legal Wife and in fantasy/horror films such as Gagamboy, Feng Shui, and his latest film Barang.