Starmaker Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan has officially joined TV5, MediaQuest Ventures, and MQAA Artist Agency in what insiders are calling a major shake-up in Philippine entertainment.
The grand welcome, attended by top executives and entertainment press, included a mock contract signing to mark Mr. M’s formal entry into the Kapatid network.
Mr. M’s first project in the network is the daily countdown show Vibe, which features TV5’s newest talents. Artists Cedrick Juan, Dylan Menor, Ryle Santiago, and Queenay Mercado, all part of Vibe, were present to greet the star maker.
MediaQuest chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) attended, along with TV5 executives Sienna Olaso, Jane Basas, Jeffrey Remigio, and Guido Zaballero.
During the event, Mr. M described his new role as building a “world-class, in-your-face artists’ center” to discover and train talent for the coming decade.
“About three months ago, I heard they might need help, so I went over and spoke to Mr. Pangilinan. Easy to talk to. White is white, black is black. No beating around the bush. And maybe in five minutes, we got things done,” Mr. M said.
He emphasized that stars are at the center of content-making. “No stars, no content. You better believe it. We will be in the business of starmaking,” he added.
Having founded Star Magic at ABS-CBN and Sparkle at GMA Artist Center, Mr. M is considering renaming MQAA Artist Agency under the Kapatid network, with Starworx as a possible new name.
He also confirmed plans for collaborations with Kapamilya stars Piolo Pascual, Andrea Brillantes, and Enrique Gil, while Piolo is currently starring in Manila’s Finest, MediaQuest’s entry for MMFF 2025.
Mr. M also teased a grand, elegant ball for Kapatid artists, expected next year.
“Watch out for that. It’s coming,” he said. “Ayusin muna namin yung mga dapat ayusin, and part of the rebranding is, yeah, mga ball, mga okasyon na ganun para ma-showcase naman yung mga bata.”
MVP voiced full support for the collaboration, calling it a union of creativity and purpose. “Having Mr. M on board strengthens our mission to invest in Filipino talent and elevate the industry,” he said.
Basas added that Mr. M’s legacy in talent-building aligns perfectly with MQuest’s vision of a world-class home for artists.
Starting his career in the 1970s, Mr. M has become one of Philippine entertainment’s most influential figures, discovering and guiding many of the country’s top stars. Known for his mentorship combining discipline, artistry, and heart, he has earned the title “The Master of Star-Making.”
Remigio said, “Mr. M has always represented excellence in storytelling and performance. We look forward to letting his genius develop and inspire our artists into the stars they are meant to be.”
