Music has always been Manny’s passion. A graduate of Berklee College of Music - one of the most prestigious music schools in the world - he nearly lost everything to alcoholism before finding recovery and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, he owns a successful small business teaching private guitar lessons in Salem. He also has teaching roles at Linfield University and Abiqua School where he has shared his love of music with students from all walks of life.

Manny is the leader of Birth of Happiness, a Salem-based rock band known for using music to inspire personal transformation, especially among those overcoming addiction. The band's debut self-titled album, released in 2024, chronicles Manny’s personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and now channels this struggle and triumph into the music. He is also frequently found around the Willamette Valley playing with his Jazz Quartet.

As an active member of the Salem community, Manny has become a prominent voice, helping others overcome their addictions and rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and triumph.