Esteemed starmaker Johnny Manahan, a.k.a. Mr. M, officially hightails it to TV5.
The veteran talent manager and creative force behind some of the country's showbiz juggernauts formally signs with MQAA Artist Agency and MQuest Ventures, both under the MediaQuest Holdings group, on November 6, 2025, at the TV Media Center.
The event gathered MediaQuest and Cignal TV executives: Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), chairman of MediaQuest Holdings; Jane J. Basas, president and CEO of MediaQuest and Cignal TV; Sienna G. Olaso, vice president and head of Channels Content; and Jeffrey Remigio, vice president and head of Content Management, Acquisition, and Distribution.
Read: Mr. M kumpirmadong umalis na sa GMA, pipirma sa TV5
MVP Welcomes Mr. M: I'm glad you finally found a home in TV5
MVP lauds Mr. M's creative spirit and fresh perspective.
“I've known you for quite a number of years already, Mr. M. I'm glad that you finally found a home in TV5. So, thank you for joining us,” he begins.
“One of the first things I noticed with you was that despite our common age, one of the first shows you produced for us is Vibe. And that's a very young show.
“For you to have created that idea is something that the station and all of us really are very grateful for.
“Thank you so much because it is starting to get traction in terms of ratings, and I think it's something that addresses the majority of the population.”
MVP adds that Mr. M's instincts were precisely what TV5 needed to continue expanding its creative reach.
“Certainly, apart from the content, we need people who can give expression to the creative ideas behind that content."
Currently airing on TV5, Vibe is a musical-variety program hosted by Ana Ramsey, Kych Minemoto, Ryle Santiago, Paulo Angeles, Elijah Canlas, Queenay Mercado, Joao Constancia, Dylan Menor, and Maxie Andreison.
Read: Johnny Manahan's Night of 100 Stars party, a nostalgic reunion
The Star-making continues
Taking the spotlight with his signature composure and off-the-cuff humor, Mr. M reflects on how his first discussions with MVP during the pandemic never materialized.
But life, he muses, has a way of looping back.
“Several years ago, in the days of COVID, I zoomed with Mr. Pangilinan about the possibilities of working for him on TV5.
“Perhaps the signs were not there yet because nothing came out of our conversations.
“But today, years later, I find all roads leading to MVP's doorway. This time, the stars are good.”
He reveals that MVP tasked him to build an artist center that is focused in launching the next generation of luminaries in the industry.
“Besides giving me a very warm reception, MVP has given me a mandate to build a world-class, in-your-face artist center that will discover and train the artists of the new decade.
“Because MVP knows that it is stars that are at the center of the content-making business. Not the directors, not the writers or scripts.
"The stars. No stars, no content. You better believe it.
“And yes, ladies and gentlemen, we will be in the business of star-making. We have been at it for some time now, and more than ever, we know what works and what won't.”
Read: Watch: Highlights of Night of 100 Stars for Mr. M Johnny Manahan
In defining stardom, Mr. M does not rescind any of his trademark candor: “What is a star?
“A star is someone who can capture your imagination, drive you crazy, and who can separate your well-earned money from you. That's a star.
“Babayad ka. A star dictates how much you pay, and pay you will. A star needs only one name.
He closes his speech with a thank-you message directed at MVP, the executives in attendance, and the rest of the MediaQuest family.
“MVP, you and I have been around the block several times. This is not our first rodeo. Guys like us are older, wiser, and handsomer.
“And we know that this project will demand money and enterprise. Your money and our enterprise.
“I do not know what tomorrow brings, but I can promise you, MVP, Jane, Sienna, that I will do my best because you deserve the best.
“Perhaps, in time, you will consider what we will have built here as one of the jewels in the crown of your MVP group. Thank you.”
Mr. M's "Star Works" is on the horizon
During the Q&A session, Mr. M reveals that he’s leaning towards naming the new artist center “Star Works.”
The upshot of this initiative is a homegrown hub for artist discovery, development, and management under MediaQuest’s umbrella.
In the annals of Philippine television, Mr. M’s legacy already spans decades, from his pioneering years at ABS-CBN’s Star Magic to his stint at GMA’s Sparkle.
His latest move to TV5 reaffirms his reputation as the country’s foremost star builder.