That same year, he did a switch from action to sexy roles when he starred in the movie Gayuma opposite Amanda Page.
After Totoy Mola, he played lead in "bold flicks" like Kool Ka Lang, Kaliwat Kanan, Sakit sa Katawan, Bayad Puri, Bawal na Halik and Balahibong Pusa.
Some of his noticeable portrayals are in the films Prosti, Bayarán, Ang Huling Birhen sa Lupa, Hubog, Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita and Mano Po 3: My Love.
He is also known for his role as Tiago in a Vivamax movie, Selina's Gold, and his famous quote, “Bawasan mo ang pagsasalsal, para may oras ka sa gawain!!”.
His TV career started with the top-rated soap in 1997, Mula sa Puso, (ABS-CBN) which starred Claudine Barretto.
He recently starred in his new action-adventure series on GMA titled Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan as Drigo, a Filipino version of Hessler of Shaider.
[2] Manalo was briefly detained in July 2007 for making a bomb joke at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on his way to take a flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.