MANILA, Philippines - Mr. Johnny Manahan, Mr. M as he is fondly called, is one of the country’s renowned and well-respected icons in the showbiz industry. He has risen fast to the top of his profession — writing, directing and managing talents — through hard work, pure talent and true grit. An influential pillar of the local show business and an inspiration to many, Mr. M has helped change the lives of many aspiring talents by transforming them into real stars and at the same time contributing to the reformation of the entertainment industry.
Under his mentorship through the ABS-CBN Talent Management and Development Center, now famously known as ABS-CBN Star Magic, names such as Piolo Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo, Bea Alonzo, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, John Lloyd Cruz and more became household names.
His exceptional skills and ability to spot a potential star among a crowd, and to be able to painstakingly mold that person into an amazingly talented celebrity is a unique gift in itself truly worthy of adulation. In a span of more than three decades, Mr. M has introduced many brilliant artists that helped reshape the local industry to what it is now.
Mr. M continues to discover and hone new talents under ABS-CBN Star Magic. At the same time, he continues to accept directorial jobs for movies, concerts, specials and television shows. He is a resident director of ABS-CBN, and his hands are full with Minute To Win It, ASAP 18 and ABS-CBN specials. His long ongoing list of projects and achievements just proves his mettle to face new challenges and his undying love for the industry.
Mr. M may be The Man behind the Stars but he is a star in his own right. A much bigger star, in fact, for without his keen eye for details, unwavering support, persistence and nurturing guidance — his stars would not have been able to shine brightly.
Mr. M is known by many in so many words. Strict. Suplado. A man of few words. And yet his talents say otherwise. For only those really close to him would attest for his other lighter and funnier side. He is also dubbed as Mr. Mystery Man — for no one knows his criteria in finding a real talent. And of course, Mr. Magic — for he alone possesses that rare gift of transforming ducklings into swans, for creating a masterpiece of a show or production.
The industry is fortunate to have a Mr. M in its roster of top guns responsible for creating top-tier personalities. The local show business definitely owes him big time!
A toast to another year of success and good health as Mr. M celebrates his big day tomorrow, Feb. 11.
(Watch out for Star Magic’s biggest names as they express gratitude to Mr. M in celebrating his birthday today in ASAP 18.)