Juan “Johnny” Ledesma Manahan, or more popularly known as “Mr. M,” wears many hats, but the one thing that he is known for is his gift for discovering talents who imbue that showbiz factor.
With over 50 years in the entertainment industry, he has made an indelible mark on many of the people he has worked with—most especially the celebrities he guided throughout his career.
When Keren Pascual organized a surprise tribute and post-birthday celebration for Mr. M, who recently turned 77 years old, over 100 celebrities, dressed in elegant black ensembles, gathered at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom for the “Night of 100 Stars” on March 16, 2024.
On how Keren was able to get Mr. M to attend the party—Keren also turned a year older earlier this month of March, so he used this as an excuse to throw a birthday party. Little did Mr. M know that the evening’s festivities were actually for him.
The evening’s celebration was directed by Alex Magbanua and hosted by Martin Nievera. For the entertainment, singers Nyoy Volante, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, and APO Hiking Society’s Buboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes sang Mr. M's fave songs.
Pokwang and Eric Nicolas invited Korina Sanchez-Roxas, Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano, Heart Evangelista, Jericho Rosales. Claudine Barretto, Piolo Pascual, and Charo Santos-Concio to share their heartfelt messages for the celebrant. Robi Domingo and Jayson Gainza hosted a fun trivia segment with Francine Diaz, Joshua Garcia, Donny Pangilinan, and Belle Mariano joining, answering yes or no to the questions.
Another treat for the evening was a donation of P100,000 by Dexterton Corporation Creative Director Audrey Go to Mr. M’s chosen charity.
A special video of “Who is Mr. M?” was also played on screen, featuring Kathryn Bernardo, Jericho Rosales, Donny Pangilinan, Jake Ejercito, Bea Alonzo, and Piolo Pascual.
The guest list include Agot Isidro, Albert Martinez, Ana de Ocampo, Andrea Torres, Angelette Calero, Anj Del Rosario, Anthony Pangilinan, Bea Alonzo, Belle Mariano, Boboy Garovillo, Caitlyn Stave, Camille Prats, Carlo Aquino, Carlos Agassi, Carmen Soo, Charlie Dizon, Charo Santos, Chie Filomeno, Chiz Escudero, Claudine Barretto, Darren Espanto, David Chua, David Fabros, Dimples Romana, Donnie Pangilinan, Empoy, Enrico Santos, Eric Nicolas, Eric Quizon, Erickson Raymundo, Erik Santos, Francine Diaz, Francis Libiran, Freddie Webb, Georcelle Dapat, Gigi Lara, Gio Alvarez, Guila Alvarez, Heart Evangelista, Howard Guinto, Jake Cuenca, Jan Rajah, Jane De Leon, Jason Abalos, Jayson Gainza, Joan Laygo, Jericho Rosales, Jessy Mendiola, Jim Paredes, Joanna Santos, Joel Mercado, John Lloyd Cruz, Jojie Dingcong, Jon Lucas, Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto, Kathryn Bernardo with her mom Min, Kathy Mercado, Kaye Abad, Keren Pascual, Kevin Tan, Ketchup Eusebio, Korina Sanchez, Kristine Hermosa-Sotto, Lawrence Tan, Leah Puyat, Leng Raymundo, Leo Katigbak, Lilybeth Rasonable, Luis Manzano, Luz Siguion Reyna, Margarita Gutierrez, Maricar Poon, Maricel Soriano, Mariole Alberto, Marissa Tambunting, Mark Yambot, Martin Nievera, Michelle Tiangco, Mickey Munoz, Migs Nograles, Nyoy Volante, Oyo Sotto, Pat P Daza, Philip Yalong, Piolo Pascual, Pokwang, Rafael Jaworski, Rhoda Campos, Rica Peralejo, Ricco and Tina Ocampo, Rikky and Beng Dee, Robi Domingo, Rocio Pantaleon, Roderick Paulate, Ruffa Gutierrez, Sam Milby, Sharon Cuneta, Sue Ramirez, Tato Borromeo, Tim Yap, Toby Tiangco, Tomas Lorenzo, Ton Lao, Veana Fores, Vina Morales, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and the Star Magic staff.
The event ended with a speech by Mr. M and an all-star pictorial with the celebrant.
Photos by Nice Print Photo