The veteran talent builder clarifies his GMA exit and introduces a fresh roster under TV5’s newest talent arm.
Dubbed the Philippines’ “Starmaker,” Johnny Manahan, now one of the leading forces behind TV5’s newest talent management arm, Star Worx, clarified that there were no disputes surrounding his departure from GMA Network.
In July 2021, Manahan signed a contract with GMA as a consultant, focusing on developing and honing new talent for the network’s Sparkle (formerly GMA Artist Center).
Manahan shared that he was “treated very well throughout his stay,” although his contract was not renewed after it expired. “I had a contract with GMA for three years. I was there for three years, and for the most part, they treated me very well,” he began
“I got along with the executives there like Jimmy Duavit, Felipe Yalong, and of course, Atty. Annette Gozon,” he said, explaining his departure from the Kapuso network.
“But after three years, they probably thought, and for a good reason, that they could handle things. They just wanted to find out if I could teach them something or deliver something already in addition to what they have there. I guess we were done with that,” he continued,
With Star Worx, Manahan is embarking on a new journey in nurturing a new breed of talent for TV5. During its official launch, Manahan explained that the rebranding of the agency formerly MQAA Artists Agency reflects their goal of building a new generation of stars.
“It’s to build an organization, much like the other organizations we have come up with over the years, and make it a professional organization. That’s the dream,” he shared with the press.
“That’s a dream we have had for many, many years. That’s what we hope to do here in TV5,” he continued. “Hopefully, we build a core of artists that can build a set of actors and actresses, and who knows? Maybe we can acquire stars and superstars.”
One of the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of the 16 fresh faces comprising Star Worx Batch 1, the agency’s first roster of aspiring talents hoping to make their mark in showbiz.
The female talents introduced were Marthena Jickain, Carmela Lorzano, Celyn David, Kaitlyn King, Keisha Serna, Nathalie Apollo, Rahil Gatali, Selina Griffin, and Steph Razon.
While the male roster includes Adam Buck, Amo Wilding, Chan Martin, Nico Matugas, Patrick Ballesteros, Spencer Capistrano, and Wayne Leonard.
Speaking about what makes a potential star, Manahan emphasized that the elusive X factor remains one of the most important qualities they look for.
“When we choose people, we look for the X factor, and then youth. We want them to grow with us so we can grow together over the next five to 10 years,” he explained.
Manahan, the former head of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, has long been recognized for his unmatched eye in discovering and developing talent. Over the years, he has helped launch the careers of some of the country’s biggest stars, 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 key role in shaping the careers of Jolina Magdangal, Marvin Agustin, Jodi Sta. Maria, Rica Peralejo, Carlo Aquino, Paolo Contis, and the late Rico Yan.
But after three years, they probably thought, and for a good reason, that they could handle things. They just wanted to find out if I could teach them something or deliver something already in addition to what they have there. I guess we were done with that.
Johnny Manahan
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