originally chosen by roden to play drew smith in the television movie of "all about adam". but due to conflicts in filming schedules, he played the brief and groundbreaking role of an hiv victim named christian jacob. before joining all about adam, karlo manalo became very controversial when "vice ganda" hit on him and went tumbling backward on national television in 2009 on a filipino talent show titled showtime. his adonis charming looks caught the attention of the host/judge. manalo was then tagged as the man who made vice ganda go gaga.