TV5 has officially introduced the first batch of talents under its newly rebranded talent management arm, Star Worx, formerly known as MQAA Artists Agency.
Led by veteran starmaker Johnny Manahan, also known as Mr. M, Star Worx unveiled 16 aspiring artists collectively called “Star Worx Block 1” during the agency’s launch event at the new MVP Studio in Mandaluyong City.
The showcase featured performances in singing, dancing, acting, interpretative routines, and hosting before the talents participated in their first-ever question-and-answer session with members of the entertainment press.
Among the most talked-about names introduced was Marthena Jickain, daughter of actress-politician Aiko Melendez.
According to Star Worx, the 16 talents have been undergoing intensive training since January 2026 through what the agency calls its “bootcamp of brilliance,” which includes choreography sessions, vocal training, acting workshops, and Filipino language enhancement classes.
“We weren’t just on the lookout for performers; we are cultivating icons,” Manahan said during the launch.
“These 16 artists have the discipline, the heart and that indefinable ‘X-factor’ that the Filipino audience deserves,” he added.
Male Artists
Adam Buck. 18 years old and standing 5’11”, Adam is into acting and hosting while continuously developing his dance skills. A multilingual communicator, he is fluent in multiple languages. His interests include mixed martial arts, football, and basketball. He is currently taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at the German European School Manila.
Amo Wilding. At 15 years old and 5’11”, Amo is focused on acting, singing, and dancing. He enjoys lifestyle sports such as basketball, running, and martial arts. He is currently in Grade 8 at FEU Roosevelt Marikina.
Chan Martin. 18-year-old Chan stands 5’10” and is skilled in acting, singing, and hosting. He also plays the guitar and piano. Outside entertainment, he enjoys live streaming, roller skating, basketball, badminton, jogging, and fitness. He is taking up AB Communication at La Consolacion University.
Nico Matugas. 20-year-old Nico is a graduate of AB Communication from Ateneo de Manila University. Standing 5’8”, he is into acting, dancing, singing, surfing, football, and digital content creation. He also enjoys gym training, boxing, DJ-ing, and playing the guitar.
Patrick Ballesteros. Patrick, 18, stands 5’10” and is skilled in acting, singing, dancing, hosting, and voice modulation. His interests include billiards, motorcycles, football, and various sports. He is currently taking Tourism at Dominican College of Tarlac.
Spencer Capistrano. At 25 years old, Spencer is among the oldest in the batch. Standing 5’8”, he is versatile in acting, modeling, and dance performance. He enjoys running, basketball, badminton, and culinary exploration. He graduated with a BS Psychology degree from the University of Makati.
Wayne Leonard. 20-year-old Wayne, who stands 5’7”, is focused on acting and dancing. He is also interested in sports and content creation. He is currently studying BS Entrepreneurship at University of Santo Tomas.
Female Artists
Carmela Lorzano. 17-year-old Carmela stands 5’1” and is into acting, hosting, singing, and dancing. She enjoys video games, arcades, volleyball, and photojournalism. She is currently in Grade 11.
Celyn David. At 18 years old and 5’4”, Celyn is passionate about acting, modeling, dancing, and singing. She also enjoys painting and drawing. Her interests include pets, volleyball, gaming, musicals, and cartoons. She is currently taking HUMSS at National University East Ortigas.
Kaitlyn King. 15-year-old Kaitlyn stands 5’6” and is into acting, dancing, and singing. She enjoys all forms of art, swimming, physical activities, science, and socializing. She is currently in Grade 10 at Montessori de Sagrada Familia.
Keisha Serna. Keisha, 18, stands 5’9” and is interested in acting, singing, and dancing. She also performs majorette routines. Her hobbies include drawing, volleyball, painting, makeup, and cooking. She is a senior high school graduate from Frames of Mind School.
Marthena Jickain. 19-year-old Marthena stands 5’6” and is focused on acting and singing. She also plays the guitar and enjoys volleyball and lifestyle content. She is currently taking AB Development Studies at Ateneo de Manila University.
Nathalie Apollo. At only 13 years old, Nathalie already shows promise in acting, singing, and dancing. Standing 5’5”, she is also interested in fashion, beauty, and content creation. She is an incoming Grade 9 student at Frames of Mind School.
Rahil Gatali. 14-year-old Rahil stands 5’7” and is into acting, modeling, and dancing. She also enjoys content creation. She studies at Dumangas National High School.
Selina Griffin. Selina, 16, stands 5’6” and is skilled in acting, hosting, singing, and dancing across different styles. Her interests include volleyball, playing guitar, and drawing. She is currently under the Arts and Design Track at De La Salle University Laguna Campus.
Steph Razon. 17-year-old Steph stands 5’5” and is focused on acting and singing. She also enjoys volleyball, badminton, pickleball, fashion, photography, and fitness. She is currently taking the STEM track at San Beda University.
With the launch of Star Worx, TV5 signals a stronger push toward artist development as it aims to cultivate a new generation of stars for its growing slate of entertainment programs and projects.
