TV5 officially launched its rebranded talent management arm, Star Worx, during an event held on May 5, 2026, at the new MVP Studio inside the TV5 Center.
Formerly known as MediaQuest Artist Agency (MQAA), Star Worx now marks TV5’s renewed push toward developing its own roster of homegrown stars under the guidance of veteran talent manager Johnny Manahan, more popularly known in the industry as Mr. M.
The launch was attended by TV5 and MediaQuest executives, including Guido Zaballero, Victorico Vargas, Star Worx head Jeff Remigio, and entertainment consultant Enrico Santos.
A highlight of the event was the introduction of the agency’s first batch of 16 artists, collectively called Star Worx Block 1.
The lineup includes Adam Buck, Amo Wilding, Chan Martin, Nico Matugas, Patrick Ballesteros, Spencer Capistrano, Wayne Leonard, Carmela Lorzano, Celyn David, Kaitlyn King, Keisha Serna, Marthena Jickain, Nathalie Apollo, Rahil Gatali, Selina Griffin, and Steph Razon.
During the showcase, the talents displayed various skills including singing, dancing, interpretative performances, and acting, before participating in their first-ever question-and-answer session with members of the entertainment press.
Among the new faces introduced was Marthena Jickain, daughter of actress-politician Aiko Melendez.
It was also revealed that the 16 artists have been undergoing intensive training since January 2026 through what Star Worx calls a “bootcamp of brilliance.”
The program included rigorous choreography sessions, vocal mastery training, acting workshops, and Filipino language enhancement classes designed to prepare them for television and entertainment projects.
“We weren’t just on the lookout for performers; we are cultivating icons,” Manahan said.
“These 16 artists have the discipline, the heart and that indefinable ‘X-factor’ that the Filipino audience deserves.”
Manahan, who officially joined MediaQuest in late 2025, also emphasized the importance of attitude and discipline in shaping future stars.
With the launch of Star Worx, TV5 signals a stronger commitment to artist development as it aims to build a new generation of talents for upcoming programs and projects. The network is expected to begin integrating the Star Worx artists into various TV5 shows in the coming months, marking the beginning of their journey in the entertainment industry.
