Sarah Geronimo was ‘awkward at first’ offstage, reveals Jonathan Manalo

Jonathan Manalo opens up on Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo’s offstage habits, and reveals why she needs time to warm up.

What does it take to get an extremely introverted Sarah Geronimo to open up?

According to hitmaker and music producer Jonathan Manalo, the answer is simple: patience, warmth, and time.

Manalo, who has worked closely with Geronimo on some of her biggest songs and theme tracks throughout her career, described the Popstar Royalty as someone whose warmth is immediately felt—even if she isn’t naturally expressive.

“Sarah G is very warm as a person. She won’t open up immediately, pero nararamdaman mo ‘yong warmth niya,” he shared in an interview with the digital show “Think Talk Tea.”

The longtime collaborators have worked together on several projects over the years, with Manalo producing some of Geronimo’s most memorable recordings, including theme songs that became closely associated with her career: “Maybe This Time,” “You Changed My Life in a Moment,” “A Very Special Love,” and “Paano Bang Magmahal” from “The Breakup Playlist.”

Speaking about their studio sessions, Manalo revealed that Geronimo often needs time to ease into the environment before work begins.

“Kapag dumadating si Sarah sa studio, kailangan niya mag-warm up bilang isang introvert,” he said.

According to the producer, the singer does not immediately switch into work mode upon arrival.

“Kailangan niya muna mag-loosen up para makapag-small talk na kami. Pero sa simula, awkward kasi introvert rin ako, nakakarelate ako,” Manalo shared. “Kailangan niya muna ng time to warm up sa lugar until mag-start ang work.”

The insight gives fans a rare glimpse of the woman behind the powerhouse vocals and sold-out performances. While Geronimo commands the stage with confidence, Manalo’s stories paint a picture of someone who prefers to quietly settle into a space before letting her artistry shine.

“Ang masasabi ko lang kay SG, sobrang mabuting tao to the core. Natural ang pagiging mabuti niya. ’Yon din talaga ang nagdala sa success na mayroon siya ngayon,” said Manalo.

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