After months of speculation, it’s now confirmed that veteran starmaker Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan has officially parted ways with GMA Network. The creative force behind many of the country’s biggest television stars is set to embark on a new chapter with TV5, with his contract signing scheduled for November 6, 2025.
Manahan, who previously served as a consultant for GMA’s talent management arm Sparkle, played a key role in shaping its brand identity when he joined in 2021. His departure, quietly discussed in industry circles for weeks, has now been made official.
Details about his new role at TV5 remain under wraps, but insiders hint that Manahan will not only continue directing programs—such as the network’s current music countdown show Vibe—but may also take on a leadership position in talent management under MediaQuest Ventures, the network’s entertainment arm.
Industry observers see this as a strategic move for the Kapatid Network, which has been steadily strengthening its entertainment lineup amid intensifying competition between ABS-CBN and GMA. Some even speculate that Manahan’s presence has already begun attracting fresh collaborations, with actress Andrea Brillantes recently signing a movie contract with MQuest Ventures on October 23.
Known for his impeccable eye for talent and his decades-long influence in shaping Philippine showbiz, Mr. M’s transition to TV5 marks yet another reinvention in his storied career. As one of the country’s most respected mentors and directors, his move is expected to inject renewed energy into the network’s creative direction.
For now, fans and industry insiders alike are waiting to see how his next act unfolds—one that could once again reshape the local television landscape.