John Rey Malto, a Modern Renaissance Man
In a world where talent often waits for opportunity, John Rey Malto of La Union has emerged as one of Philippine showbiz’s most dedicated talent managers and creative visionaries. Known for his relentless pursuit of discovering and nurturing hidden gems, Malto has become a trusted figure for aspiring artists determined to make their mark in the industry.
His story is one of perseverance and purpose. From humble beginnings, he built a career grounded in a passion for the arts, a commitment to education, and a vision of elevating local talent onto national and international stages.
Malto began in entertainment as a researcher, writer, and talent coordinator, contributing to programs like Rated Korina. One of his most memorable assignments was helping tell the life story of Johnny Manahan, the iconic “Mr. M” of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.
In 2018, he transitioned to full-time talent management, mentoring contestants for TV competitions, pageants, and films. That same year, he became Philippine Director for the International Modeling Competition – Runway Model Universe. He also worked as casting director for international films such as Spring in Prague and The Mariana’s Web, and served as assistant event director for the charity concert Friends for Love Festival at the Music Museum.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was recognized at MMTV Asia’s Golden Eagle Achievement Awards as Asia’s Most Outstanding Talent Manager of the Year.
The following year, his songwriting talent gained the spotlight. “Pangako Mo,” performed by Joice Espinoza, earned more than 1.2 million Facebook views and multiple international honors, including:
- Silver Medal – Original Score/Soundtrack for Film and Television (Global Music Awards 2024)
- Best Musical (Europe Music Video Awards 2024)
- Best Asian Music (Parai Musical International Awards 2024)
- Best Asian Song in Southeast Asia (World Music and Independent Film Festival 2024)
Also in 2024, he was named Outstanding Showbiz Personality of the Year at Asia’s Triumphant Awards and honored by Top Model Philippines as a “Contributor Writer in the Showbiz World.”
Today, Malto continues shaping the next generation of performers as a talent scout for Viva Entertainment’s Artista Academy—soon to air on TV5—and as production supervisor for Viva’s high-profile game shows.
A Family Wedding Remembered
Several years ago, I attended my favorite niece’s wedding—one of the few I’ve witnessed in decades. It was a bright Monday afternoon at St. John Paul II Parish in Eastwood, Quezon City, where nurse Leane Cruz wed Dr. Mark Bunag, then an emergency medicine resident.
Leane and Mark had been sweethearts for 10 years, first meeting at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. Watching her walk down the aisle, I held back tears, remembering her as the thoughtful, humble child who always cared for me whenever I visited her parents, police officer Beng Cruz and Atty. Edel Cruz.
The church was filled with family. Among the principal sponsors were Mrs. Blesilda Licup (wife of then Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz) and Mrs. Prescila A. Cruz, owner of St. Agatha Resort and Country Club in Bulacan. My cousin-in-law Mrs. Wilma Gillego-Medina and her husband Arnie Medina, with their children, also stood as sponsors.
Also present were pastry chef and author Romeo A. Bueno with his wife Eleonor M. Bueno and their children; cousins Agatha Medina with Christian Tugade, Analiza Mendoza Medina, Carlo and Edgar Medina, Trizia Cruz, Jannebelle Dellosa, Revo and Peach Cruz; businessman and Rotarian Celso Cruz, who represented his brother Mayor Boy Cruz; and cousins Douglas, Ariel, Perry, Ronald, Jasmin Medina, Amor Creencia Medina, and Texas-based Ervi Sagaral Bunag.
Dr. Mark, calm and smiling, welcomed guests alongside his parents, Dr. Victor del Rosario Bunag Jr. and Anne Lyn Tamayo Bunag of Laoag City, and his sisters Katrina and Nery. Soon after, the Eucharistic celebration began—a solemn and memorable moment for all present.
Gratitude for Recognition
My heartfelt thanks to the 3rd Philippine Finest Business Awards & Outstanding Achievers 2025 for including me among this year’s awardees.
The awards night will be held on September 30, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport City, Pasay. It is organized by La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel.
This year’s awardees include:
Aga Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III, Roderick Paulate, Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, Rhian Ramos, Luis Manzano, Enchong Dee;
Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, Mayor Junjun Ynares, Mayor Vergel Meneses, Councilor Aiko Melendez, Councilor Alfred Vargas, Councilor Angelu de Leon, Sen. Bong Revilla, Sen. Lito Lapid, Col. Jun Dimayuga, Atty. Caroline Cruz;
Bernadette Sembrano, Boy Abunda, Toni Gonzaga, MJ Marfori, Jervi Wrightson, Dr. Pong Magtibay, Dr. Jerome Laceda, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Anna Andrea Magkawas, Jojo Bragais, Wynwyn Marquez, Michelle Dee, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, PVL Commissioners Ricky Palou and Mozzy Ravena, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes;
Edwin Lisa, Janice Delima, Lae Manego, Salvacion Paparon, Marc Logan, Jamin Lim, Bon Jheo Exconde, Jigo Postolero, Jeffrey Dy, Alfonso “Fifi” Delos Santos, Audrey Gorriceta, Wej Cudiamat, Annabelle Surara, Earlo Bringas, Gilbert De Los Santos, Rogelio Constantino Medina, Braggy Braganza, Dennis Antenor Jr., Shirley B. Belangel, Judge Tarcelo A. Sabarre Jr., Joey S. Guillen, Mark Javier, Mart Krystelle Galano;
JP Catering Services, Lucky GHL Advertising, JFBV, Vicente-Isabel Multispecialty Clinic & Diagnostic Center Inc., Rank Fortress White Label SEO Agency, White Jade Glutathione Film Strip, Eyeleen Hair and Make Up by Aileen Sebua, TV5’s Top 5 Mga Kwentong Marc Logan, Renaissance Credit Collection and Recovery Solutions Corp., TGIF Pharmaceutical Trading Inc., Biosafe Pest Control Services Inc.;
PTV4’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas, Sheanne Roll Up Construction Service, Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, Alegre de Pilipinas, Jam Lim Enterprises, Bhylinns Modern Fashion, Gown and Events Management by Touting, 97.9 Home Radio, Aliw Channel 23, DWIZ-AM, Saludable Barley, and Aeternitas Chapels and Columbarium.
To be included among such distinguished company is both humbling and inspiring.
A Lesson in Honesty
Lastly, I wish to commend two Manila high school students, Vince Xyrick Macaraeg (Arellano High School) and Gabriel Vench Jimenez (UE High School), who rushed to return my cellphone after I accidentally left it in a dining place.
Their honesty reflects the good values instilled by their parents and schools. Acts like these remind us that integrity is alive in the next generation.
I hope Manila Mayor Isko Moreno hears of their example.
