Glicerio "Jojo" Maniquis Manzano Jr. was born October 31, 1952 in Manila, Philippines. He was the youngest of five children, having four sisters. His father, Capt. Glicerio Manzano Sr., was a lawyer; his mother, Gloria Maniquis Manzano, was a teacher in a public high school. Manzano received his early grammar school education in a Roman Catholic school, while at the same time attending a Protestant church; when eight years old he transferred to a school in the public school system, in which he continued through high school. Manzano received his college education at the Philippine College of Commerce from which he received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1974, specializing in accounting.

Manzano's experience working in Christian organizations began in 1972 when he served as the office secretary for the Asian office of International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES). In 1973 he transferred to the office of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship of the Philippines (IVCF-Philippines), working as its office manager. Manzano's interest in missions began generally through his association with IVCF-Philippines, but more specifically in his attendance at the 1973 Asian Missionary Convention held in the Philippines. In anticipation of working as a missionary in India, Manzano resigned from Inter-Varsity in 1977 to begin his theological education at the Bible College of New Zealand (BCNZ) in Auckland, where he studied from 1977 to 1980. While attending BCNZ, his interest shifted from India to Nepal. Manzano joined International Nepal Fellowship (INF) prior to completing his degree at BCNZ. He served with INF in Pokhara, Nepal, as the accountant at the Shining Community Health Centre, a facility offering regular hospital services as well as treatment for and rehabilitation from leprosy. Manzano completed his first term in 1985. In his second term Manzano assumed duties as INF's treasurer.

Manzano married Rebecca "Reby" Bondad in 1979. They had three children.