John Rey Malto, a Filipino songwriter, researcher, photographer and talent manager, was born on October 22, 1991, in Manila, Philippines. His journey to success began with a strong academic foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and completed additional education-related credits at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in San Fernando City, La Union. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, he pursued vocational courses in Photography at Lorma Colleges and Event Management at Our Lady of Guadalupe. He also pursued a Master's in Development Administration with a focus on Public Administration, although he did not complete the program.
From humble beginnings as a service crew member in fast-food chains, John Rey's perseverance and ambition propelled him into the competitive world of Philippine showbiz. His journey is a testament to how hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements.
John Rey Malto formerly worked as an administrative staff for the late former Councilor of Balaoan La Union, Merlyn Ostrea before he later entered college. During his college years, while completing his on-the-job training (OJT) at the Prosecutor's Office under the Department of Justice, he met Atty. Angelito Grande, who later hired him as an administrative staff. Atty. Grande served as Director IV of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Legal Affairs Division from 1996 to 2005. He later joined the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), where he held various important positions. Eventually, he became Vice President of PhilHealth before retiring in 2010. From 2018 to 2019, Atty. Grande returned to PhilHealth as its Corporate Legal Counsel.
John Rey began his career as a freelance writer, researcher, guest coordinator, and talent coordinator, gaining six years of experience that paved his way into the entertainment industry. He found his true calling in managing aspiring talents, guiding them through singing contests, TV shows, and film productions. His career breakthrough came in 2018 when he started managing models and beauty queens, gaining deeper insights into the entertainment world and mentoring emerging stars.
His growing reputation led to his appointment as a Director for the International Modeling Competition in the Philippines, Runway Model Universe, in 2018, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry.
In 2019, John Rey was recognized at a basic theater acting workshop organized by the Department of Education in Bangued, Abra, where he shared his expertise in photography alongside veteran actor Rolando Inocencio and award-winning documentary filmmaker Dexter Macaraeg, inspiring aspiring artists through their passion for the craft.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, John Rey continued to manage his talents while venturing into advertising to sustain his career and support budding artists.
John Rey Malto manages the artists who have participated in various ABS-CBN programs, including singing competitions such as "Tawag ng Tanghalan", "The Voice Kids", and "Idol Philippines", as well as the reality show "Goin' Bulilit". Among the talents he has mentored are Shyr Balagtas, Kristel Millado, Ma. Cristel Antibo, Anasity Jardeliza, Euriz Sagum, Maricar Aragon. Currently, his active roster includes Joice Espinoza, Princess Imperial, Hafsa Isra, Riley Jabido, Rumi Kierra, Shanicka Arganda, Rasha Cortez and Shaila Vanschoonhoven, among others.
John Rey Malto has helped many talents in GMA Network, including his current artists Joice Espinoza, Princess Imperial, and Hafsa Isra. He also discovered Liana Mae and Monaliza El Hallani, whom he presented to the GMA Artist Center, now known as Sparkle GMA Artist Center, through their talent scout Patrick Tugade.
John Rey's achievements have been widely recognized. In 2021, he received the Golden Star Award by ATC International for his "Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry and Selfless Public Service." The following year, in 2022, he received the title "Most Outstanding and Inspiring Talent Manager of the Year" awarded by the Alliance of Hospitality and Tourism Movers of the Philippines (AHTOMP).
In 2023, he expanded his expertise in filmmaking as an apprentice at MUD Studios under award-winning directors Arvin Belarmino, August Lyle Espino, and Kyla Romero. He then served as Casting Director for two international films: Spring in Prague and The Mariana's Web.
Spring in Prague, a romantic comedy directed by Lester Dimaranan and Paolo Emmanuel Magsino, starred Czech-Macedonian actress Sara Sandeva and Filipino actor Paolo Gumabao. Produced by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio and written by Eric Ramos, the film follows the love story of a Czech woman who travels to the Philippines and falls for a resort owner, who then visits Prague to meet her.
The Mariana's Web, directed by Marco Calvise and Paolo Bertolo, featured Alexa Ocampo, Ruben Maria Soriquez, Asia Galeotti, and Luca Biagini. It tells the story of Fosco, a solitary farmer in rural Italy, whose life changes when a mysterious woman arrives with an unexpected gift.
Both films showcased John Rey's versatility and growing influence in the entertainment industry.
He also served as the Assistant Event Director for the "Friends for Love Festival," a Concert for a Cause organized by Friends for Love Charities, Inc. on July 24, 2023, at the Music Museum. The event, produced under 702 Media Productions, featured renowned singers in the music industry, including Lance Raymundo, Maricar Aragon, Joice Espinoza, John Arcenas, Ally Gonzales, and other notable personalities. The Event Director for the concert was Jag Cruz.
In 2023, he was also honored as Asia's Most Outstanding Talent Manager of the Year at the 1st MMTV Asia's Golden Eagle Achievement Awards.
During this time, John Rey worked as a freelance researcher for Rated Korina (formerly Rated K), a Philippine news magazine show broadcast by ABS-CBN, TV5, and Kapamilya Channel, hosted by Korina Sanchez. One of his notable contributions as researcher was the life story of Mr. Johnny Manahan, also known as Mr. M, The Star Maker of ABS-CBN Star Magic.
John Rey also attended a songwriting masterclass with renowned songwriter Jimmy Borja, leading to his composition of Pangako Mo, performed by Joice Espinoza. The song gained over 1.2 million views on Facebook and received several prestigious awards, including:
Silver Medal Winner for Outstanding Achievement at the Global Music Awards 2024 (Original Score/Soundtrack for Film and Television)Best Musical at the Europe Music Video Awards 2024Best Asian Music 2024 at the Parai Musical International AwardsBest Music Video in Southeast Asia at the World Music and Independent Film Festival 2024Best Asian Song in Southeast Asia at the World Music and Independent Film Festival 2024
In 2024, John Rey became a guest coordinator at the Bilyonaryo News Channel (BNC), the newest TV free channel in the Philippines, offering not only cutting-edge business reporting but also comprehensive coverage of national issues, politics, lifestyle, and sports.
working with esteemed journalists such as Korina Sanchez-Roxas, Pinky Webb, and Marie Lozano, among others. He managed the business news programs like BASIS POINTS with Maiki Oreta, FOLLOW THE MONEY, WORLD NEWSFEED with Raine Musñgi, and INDUSTRY BEACON with Ferdi Salvador and Maiki Oreta.
His remarkable journey was recognized at the Asia's Triumphant Awards 2024, where he was named Outstanding Showbiz Personality of the Year. He also received recognition from Top Model Philippines for his contributions to the entertainment industry and was featured in The Global Filipino Magazine.
Currently, John Rey Malto is one of Viva Entertainment's Talent Scouts for Artista Academy, a reality TV show that will be aired on the Kapatid Network (TV5).
John Rey's primary goal remains to discover and nurture hidden talents. His message to the younger generation is:
"Prioritize education, stay dedicated to your passions, and never give up on your dreams, no matter the challenges."
