''Star Circle Quest'' (SCQ) is a

Philippine television Television in the Philippines was introduced in October 1953 upon the first commercial broadcast made by Alto Broadcasting System (now ABS-CBN), making the Philippines the first Southeast Asian country and the second in Asia to do so. Even ...

reality competition Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring ordinary people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as a distinct genre in the early 1990s ...

show first broadcast by

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...

in 2004. Originally hosted by

Luis Manzano Luis Philippe Santos Manzano (; born April 21, 1981), also known by his nickname Lucky, is a Filipino actor, comedian and television host. He is the son of actors Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos. He is best known for as the presenter of several A ...

and Jodi Sta. Maria, it aired on the network's Primetime Bida and Yes Weekend! line up from March 1, 2004 to February 19, 2011, replacing '' Next Level Na! Game Ka Na Ba?'' and was replaced by the second season of ''

Pilipinas Got Talent ''Pilipinas Got Talent'' (known and abbreviated as PGT) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN, Kapamilya Channel and TV5 (Philippine TV network), TV5. The show is based on the B ...

''.

KC Concepcion Maria Kristina Cassandra "KC" Cuneta Concepcion (; born April 7, 1985) is a Filipino actress, singer, dancer, TV host, entrepreneur, socialite, and humanitarian. She has starred in films '' For The First Time'' (2008) and ''When I Met U'' (2 ...

serve as the final hosts. The theme song was sung by ''

Star in a Million ''Search for the Star in a Million'' (formerly ''Star in a Million'' after two seasons) is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Hosted by Ryan Agoncillo, Agot Isidro, Edu Manzano and Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sarah Ger ...

'' finalists

Sheryn Regis Sheryn Mae Poncardas Regis (; born November 26, 1980) is a Filipino singer and songwriter. She rose to fame after finishing as first runner-up of the television talent show ''Search for the Star in a Million, Star in a Million'' in 2003. Dubbed ...

and Marinel Santos.

Overview

In 1992, Mr.

Johnny Manahan Juan "Johnny" Ledesma Manahan (born 11 February 1947), also known as Mr. M, is a Filipino film and television director, actor, talent manager, and screenwriter. He is known for scouting and managing actors, having been the VP and managing dir ...

and Freddie M. Garcia formed ABS-CBN Talent Center, now known as Star Magic to hone individuals as exclusive talents of the network. Manahan then introduced Star Circle, an untelevised talent search which aims to look for fresh faces to be the next idol. 12 years later, after having 12 batches and more than 120 members, Star Circle was brought to Philippine TV as a reality talent search. Auditions for the first season were held between October 2003 and January 2004. Before the said competition was aired, ABS-CBN aired the celebration of Star Circle as well as the launch of Star Circle Quest on February 27, 2004, presenting the Top 200 kid & teen aspirants who passed the screenings. The show premiered on March 1, 2004, on primetime. Star Circle Quest has aired 2 seasons for teens and 4 seasons for kids. Aside from the Grand Questor, the show also awards the top 5 finalists of the season called ''Magic Circle of Five'', with the exception of the last season, wherein it only awarded ''Grand Girl Kiddie Superstar'' and ''Grand Boy Kiddie Superstar''.

Hosts and jury

Traditionally, the show is presented with two hosts, while the jury is composed of three mentors.

Hosts

(2004–06) * Jodi Sta. Maria (2004–05) *

Anne Curtis Anne Curtis-Smith (; born 17 February 1985) is an Australian-born Filipino actress, television host, entrepreneur and model. Known for her versatile work in film and television productions, she is one of the most successful and highest-paid Fi ...

(2006) *

Ruffa Gutierrez Sharmaine Ruffa Rama Gutierrez (born June 24, 1974) is a Filipino actress, model, TV host, and beauty pageant titleholder. She was the 1992 Look of the Year - Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas World 1993 and Second Runner-up to Miss World 199 ...

(2009) *

Ai-Ai delas Alas Martina Eileen Hernandez delas Alas-Sibayan (born November 11, 1964), known professionally as Ai-Ai delas Alas, is a Filipino actress and comedian. Referred to as the "Queen of Comedy" for her comedic talent, she is best known for her role as ...

(2009) *

(2010–11)

Jury

Teen Quest Jury

Boy Abunda Eugenio "Boy" Romerica Abunda Jr. (; born October 29, 1961) is a Filipino television presenter, publicist, and talent manager. Known as the "King of Talk", Abunda has presented several talk shows centered on the Philippine entertainment indus ...

(2004–05) *

Gloria Diaz Maria Gloria Aspillera Diaz (; born April 5, 1951) is a Filipino actress, model and beauty queen who won Miss Universe 1969, becoming the first Filipino to hold the Miss Universe title. Early life and family Diaz is one of the twelve children ...

(2004–05) *Laurenti Dyogi (2004–05)

Kid Quest Jury

Eula Valdez Maria Julia Amorsolo Valdes (born December 11, 1968), professionally known as Eula Valdez (), is a Filipino actress and singer, best known for her prominent role as Amor Powers in the original version of ''Pangako Sa 'Yo'' (2000) and as Janice ...

