Brent Manalo has spoken up about the “unwarranted hate” he has been receiving online as he continues to embrace new opportunities in the entertainment industry.
The It’s Showtime host took to X on September 6 to share his thoughts after choosing to remain silent about the criticisms he has faced for months. While he acknowledged that people may have their own perceptions of him and said that he is not trying to change or dispel it, Brent said he is only asking for “a little bit of grace.”
“For months, I took all the lashings and never said a word ‘cause I’m a firm believer that you should always let your work speak for [yourself],” he began.
“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 hardwork. I’ll never waste an ounce of opportunity given to me,” Brent maintained.
Despite being grateful for his growing career, Brent has asked the audience to spare him grace as he admitted that constant scrutiny has also been difficult for him.
“Huwag niyo po sanang ipagkait sakin na gawin yung trabahong binibigay sakin. I am simply doing my job. 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 miniscule,” he said.
The actor-host also addressed the reactions surrounding his Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition stint where he was hailed as the Kapamilya Big Winner, acknowledging that his win may have been met with different opinions.
“Regarding my PBB stint—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 continued: “I have made mistakes and learned from [them]. 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.”
For Brent, being open to criticism remains part of his responsibility as an entertainer, particularly as he continues to work in television. He maintained that he will always be open to constructive criticisms and promised to keep learning.
“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.”
However, he also made it clear that he hopes to distinguish constructive criticism from comments he believes are intended simply to bring him down.
“But if your sole purpose in life is to throw unwarranted hate at me, [please] keep your opinions to yourselves [because] it will never be acknowledged by me. Hindi po ako punching bag. Maraming salamat po,” he ended.
Following his post, fans rallied behind Brent and expressed their appreciation for his honesty and continued efforts to improve.
“Hugs Brenty 🫂 Your humility, growth & dedication dont go unnoticed. Please know that you are deeply loved, appreciated, and supported Brent—not just as an artist, but as a person. So proud of you, always ❤️🤎,” one commenter wrote.
“Proud of you for speaking your truth, Brent. dito lang kami always. we know your heart❤️,” another added.
Brent's decision to speak up comes at a time when his career continues to expand across different areas of entertainment.
After his PBB journey, he joined the casts of Call Me Mother and The Secrets of Hotel 88, allowing him to further establish himself as an actor.
He also explored music with his EP Loverboy, released in May, which he launched on his first-ever fan concert alongside his supporters.
By June, Brent was introduced as a regular host of It’s Showtime, adding another milestone to his growing career.
He is also set to take the stage in The Art of Breaking Up, which will run at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City from November to December.