A surprise tribute to starmaker Johnny ‘Mr. M’ Manahan saw multiple reunions of the nation’s brightest stars.
The local entertainment scene prides itself on Mr. M’s instrumental role in launching the careers of industry heavyweights. The man who saw the X-Factor in numerous bright-eyed hopefuls shaped this nation’s most bankable entertainers—and last night’s tribute party saw the most remarkable reunions. Here are all the highlights from the event.
RELATED: Marian and Heart, Kim and Maja, and More On-Screen Reunions We Want to Happen
Julia Barretto and Bea Alonzo
It seems we are at the reconciliation chapter of the showbiz powerhouses Julia Barretto and Bea Alonzo—their first interaction at a public event after the 2019 rumors surrounding their common denominator Gerald Anderson. Videos circulating around social media show a sweet interaction between the two, a raise of white flags and an olive branch indeed. Air kisses and an alcohol shot offer, plus whispers and laughs? Happy Women’s Month, indeed.
Julia Barretto and Claudine Barretto
Netizens are calling this party a ‘healing moment’ between the Barretto family members. In numerous videos and photos, the two are seen hugging each other and swaying to a song, all-smiles and positive vibes all-around. “Thank you so much for the magic for so many years,” Claudine says in her speech, addressing Mr. M, and her niece is seen attentively listening and admiring her aunt in the background. “You have made our dreams come true.”
Kathryn Bernardo and Jericho Rosales
Hailed as the ‘Box Office Queen’ of her generation and ‘Asia’s Drama King’ respectively, these two have both admitted to wanting to work together in a project. Hopefully, we get that soon! For the moment, the top-notch leading man and lady are clearly very good friends, flashed together on the big screen during the party for their message to Mr. M. They were also spotted together at Mr. M’s birthday party last February with a couple of other friends and celebrities such as Piolo Pascual and Jake Ejercito.
Bea Alonzo and Heart Evangelista
Several interactions last night showed the Kapuso stars’ unexpected yet continuing blossoming friendship. Last 2023, Bea said she and Heart just clicked. “We were at Mr. M’s house, and we were with everyone, and then we just clicked. After that, we’re friends,” Bea shared. In November, the actress launched her passion project, BASH, to which Heart attended and penned her support for her friend on Instagram: “So, so proud of you @beaalonzo,” she wrote in her caption. At the tribute party last night, they’re even seen posing wackily together in a picture with Sam Milby, captured in John Lloyd Cruz’s Instagram.
Agot Isidro and Albert Martinez
The fans of these two longtime industry veterans are still hoping for a reunion project. Dubbed the ‘King of Philippine teleseryes’, these once on-screen partners continue to be very good friends, as shown in the actor’s Instagram video where Agot is seen smiling at the camera. The two have worked together in Nasaan Ka, Eliza? in 2011 and in the 2015 hit series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
Photos and Featured Image: JOHN LLOYD CRUZ, CHARO SANTOS, LAFAMILIA_CRUZ, and LOVEFORCLAUDINE (via Instagram)
