The son of veteran actor Edu Manzano, Enzo Manzano held protests on his own in New York City in solidarity with Filipino activists who could not rally against the Philippine government because of a ban on mass gatherings back home.
Enzo said in a Facebook post that he was saddened and angered at the same time by how the government has managed the country.
“Today, I chose to stand outside the United Nations HQ for 3 hours (I have a recorded live video, on my timeline, showing the second half). It took me three days to decide I was actually going to do this. How did I arrive at this decision?”
The celebrity’s son admitted that he wasn’t the type of person to protest but seeing how the government is, he can not just do nothing.
“It only makes me more angry whenever news of our government comes out in the Philippines. The feeling of being useless doesn’t help either – whether it’s because I’m in New York or the government keeps coming up with ways to silence us back home.
“I was never the type to protest but at this point with all that the Philippine government is doing, it’s either you’re fighting to keep your country alive or not.”
https://www.facebook.com/lorenzoem/posts/10222631263511656
With his three-hour protest, he hopes that he could at least make a difference.
“Sucks to hear that my fellow Filipinos can’t protest back home. I hope my lone protest can make up for that. At least a little bit!”
As of this writing, the post has received over 13,000 Facebook likes and over 3,200 comments were pictures of him carrying two signs.
Meanwhile, his father Edu Manzano shared his reaction on Twitter: “Enzo has never been afraid to speak his mind. He is independent and fierce! He has strong opinions about life and would make any father proud to have a son like him.”
Enzo has never been afraid to speak his mind. He is independent and fierce! He has strong opinions about life and would make any father proud to have a son like him.
— Edu Manzano (@realedumanzano) June 19, 2020
He also replied to another netizen praising Enzo, “I have to say that I agree with you! It holds true for everyone. Time is a defining factor. Thank you for your kind words. Happy Father’s Day!”
I have to say that I agree with you! It holds true for everyone. Time is a defining factor. Thank you for your kind words. Happy Father’s Day!
— Edu Manzano (@realedumanzano) June 21, 2020
Netizens sympathized with him and admired him for standing up for his rights on behalf of his fellow Filipinos.
Seems like someone made the list of opposition and woke heroes.
From Aling Marie to Enzo Manzano very quick.
— The Igorot Kid™ (@theigorotkid) June 20, 2020
Awwww 🥺🥺🥺 Highest Respect to Enzo Manzano, if I fail, if I succeed, at least I live as I believe. No matter what, they take from me, they can’t take away my dignity. https://t.co/hA9YSF6U2U
— Shinichi Dempsey (@chinitomanager) June 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/jeideeeee_/status/1274230600472256513
Enzo Manzano, son of veteran actor Edu Manzano, is on the second day of his solo protest in NYC.
One of his placards says, “Duterte and the Philippine government are taking away my people’s basic rights!”
Enzo is the Manzano we stand#JUNKTERRORBILLNOW pic.twitter.com/F7QYecJXPa— Homer C. Reyes (@HomerCReyes1) June 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/marvintomandao/status/1274203956420345857
Frankie Pangilinan and now Enzo Manzano – there’s something in New York City that brings out the best in young Filipinos!!! The city that never sleeps and also open peoples minds
— RR (@OrlandoRoyce) June 20, 2020
Enzo Manzano stood for 3 hours b4 d UN HQ w a poster: "Duterte & PH govt are taking away my people's rights."
Another day, he vigils alone front of PH Consulate NY: "PH Govt is destroying my country's democracy. Hear us now b4 its too late."
Makes you stan this new gen Pinoys! https://t.co/3eq0By2pXj
— Markus Villa (@markusforleni) June 20, 2020
