Mr. M set to build a world-class,‘in-your-face’ artist center

November 17 ------ At 78 years old, director and star-maker Johnny Manahan — better known in the industry as Mr. M — shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he has embarked on a new chapter in his storied career, signing a contract with MQuest Ventures and MQuest Artists Agency (MQAA) as part of a shared vision to develop and champion world-class Filipino talent.

The contract signing, held on Nov. 6 at the TV5 Media Center, brought together a powerhouse group led by Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), chairman of MediaQuest Holdings; Jane Basas, president and CEO of MediaQuest Holdings and Cignal TV; Sienna Olaso, first vice president of Cignal TV, Inc.; and Jeffrey Remigio, head of MQAA.

Mr. M shared that he and MVP had been in talks as early as the pandemic, a period when he kept busy doing domestic chores — cleaning floors, washing dishes, and tidying the house. Although the timing was not right then, he said that “all roads seemed to have led (him) to TV5” in the years that followed. “The partnership feels like a natural fit for me,” he said. “MQuest Ventures shares the same passion I’ve always had for discovering, developing, and celebrating great Filipino talent. I am excited to collaborate with this incredible team and help create opportunities that inspire.”

MVP expressed his full support, reiterating his long-held belief in the artistry and potential of Filipino talent. With the many companies under the MVP Group, he emphasized that there will be numerous platforms for artists to shine. He even joked that he and Mr. M share more than just a vision and a work ethic — they also share their age!

According to Mr. M, MVP gave him a clear mandate: to build a world-class, “in-your-face” artist center that will discover, train, and elevate Filipino performers. MVP himself noted that talent is the industry’s most valuable asset — they are the creators, storytellers, and drivers of content. Basas also expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, acknowledging Mr. M’s legacy in shaping the Philippine entertainment landscape. She shared that his commitment to building talent aligns perfectly with MQuest’s goal of creating and nurturing a world-class home for artists.

Already, Mr. M’s latest project, “Vibe,” has been gaining traction. The musical-variety program, which he directs, is an OPM countdown show driven entirely by fan votes, determining the week’s Top 10 songs. With a main Sunday show, weekday programs, and a Saturday recap, “Vibe” provides a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. MVP himself expressed his delight at the show’s performance.

It was refreshing to see Mr. M in the spotlight for once. Having known him for over two decades, I can say he has always preferred to stay behind the scenes, keeping a low profile. But at the press conference, all eyes were on him. He graciously answered questions from the press in his signature style: short, sweet, and honest. He even participated in a pictorial for his official photos before the media event.

Source: philstar.com