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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Johnny Manahan leads TV5's Star Worx in search for next generation of entertainment stars

Johnny Manahan leads TV5's Star Worx in search for next generation of entertainment stars

Published May 7, 2026 02:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Johnny Manahan shares his formula for creating stars as TV5 launches Star Worx and introduces 16 promising new talents under the legendary star-maker.

Legendary talent maker Johnny Manahan, known in the industry as Mr. M, is leading TV5’s push to discover the next generation of Philippine entertainment stars through its newly launched talent arm, Star Worx.

At 79, the former head of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic reaffirmed his reputation for spotting talent, having helped launch some of the country’s biggest celebrities, including Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Piolo Pascual, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Angelica Panganiban, Claudine Barretto, and Kristine Hermosa, among many others.

He also played a role in shaping the careers of Jolina Magdangal, Marvin Agustin, Jodi Sta. Maria, Rica Peralejo, Carlo Aquino, Paolo Contis, and the late Rico Yan.

After a stint with GMA Network’s Sparkle, Mr. M is now focused on building TV5’s own roster of homegrown talent through Star Worx, formerly known as MediaQuest Artist Agency, marking the network’s effort to strengthen its entertainment lineup.

At the Star Worx launch at MVP Studios on May 5, he said the most important trait in a potential star remains the “X-factor.”

“X-factor, hindi mawawala ‘yan. I don’t know what it is, pero nandoon ‘yun. Kapag nakita niyo, mafefeel niyo agad,” he said.

He added that youth is also important, as the goal is to develop talents over time.

“We want them to grow with us over a span of five or 10 years,” he explained.

The first batch, called “Star Worx 16,” underwent months of training starting January 2026, covering acting, singing, dancing, hosting, choreography, and Filipino language fluency.

“We weren’t just on the lookout for performers. We are cultivating icons,” Mr. M said.

The female talents introduced include Marthena Jickain, Carmela Lorzano, Celyn David, Kaitlyn King, Keisha Serna, Nathalie Apollo, Rahil Gatali, Selina Griffin, and Steph Razon, while the male roster features Adam Buck, Amo Wilding, Chan Martin, Nico Matugas, Patrick Ballesteros, Spencer Capistrano, and Wayne Leonard.

Many of the new talents are students, while others already have experience in acting, singing, dancing, hosting, modeling, sports, and content creation.

Mr. M also addressed his decision to leave GMA Network after serving as consultant for Sparkle, saying his contract had ended and the collaboration had run its course.

Despite the rise of social media stars, he emphasized that television remains a powerful platform for building long-lasting careers.

“I still believe in TV as a medium of entertainment and of creating stars,” he said, noting that while social media creates instant fame, television allows for deeper storytelling and longevity.

With Star Worx now officially launched, TV5 aims to develop the next generation of Filipino entertainment icons under Mr. M’s guidance.

Related Tags

Johnny Manahan Mr. M Star Worx TV5 Star Worx 16 TV5 talents Philippine entertainment Star Magic GMA Sparkle Bea Alonzo John Lloyd Cruz Piolo Pascual new Filipino stars TV5 entertainment news
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