These 16 homegrown artists will be seen on Kapatid shows.
On Tuesday, May 5, MediaQuest went all-in by officially relaunching its talent management arm MQ Artist Agency as Star Worx.
The said company is one of the ventures of the group, which spans multiple mass media platforms such as television, radio, print, and streaming.
MediaQuest President and CEO Ricky Vargas noted in his speech during the program the growth of the said business.
“Across our network, MediaQuest, we built strong pillars. We are number one in sports. In news, we continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. And through Cignal, we have created one of the most robust programming ecosystem in the country, spanning streaming, OTT, and pay TV. While we continue to open our minds to new technology—we will surprise you with new technology—to serve our audience better,” he said.
Vargas then noted that the group is now shifting its focus to where its “new chapter is being written,” which is the entertainment side.
“With My Bespren Emman and A Secret In Prague, we are seeing real promise. We’re not quite there (yet), at full flight, but we are on the runway, building momentum,” he noted the recent launch of back-to-back primetime dramas on TV5.
“And we are preparing to take off. This is where Star Worx, together with TV5 and Cignal, becomes more than just an initiative,” the company officer added. “It is our commitment to discover, nurture, and elevate our own stars. Commitment to not follow what others are doing, but define our own voice, identity, and space in the entertainment industry.“
Vargas also emphasized that the group is also investing new creative teams, strengthening promotions, and building meaningful partnerships with artists and content producers.
“Not just to create great content, but to open doors for our homegrown talents and stories,” he furthered. “Because at the heart of this belief, the stars, writers, and stories are not just found. They are cultivated, supported, and grown.”
The MediaQuest President also challenged Star Worx artists to use this opportunity as their space to evolve, take risks, and become the best version of themselves.
“As the artists that came before you, they will tell you that your journey will not always be easy, but hopefully, it can be meaningful,” he added. “And us, the entire network, we’ll be here to grow with you every step of the way. We are jot perfect, but we will try.”
“To everyone who has chosen to be part of this journey, whatever your reason may be, we ask one thing: embrace being a Kapatid. Try understanding what it means to be a Kapatid,” Vargas underscored.
Meanwhile, for his part, the agency’s head and veteran starmaker Johnny Manahan revealed that he had talks with TV5 and MediaQuest chairman Manny Pangilinan years ago for the formation of a new talent management arm for the Kapatid network.
“Actually, nag-uusap na kami ni Mr. Pangilinan noon pa, maybe five years ago. And umikot pa ako muna, sa ibang channel… bumaybay ako doon,” indirectly mentioning his stint as a consultant for Sparkle GMA Artist Center in 2022.
“But we found ourselves together. I’m so hapoy because it feels so comfortable here at TV5, many familiar faces here,” Manahan added.
He then reminded the young talents the core belief that he has held: “You do the work, with a little bit of luck and help, you can become stars.”
Manahan also disclosed that he plans to make Star Worx a professionally-run organization.
As part of the relaunch, the new agency also introduced the first block of 16 artists under Star Worx, which include Carmela Lorzano, Marthena Jickain, Adam Buck, Wayne Leonard, and more.
The agency also unveiled a music video featuring the new artists.
