“Work makes the stars.”
For Johnny Manahan, the legendary “Mr. M” behind the rise of some of Philippine entertainment’s biggest names, the philosophy has never changed. Decades into a career defined by discovering and molding talent, the veteran starmaker is once again putting that belief into action through Star Worx, the newly launched talent management arm of MediaQuest and TV5.
After his stint with GMA Network, Mr. M now returns to the spotlight with a fresh mission and that is to shape a new generation of artists equipped for today’s rapidly evolving entertainment format. And despite the many changes in the industry over the years, he remains grounded in the same standards and principles that made him one of the most respected talent mentors in local show business.
During the media launch, Mr. M was asked by Random Republika whether his criteria for choosing and developing talents had changed through the years. His answer was simple: none.
“We always look for willingness to work, enthusiasm, and youthful vigor,” Mr. M said.
That same mindset now serves as the foundation of Star Worx, officially launched last May 5 at the TV5 Center in Mandaluyong City. The event transformed the newly inaugurated MVP Studios into a grand showcase of TV5 and MediaQuest’s growing commitment to entertainment and talent development.
Industry executives, entertainment press members, sponsors, talent managers, and MediaQuest artists gathered for the milestone occasion, led by MediaQuest Holdings president and CEO Ricky Vargas and TV5 president and CEO Guido Zaballero. The launch was hosted by entertainment personalities Pat-P Daza and MJ Marfori.
During the formal program, MediaQuest Artists Agency executive head Jeff Remigio officially introduced the rebranding of MQAA into Star Worx — a name personally coined by Mr. M himself. According to Remigio, the title perfectly captures the mentor’s long-standing mantra: “Work makes stars.”
Beyond a rebrand, Star Worx signals a renewed focus on discipline, training, and artistic excellence as the company positions itself to develop versatile artists capable of thriving across multiple entertainment platforms.
Acting coach and director Rahyan Carlos emphasized that discipline remains non-negotiable within the program and is deeply aligned with Mr. M’s vision for the agency.
“Of utmost importance kay Mr. M ’yung discipline. Non-negotiable sa ’min ni Mr. M ’yung bago sila ilagay sa shows, number one, ethics for actors — ’yun ’yung meaning ng ‘work makes the stars,’” Carlos explained.
He added that strict discipline is already being implemented among the trainees, sharing that artists who arrive even a minute late to acting class are no longer allowed to enter the room.
The launch also introduced the agency’s first batch of talents, collectively known as the StarWorx 16. Their debut featured a high-energy production number, immediately giving guests a glimpse of the performers’ charisma and potential.
The pioneering roster includes Nathalie Apollo, Patrick Ballesteros, Adam Buck, Spencer Capistrano, Celyn David, Rahil Gatali, Selina Griffin, Marthena Jickain, Kaitlyn King, Wayne Leonard, Carmela Lorzano, Chan Martin, Nico Matugas, Steph Razon, Keisha Serna, and Amo Wilding.
Carmela Lorzano and Chan Martin later showcased their vocal abilities with a performance of “Rewrite the Stars,” accompanied by an interpretative dance number by Nico Matugas and Selina Griffin.
In his speech, Ricky Vargas reaffirmed TV5’s ambition to strengthen its entertainment arm while continuing to build momentum as a major multimedia platform.
“We’re not in flight yet, but we’re on the runway, building momentum,” Vargas said.
Mr. M later thanked MediaQuest chairman Manny V. Pangilinan for the trust placed in his vision and shared his hopes for Star Worx as a platform that will nurture disciplined, hardworking, and well-rounded performers.
As the program concluded, the StarWorx 16 each took turns introducing themselves to the media, impressing guests with their confidence and poise despite being newcomers to the industry.
With Mr. M once again at the helm of a talent development group, industry observers are now eager to see which among these fresh faces will become the next generation of stars — built, as always, through hard work.
