MANILA - For the first time in about 15 years, Manuelito, the love child of Senator Lito Lapid and former Miss International Melanie Marquez, made a rare public appearance.

He was on DZMM's "Mismo" on Tuesday night.

Manuelito, who is now based in Las Vegas, is in town for a vacation.

"I'm just here for a vacation. I just needed a little time off po," said Manuelito, who appeared on Jobert Sucaldito's show with his mom.

Despite living about four hours away from his mom, Marquez said the younger Lapid makes frequent visits when she is in the United States.

"I visit her constantly, especially when she needs me, I'm always there for her," Manuelito said about his mother.

Asked about what he misses in Manila, he said: "It's been so long... I love the food here... Specifically certain ulam... I miss the traffic po."

Marquez narrated how she was able to bring Manuelito to the United States, in hopes of being reunited with her.

"I was the one who petitioned him. Ako ang nag-petition sa kanya, nasa America din ako. 'Yun lang, may nakialam sa aming relasyon, so napunta siya sa Chicago instead na sa akin siya pupunta," she said.

"Then after that, after almost a year, he was able to transfer with me din, sabi ko sa kanya, nag-reconcile kami and finally he understood my situation," she added.

Manuelito admitted that he has yet to meet with his dad, who is currently running for mayor in Angeles City.

The younger Lapid said his father must be busy with his own campaign and that of his older brother Mark, who is running for senator.

"I understand his predicament. I hold no grudges po," Manuelito said.

In early 2012, Marquez claimed in an interview that the senator has stopped talking to their son.

Asked if he gets along well with his mom's current husband, Adam Lawyer, Manuelito only has this to say: "I get along well with everybody."