The story of Julius Manalo, a Filipino-Korean policeman separated from his mother for three decades, reminds us of the strength of family bonds and the emotions tied to lost connections.
His deeply moving story was aired on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho last October 13, 2024.
Let’s take a closer look at the life-changing events that brought Julius back together with the mother he thought he had lost forever.
Read: Filipino-Korean policeman reunites with Korean mom after 31 years
EARLY LIFE
Full Name
Julius Manalo was born Oh Jun Young to a Korean mother, Oh Geum Nim, and a Filipino father, Eustaquio Manalo Jr.
Birthday
Julius was born on December 19, 1986, in South Korea.
He will turn 38 years old before the year ends.
Hometown
At age 6, Julius was brought to the Philippines by his father.
Family
In the KMJS interview, Julius shared that his father had promised his mother they were only going on a two-week vacation to the United States.
However, his father revealed upon arriving in the Philippines that they wouldn’t be returning to Korea.
Julius recounted, “Nagulat ako nang inamin sa akin ng tatay ko na, ‘Hindi ka na babalik ng Korea.’"
He remembered breaking down in tears, devastated by the news and desperate to return to his mother, whom he deeply missed.
He expressed the confusion of a child torn from his roots, “Sa isip ko, paano na ang nanay ko? Mag-isa na lang ako dito.”
Read: Julius Manalo reveals what's next after reunion with Korean mom
EDUCATION
Julius grew up in Tondo, Manila, where life was far from easy.
His father worked hard, but when money ran short, Julius had to take odd jobs, like scavenging for goods to sell.
“Minsan, tumutulong ako sa mga kasamahan ng tatay ko sa kalye. Parang laro na lang, pero may hangganan din,” he reminisced.
His older half-brother, actor Jay Manalo, helped send him to school, ensuring he had opportunities that many around him did not.
Eventually, Julius earned a basketball scholarship in college. His passion for the sport not only provided an escape but also a sense of identity in a world where he often felt lost.
“Basketball was my way of finding myself. Dito ko nakita ang lugar ko,” he shared, emphasizing how the game allowed him to channel his emotions productively.
Read: Jay Manalo, di nalalayo ang kuwento sa half-brother na si Julius
CAREER
Julius's career path took him in two distinct directions—basketball and law enforcement.
After graduating, he became a police officer, joining the ranks of the Philippine National Police.
“Sa police, gusto ko talaga makatulong sa mga tao. I want to be a part of something bigger,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to public service.
At the same time, he pursued professional basketball in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) for teams such as the Valenzuela Classics and the Manila Stars.
“Kapag nasa court ako, wala akong iniisip kundi ang manalo. But outside, I’m just a regular guy trying to make a difference,” he reflected.
PERSONAL LIFE
Julius as a husband and father
Julius eventually started a family of his own, becoming a devoted husband and father to two kids—a girl named Winter and a boy named Thunder.
It was his daughter who, unknowingly, led him to his long-lost mother.
While installing a water filter at his in-laws' house, Korean agent Steven Huh noticed that Julius’s daughter bore a striking resemblance to Koreans
This chance encounter prompted Steven—who knew a producer from TV Chosun—to ask about Julius’s Korean heritage, leading to a series of events that would forever change the policeman's life.
Julius revealed, “Sabi ko sa anak ko, ‘Laging isipin na mahal kita, anuman ang mangyari.’ Gusto ko silang lumaki na alam nila na nandiyan ako para sa kanila.”
Julius reunites with his Korean family
After years of searching, Julius’s story aired on TV Chosun, which eventually led to his mother, Oh Geum Nim.
Julius shared in his KMJS interview that when he learned they had found her, he was filled with overwhelming emotions.
“Kinakabahan ako,” he admitted, adding that he had promised himself never to call anyone "nanay" again—until he could say it to his mother in person.
When they finally reunited after 31 years of separation, Julius shouted "Eomma!" as he ran toward his mother, finally able to embrace the woman he had longed for since childhood.
“Nung nakita ko siyang naglalakad na, yung word na 'nanay,' nagamit ko. Alam kong yun yung tamang time,” he recalled with tears in his eyes.
Their reunion was filled with apologies and healing, but Julius reassured his mother, saying, “The mere fact na nag-stay kang buhay, yun yung lagi kong panalangin.”
As they shared stories and memories, Julius learned that his mother had never stopped searching for him, often wondering where he was and what he had become.
“Nakita ko sa kanya ang lungkot na dinanas niya. Pareho kaming nagdusa, pero ngayon, nandito na tayo,” he said, emphasizing the shared pain that had been bridged by their love.
