MANNY CASTAÑEDA
For more than two decades, Manuel “Manny” Castañeda has been part of Filipinos’ lives through his works as a comedian, writer, and a movie and TV director. He is currently the head writer for ABS-CBN’s Sharon and co-anchor of DZMM’s Talakan: Talakayan at Kantiyawan alongside Ahwel Paz. Talakan is his first-ever radio show.
Direk Manny attended his elementary and high school studies at San Beda College from 1961 to 1972. Then he went to De La Salle University where he gained his bachelor's degree in Business Management and Communication Arts in 1977. He later on pursued post-graduate studies in Literature at the University of Santo Tomas.
After his college graduation, Direk Manny served as a professor of Communication Arts to his alma mater. But it did not take long until he decided to leave the academe and followed what his heart truly desired…entertaining people through his innate creativity and highly contagious sense of humor!
Direk Manny said his “showbiz career” really started through his participation in theatrical plays since his school days. He was part of “Hanggang dito na lamang at Maraming Salamat,” which was one of the first Filipino productions that dealt with the theme of homosexuality. In the said on-act play, Direk Manny acted side-by-side with Director Lino Brocka who played as his closet gay buddy.
Among his many TV shows and movies, Direk Manny names Peque Gallaga’s “Oro, Plata, Mata” as his favorite film. In his early 20’s, he played the role of the deaf “Emilio.” Despite the bit role, he enjoyed the experience of making the movie as he was not only with co-actors but with his friends.
Another memorable project for him is the phenomenal satirical comedy TV show of the 80’s titled, “Sic O’Clock News.” Direk Manny, with fellow cast members Jaime Fabregas, Ces Quesada, Rene Requestas, Wilson Go, and Joji Isla, satirized the most controversial issues and personalities of the post-Martial Law era. For Direk Manny, what made the show remarkable is that it did not only make people laugh but it challenged them to think and be aware of the current happenings.
When he’s not on board for Talakan and not staging up Sharon, Direk Manny spends his free time doing his favorite hobby…sleeping!
MANNY CASTAÑEDA
For more than two decades, Manuel “Manny” Castañeda has been part of Filipinos’ lives through his works as a comedian, writer, and a movie and TV director. He is currently the head writer for ABS-CBN’s Sharon and co-anchor of DZMM’s Talakan: Talakayan at Kantiyawan alongside Ahwel Paz. Talakan is his first-ever radio show.
Direk Manny attended his elementary and high school studies at San Beda College from 1961 to 1972. Then he went to De La Salle University where he gained his bachelor's degree in Business Management and Communication Arts in 1977. He later on pursued post-graduate studies in Literature at the University of Santo Tomas.
After his college graduation, Direk Manny served as a professor of Communication Arts to his alma mater. But it did not take long until he decided to leave the academe and followed what his heart truly desired…entertaining people through his innate creativity and highly contagious sense of humor!
Direk Manny said his “showbiz career” really started through his participation in theatrical plays since his school days. He was part of “Hanggang dito na lamang at Maraming Salamat,” which was one of the first Filipino productions that dealt with the theme of homosexuality. In the said on-act play, Direk Manny acted side-by-side with Director Lino Brocka who played as his closet gay buddy.
Among his many TV shows and movies, Direk Manny names Peque Gallaga’s “Oro, Plata, Mata” as his favorite film. In his early 20’s, he played the role of the deaf “Emilio.” Despite the bit role, he enjoyed the experience of making the movie as he was not only with co-actors but with his friends.
Another memorable project for him is the phenomenal satirical comedy TV show of the 80’s titled, “Sic O’Clock News.” Direk Manny, with fellow cast members Jaime Fabregas, Ces Quesada, Rene Requestas, Wilson Go, and Joji Isla, satirized the most controversial issues and personalities of the post-Martial Law era. For Direk Manny, what made the show remarkable is that it did not only make people laugh but it challenged them to think and be aware of the current happenings.
When he’s not on board for Talakan and not staging up Sharon, Direk Manny spends his free time doing his favorite hobby…sleeping!