From humble beginnings as a service crew member in fast-food chains to shaping the futures of rising stars, John Rey Malto’s journey is a compelling example of grit and ambition in action. Born in Manila on October 22, 1991, John Rey’s life serves as an inspiring narrative of how tenacity and passion can lead to success, even in the highly competitive Philippine showbiz industry.
John Rey’s pursuit of excellence began in academia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science and has also earned additional credits in Education from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in San Fernando City, La Union. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there; he also took up a vocational course in Photography at Lorma Colleges and enrolled in a Masteral Degree program in Public Administration.
It was, however, his six-year stint as a freelance writer, researcher, and talent coordinator that paved the way for his entry into the world of entertainment. John Rey found himself participating in and winning singing contests and game shows on TV networks, but his real break came in 2017 when he began managing models and beauty queens. The role provided him not only a glimpse into the world of show business but also an opportunity to share his acquired knowledge and skills with budding talents.
By 2018, John Rey had already gained enough recognition and experience to serve as one of the directors of the International Modeling Competition in the Philippines. This platform allowed him to continue nurturing the careers of models and talents, solidifying his foothold in the industry.
In recognition of his contributions, John Rey was honored during a Film lecture and workshop on basic theater acting in 2019. Hosted by the Department of Education in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the event marked him as an expert willing to share his skills generously for the betterment of others.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2020, John Rey remained unyielding. At a time when many found themselves out of work, he continued to actively manage his talents while also taking on roles in advertising to sustain himself.
Further accolades followed in the subsequent years, solidifying John Rey’s reputation as an industry heavyweight. In 2021, he received the GOLDEN STAR AWARD for “Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry and Selfless Public Service” from ATC INTERNATIONAL. A year later, he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Talent Manager, and Inspiring Artist Management of the Year” award from the Alliance of Hospitality and Tourism Movers of the Philippines.
In 2023, John Rey expanded his skill set by becoming an apprentice Assistant Director under international award-winning directors Arvin Belarmino, August Lyle Espino, and Kyla Romero. He also attended a Songwriting Masterclass to deepen his understanding of the music industry, rubbing shoulders with the likes of famed songwriter Sir Jimmy Borja.
But John Rey’s journey is not solely about his own growth and accolades. As a talent manager, his objective is to uncover hidden gems—people who have the talent but need the right guidance to shine in the world of show business. His message to the younger generation is unequivocal: value education, stay committed to your passion, and never give up on your dreams, regardless of social or economic status.
Today, John Rey stands as one of the recognized talent managers in the Philippine entertainment world. For him, if you have perseverance and passion, you can indeed achieve your dreams—perhaps even beyond what you initially imagined. As Malto himself puts it, “If you love your passion, don’t give up, just keep going. You will achieve it at the right time.”
