ABS-CBN's Star Magic bids longtime heads goodbye
Longtime honchos of ABS-CBN's talent arm Star Magic Mariole Alberto and Johnny Manahan are set to leave the company, ABS-CBN announced in a statement on Friday.
Head of Entertainment Production Laurenti Dyogi will succeed Alberto as Star Magic Head, officially on January 1, 2021, the company added. Dyogi shall perform both posts concurrently.
Alberto's departure is "in line with the organizational changes due to the separation program currently being implemented by the company," ABS-CBN said.
"Over the years, Mariole has been instrumental in the discovery, development, and success of many of the country’s top talents. ABS-CBN would like to acknowledge and thank Mariole and (Mr. M) for their many contributions to the company, Star Magic, and to the industry," it added.
Star Magic remains to operate without Alberto and Manahan, ABS-CBN emphasized.
"Lauren, together with the Star Magic Team, will continue to be responsible for discovering, developing and managing talents."
Mr. M, for his part, has yet to confirm rumors of his full transfer to another network. Although, he is set to work as a director for two variety shows via blocktime slots on TV5.
Mr. M has previously revealed Star Magic to be exploring opportunities with TV5 and GMA-7, following ABS-CBN's much-publicized franchise denial.
Manahan became Star Magic's face and icon after founding Star Magic (ABS-CBN Talente Center) in 1992. Then program director, he built Talent Center with then-ABS-CBN general manager Freddie M. Garcia.
Talent Center, which started as a stable of ABS-CBN-exclusive stars, would then launch Ang TV. The show featured future big time artists Claudine Barretto, Jolina Magdangal, Patrick Garcia, Rica Peralejo, Angelu de Leon, Camille Prats, Paolo Contis, and Cheska Garcia.
Star Magic, now 28 years old, has since gone on to include the likes of Piolo Pascual, Kristine Hermosa, Angelica Panganiban, and Coco Martin as part of its stable. It has also expanded over time to even hold its own yearly and star-studded black tie event — the Star Magic Ball.
Banner image courtesy of Star Magic