(2004–06) *

Maricel Laxa Maria Cecilia "Maricel" dela Cueva Laxa-Pangilinan (born February 25, 1970) is a Filipino actress. She won Best Supporting Actress awards in the 1992 FAMAS Awards and Star Awards for her role in the 1992 film ''Iisa Pa Lamang''. For most of ...

(2004) *

Joyce Bernal Joyce E. Bernal (born May 6, 1968) is a Filipina film and television director. Her entry to the film industry began when she became a film editing apprentice under Ike Jarlego Jr. for Viva Films in 1989, the year she worked on Eddie Garcia's fil ...

(2006) *

Ricky Davao Frederick Charles Abiera Davao (May 30, 1961 – May 1, 2025) was a Filipino actor and television director. Career Davao began his career in the entertainment industry in 1978 as a dancer for the Vicor Crowd group. Later in the year, he had h ...

(2006) *Rowell Santiago (2004, 2010–11) *

Vina Morales Sharon Garcia Magdayao (; born October 17, 1975), professionally known as Vina Morales (), is a Filipino singer and actress. Noted for her distinct sultry voice, she started singing in church as a child and first gained recognition after winni ...

(2010–11) *

Gladys Reyes Gladys Reyes-Sommereux (born June 23, 1977), is a Filipino actress, television presenter, entrepreneur, and comedian. She began a career as a child actress after joining Little Miss Philippines in 1984 and rose to fame after playing "Clara," ...

(2010–11)

Season overview

Star Circle Quest - Regular Edition

Star Circle Quest - Kids Edition

Seasons

Star Circle Quest season 1

The first season of ''Star Circle Quest'' titled ''Star Circle Teen Quest'' premiered on March 1, 2004, with Luis Manzano and Jodi Sta. Maria as the hosts. Entertainment personality

, TV director Laurenti Dyogi and former beauty queen

completed the panel of judges called the "jury". The first season ended with a grand finals at the

Araneta Coliseum The Araneta Coliseum, also currently known by naming rights sponsorship as Smart Araneta Coliseum, is an indoor multi-purpose arena, sports arena that is part of the Araneta City in the Quezon City#Cubao, Cubao area of Quezon City, Philippines. ...

on June 5, 2004, with

Hero Angeles Hero Gervacio Angeles (born December 8, 1984) is a Filipino actor. Hero Angeles bested four other contestants in the Grand Finals for the title "Grand Teen Questor" in the first season of ABS-CBN's popular reality star search in the Philippines, ' ...

being hailed as the Grand Questor.

Star Circle Kid Quest (season 1)

The first season of ''Star Circle Kid Quest'' was launched the same day as the main edition. The show features kids from 5 to 9 years old. Manzano and Sta. Maria reprise their hosting duties, although the jury is now composed of award-winning actress

, veteran actress

and TV director Rowell Santiago. The kids who made it to the Magic Circle of 10 were

Nash Aguas Aeign Zackrey "Nash" Aguas Victoriano (; born October 10, 1998) is a Filipino actor and politician. Since 2022, he has been serving as a councilor of Cavite City. In 2004, Aguas won the first season of the televised talent competition '' Sta ...

Sharlene San Pedro Sharlene Santos San Pedro (; born April 5, 1999) is a Filipino actress, singer, and media personality. She made her first television appearance at the age of four when she joined ABS-CBN's talent search ''Star Circle Quest: Kids Edition'' in 2 ...

, Aaron Junatas, CJ Navato, Mikylla Ramirez, Jodell Stasic, Khaycee Aboloc, Alex Ramos, Basty Alcances and Celine Lim. The Grand Questors Night for the Kid Quest was held at the

on June 5, 2004, around 5:30 PM, with the ''Star Circle Teen Quests turn after.

became the Grand Questor, making

as the second placer, while Aaron Junatas is in third place, Mikylla Ramirez in fourth and CJ Navato in fifth place.

Star Circle Quest (season 2)

ABS-CBN came up with a second season of ''Star Circle Teen Quest'' with the title ''Star Circle National Teen Quest'' after auditions were held nationwide and in some parts worldwide. Manzano and Sta. Maria continue to host the show, while the same jury guided the finalists throughout the program. Thousands of teen aspirants auditioned but only 15 made it to the Final 15 or the "Magic Circle of 15", namely

Erich Gonzales Erika Chryselle Gonzales Gancayco-Lorenzo (born September 20, 1990), better known by her stage name Erich Gonzales (; ), is a Filipino actress. She is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. She started her showbiz career at the age of 14, a ...

Arron Villaflor Arron Lumba Villaflor (born July 5, 1990) is a Filipino rapper and actor. He started his career in Philippines' showbiz industry in the second season of ''Star Circle Quest'' where he finished as the runner-up. He is currently managed by Co ...

, Paw Diaz, Charles Christianson,

DM Sevilla Denmark Sevilla popularly known as DM Sevilla (born 29 January 1987) is a Filipino actor and dancer. Sevilla was born in Santa Maria, Bulacan, Philippines. He is one of the final top 5 members of Star Circle Quest batch 2004 together with Eric ...

