As Star Magic founder and chairman emeritus Johnny Manahan is set to mark his 50th anniversary in the entertainment industry next year, some of our well-loved Kapamilya artists managed by the reputable talent agency assembled to pay tribute to him via an online show titled “The Man Behind The Magic: A Golden Anniversary Tribute”.
The more than one hour and 30-minute program was streamed on the KUMU app last October 3 and was hosted by jester and Home Sweetie Home actor Eric Nicolas, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano cast member Nonong Balinan, A Soldier’s Heart actor Ketchup Eusebio, and comedian and Kadenang Ginto director John “Sweet” Lapus.
Aside from flashing the video greetings from some of his friends, former colleagues, and anak-anakans in and out of the industry, which include Herbert Bautista, Richard Gomez, Claudine Barretto, Maricel Soriano, Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Bea Alonzo, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Kristine Hermosa, the four hosts also had a fun and nostalgic virtual chikahan with the other artists via conference video call as they happily divulged how Mr. M was able to help make their dreams come true, create an impact in their lives, and continue to be their father figure through the years.
Sharing their fondest, unforgettable memories with the 73-year-old top-caliber director and star-maker were Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto, Jane de Leon, Robi Domingo, Donny Pangilinan, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Maja Salvador, Young JV, Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo, Arjo Atayde, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Shaina Magdayao, Enchong Dee, Jake Cuenca, and Dimples Romana.
Piolo wrapped up the series of conversation by proposing a noble toast, uttering, “To the one who continues to make our dreams come true, who selflessly and tirelessly thinks of our welfare and success, the creative genius behind so many shows, events, and specials; and of course, Star Magic’s very own dad, coach, mentor, Johnny Manahan. Happy 50th anniversary, dad.”
That was seconded by his fellow The Hunks member Diether, saying, “This is to the main man, Johnny Manahan! Not only that you bring us to anywhere we want to go, but you also take us for what we’re ought to be. Thank you for your kindness and all your support. So, God bless you and more power.”
Ketchup then went on to express their gratitude the people who are also keys to the success of Star Magic and its roster of artists – their hardworking handlers. “Tonight has truly been for the man behind the magic, his golden anniversary tribute. We love you, Mr. M. I’m pretty sure, hindi man nababanggit, pero sigurado po ako na gustong sabihin ni Mr. M ang pagpapasalamat din dahil hindi po magiging successful ang lahat ng ito kung wala ang taong tumutulong din sa kanya sa Star Magic – ang aming mga handlers. Bukod kay Ms. Mariole, lahat po kayo, maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat, sa inyong pagtulong po at pagdirekta po sa amin sa landas na aming tatahakin. Thank you po sa lahat ng handlers namin. I’m pretty sure, Mr. M will say thank you to all and cheers to everybody!” he stated.
Mr. Johnny Manahan may be leaving the network, but his legacy as a top-caliber director and brilliant talent manager would remain engraved in the hearts and minds of those artists and people whose lives he’s able to touch in the past five decades. Salute, Mr. M!