If this boy next door knocks on your door, be prepared to make him the new object of your infatuation—invite in, Brent Manalo
This is an excerpt from MEGA August 2024 MEGA Man story.
The “boy next door” archetype is timeless in the annals of literature and films. He’s the approachable, charming, yet mysteriously magnetic character who wins hearts with a smile that feels both intimate and genuine. Think of the likes of Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday or Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. Today, this beloved archetype finds a real-life embodiment in Brent Manalo, the 26-year-old model, actor, and influencer who has taken the entertainment industry by storm.
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When Brent walked into the studio for the shoot, time seemed to halt. His striking presence demanded attention— dressed in a leather jacket over a black shirt, baggy denim cargo pants, and boots, with hair slicked back like James Dean, he was every bit the modern icon.
Conversations paused, breaths were held, and all eyes turned to the man redefining what it means to be the ultimate boy next door of his generation.
THE ACCIDENTAL HEARTTHROB
“Actually, it happened right after I graduated college in May 2018,” Brent begins, recounting his unexpected entry into the entertainment industry. “My very first campaign was for an international fast fashion brand, and a week after that, I was called by Johnny Manahan—widely known as Mr. M— from Star Magic to audition.”
“Then, I started doing workshops but at the same time, I was doing modeling on the side, and then, of course, the pandemic happened,” he laughs, a sound that’s as disarming as his smile.
Returning to showbiz in 2022, Brent’s career took off with his role in The Broken Marriage Vow where he worked with veteran actors Jodie Sta. Maria, Zanjoe Marudo, and Sue Ramirez. Since then, his journey has been filled with opportunities.
It’s almost impossible to imagine Brent as anything other than the charismatic star he is today, but he admits that showbiz wasn’t always on his radar. “It was never my dream to join showbiz—I never saw myself entering the industry as I was always awkward in front of the camera—I actually wanted to be a businessman,” he confesses. “Now, I have the drive to do it because ever since I started, the focus was always on my looks and I wanted to prove to myself that I’m more than that.”
Despite his initial reluctance, Brent’s dedication to his craft is palpable. To consistently nourish his craft, Brent immerses himself in the world of film and performance. “Immersion—as much as possible that’s what I do and I try to research too, study movies and I try to follow actors that I really look up to,” he explained. His influences range from the contemporary brilliance of Timothée Chalamet to the enduring appeal of local icon Jericho Rosales.
Read more about Brent Manalo and his journey to becoming the ultimate gen-z boy next door at MEGA’s August 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by RAYMOND CAUILAN. Creative direction by JONES PALTENG. Grooming by LIONEL FABROS. Styled by RYUJI SHIOMITSU, assisted by BITHIA REYES. Fashion CALVIN KLEIN, JOB DACON, FRANCIS LIBIRAN, and, VIKTOR BY INO CALUZA
