Don’t expect any new collaborations or sightings of singer Jojo Mendrez and “Starstruck” alumnus Mark Herras anytime soon.
At a hastily called press conference last Monday, Mendrez and his management team at Aqueous Entertainment confirmed the end of their partnership. The Aqueous team acknowledged that, while their collaborations had been mutually beneficial, they decided to sever ties with Mark Herras following an incident at the PMPC Star Awards for Television last Sunday at the Dolphy Theater in Quezon City.
Jojo Mendrez, known as the “Revival King,” and Mark Herras, the “Starstruck 1” Ultimate Male Survivor, were scheduled to present an award at the star-studded event. However, according to Jojo, Mark stepped out to go to the men’s room and did not return. After 30 minutes, Jojo learned from his management team that Mark had left the venue due to an emergency.
David Bhowie, founder of Aqueous Entertainment, recalled the conversation with Mark: “He came to me and said, ‘I’m sorry, Sir David, I have to leave, there’s an important matter.’”
In light of Mark’s sudden departure, Jojo’s team quickly contacted Rainier Castillo to step in and present the award in Mark’s place. “Rainier was a knight in shining armor,” Bhowie said. “Good thing his house is in Quezon City.”
Jojo, who was deeply hurt and disappointed by Mark’s actions, later had to be rushed to the hospital due to hypertension and stress. Bhowie shared, “He hyperventilated and was taken to the hospital. He realized he had been disrespected.”
Jojo’s team clarified that Mark was compensated generously for their collaborations, even receiving more than originally agreed upon, along with advances and debts that remain unsettled. However, Jojo emphasized that money was not the issue. He sent Mark a farewell message, wishing him well.
“I said goodbye to him through a text message, thanked him for everything, and told him to take care. He just responded with a thumbs-up,” Jojo shared. “I didn’t demand anything. I just want to understand where his anger came from and what the real reason was. It’s easy to say, ‘Jo, I have an emergency,’ and leave politely, not just say, ‘I’m going to the CR,’ and then suddenly disappear.”
Moving forward, Jojo is determined to focus on his music career. He is set to release new revivals under Star Music PH, including his versions of classic OPM hits such as “Boy,” “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako,” and “Tamis ng Unang Halik,” following the success of his original hit, “Nandito Lang Ako.”
