Luis Manzano has embraced countless new experiences since becoming a father to Isabella Rose, affectionately known as Peanut or Rosie.

Even though it has been a year and a half since he and his wife Jessy Mendiola welcomed Rosie, Luis admits that he still has much to learn about his role as a father.

“I matured a lot now, but still a long way to go,” the TV host says in his exclusive interview with SmartParenting for its June 2024 digital feature.

For Luis, a lot has definitely changed since he became a parent.

One significant change in his life is how he prioritizes and manages his time between work and family.

He says, “Siguro one thing na nagbago talaga sa akin is time management. It’s a very big thing na ginawa ko ngayon. My priorities… Siguro before it was always about work.

“These days, I slowed down a bit. Sabi nga, you have to find the perfect balance.

“Kasi dati ratrat. ‘O, Luis, may bago kang show.’ Tanggap! ‘O Luis, may ganito ka.’ Go! Even if I was already married.

“But you realize na you really have to slow down to appreciate every day with your family. I’m still working a lot pero you still have to put in the effort.”

The first-time dad also shares a valuable lesson he picked up from his father, Edu Manzano, about spending time with loved ones: while many emphasize quality over quantity, his dad believes both are important.

Luis explains that special moments are crucial, but consistent presence—even in small doses—leaves a lasting impact.

“One thing my dad will always say and one thing we always hear when it comes to time, it’s always quality over quantity.

“But my dad said, truth be told, it’s also quantity.

“You can easily say kasi na quality over quantity, I’ll spend two days with you na we do anything and everything, tapos hindi mo na ako mararamdaman or very minimal na.

“But then, I would rather have two special days with you and a lot of days with you na even if you don’t see me that much, but at least you know I’m there.

“Tumatatak pa rin yun.”

LUIS MANZANO: RAISING ROSIE

Luis also shares some observations about his daughter as she grows older. He has noticed one particular trait that Rosie may have inherited from his side of the family.

“Pilya siya, personality wise. Definitely a Manzano,” Luis confirms.

He explains further, “For example, lalambingin mo, kiss-kiss, she’s gonna run to you. Pag palambing ka na, biglang she runs away laughing.

“It’s a Manzano trait. Yung pagiging sobrang nang-aasar. And I wouldn’t be surprised na when she starts talking na, mapang-asar na tao ito.”

But apart from being “pilya,” Luis observes that his daughter loves reading.

He says, “She loves reading, that’s one. Mama’s girl talaga siya, but our quality time is always reading before bed as much as possible.

“What we do ni Haw Haw [Jessy’s nickname] is, after Peanut’s shower, she gets 20 to 30 minutes for us to go through whatever books.

“Tapos kapag inaantok na siya, I pass her on to Jessy na para patulugin. I step out na.”

What is Rosie’s go-to book?

Luis answers, “There’s Papa Get the Moon For Me [by Eric Carle]. I would replace the name of the kid with Peanut.

“To make the long story short, the baby girl wants the moon, so the papa gets a very long ladder, climbs to the moon, and talks to the moon na, ‘My daughter would like to be able to play with you.’

“So he brings down the moon for his daughter.”