Janelle Quintana Janelle Ann Caren Quintana Manahan (born 26 July 1989) is a Filipino actress. She started showbusiness when she joined ABS-CBN's reality talent search '' Star Circle National Teen Quest'' as Janelle Manahan and made it to the top 6. After her ...

, Theo Bernados Michelle Arciaga,

Jason Abalos Jason Jimenez Abalos (born January 14, 1985) is a Filipino actor, host, model, endorser and politician. Abalos is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network. Acting career Abalos is a former member of Star Magic talents until 2017. He was dis ...

, Bebs & KC Hollman, Reynan Pitero, OJ Decena, Vanessa Grindrund, Marla Boyd, Franz Ocampo.

Grand Questors Night

The Grand Questors Night was hosted at the

PhilSports Arena The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena or PhilSports Arena is an indoor arena, indoor sporting arena located inside the PhilSports Complex in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was formerly known as the University of Life Th ...

. Finally the Magic Circle of 5 showcased the numbers they have been rehearsing hard for. Each final questor showed their special talent that night which impressed the jurors as well as the thousands of audiences.

became the Grand Questor,

was in the second, Paw Diaz in third, Charles Christianson in fourth, and

in fifth place.

2006: Star Circle Summer Kid Quest (Season 2)

In 2006 the show made the second season of the kids edition. The show was called ''Summer Kid Quest'' because it was held in summer, between March–May.

still hosts the show, however, Jodi Sta. Maria was replaced by

in hosting due to her pregnancy. Meanwhile, director

and award-winning actor

joins

and replaces Rowell Santiago and

Grand Questors Day

It was held at ABS-CBN Studio 1. It was called Grand Questors' Day because it was held during the afternoon instead of the usual primetime. Quintin Alianza became the Grand Questor, Mika dela Cruz became the second placer, Julio Pisk is in the third place, Cheska Billiones in fourth and Darius Cardano in fifth place.

2009: Star Circle Kid Quest: Search for the Kiddie Idol (Season 3)

The reality kid talent show was now transformed as a program segment of '' Ruffa & Ai'' every Wednesday with

and

as main hosts.

Bugoy Cariño Rogel Kyle "Bugoy" Cariño Jr. (born September 3, 2002) is a Filipino actor and dancer. He joined '' Star Circle Kid Quest'', a television search for young talented kids in 2009, and emerged as the winner. Since then, he has appeared in numerou ...

became the Grand Questor,

Izzy Canillo John Izzy Maurillo Canillo (born March 3, 2004) is a Filipino actor. He was discovered by ''Star Circle Quest'' in 2009, winning first runner up. He was nominated for the PMPC Best Children's Show Host Award in 2010. As part of ABS-CBN's 60th ...

as the first runner-up, while Eros Espiritu finished in second place,

Xyriel Manabat Xyriel Anne Bustamante Manabat (; born January 27, 2004) is a Filipino actress. She began her acting career as a child actress after finishing third runner-up in the talent search program '' Star Circle Kid Quest: Search for the Kiddie Idol''. ...

in third and Fatty Mendoza in fourth place.

2010-2011: Star Circle Quest: Search for the Next Kiddie Superstars (Season 4)

On December 4, 2010, the show was re-launched as a Saturday primetime program hosted by

with Bugoy Cariño and

as kid co-hosts respectively. Audition ran from November 27 to 29, 2010, and Rowell Santiago reprised his role as judge from Season 1 along with the new female judges namely

and

. The kids who made it to the Magic Circle of 10 were Ogie Escanilla, Brenna Peñaflor,

Clarence Delgado Clarence William Verzosa Delgado (born December 15, 2004) is a Filipino teen actor. He was discovered by Star Circle Quest 2011 where he won as The Male Winner. He had appeared in '' Goin' Bulilit'' and '' Way Back Home''. He transferred to GMA ...

Kyline Alcantara Kyline Nicole Aquino Alcantara Manga (; born September 3, 2002) is a Filipino actress and singer. She began her career as a child actress after finishing top ten in the talent search program '' Star Circle Quest''. She is best known for her r ...

, Joshen Bernardo, Janine Berdin, Jelo Eechaluce, Maurice Mabutas, Kristoff Meneses and Veyda Inoval. Brenna Peñaflor was crowned as the Grand Girl Kiddie Superstar and Clarence Delgado was crowned as the Grand Boy Kiddie Superstar on February 19, 2011.

Awards

Star Circle Quest won the

Star Awards Star Awards (Chinese: 红星大奖) are awards for artistic and technical merit where Mediacorp recognises entertainers under their employment for outstanding performances of the year. The awards are given annually in a ceremony. The various ca ...

for 2004 Best Talent Search Program. Jodi Sta. Maria and

as Best Talent Search Program Host.

References

External links

Star Circle Quest Official Website

The Star Circle Quest Community
{{ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts, Inc. or Star Magic ABS-CBN original programming ABS-CBN reality shows 2004 Philippine television series debuts 2011 Philippine television series endings 2000s Philippine television series 2010s Philippine television series Filipino-language television shows