Following in the footsteps of Tito Echo

MANILA, Philippines - John Manalo is best remembered for his TV stint on ABS-CBN’s kiddie gag show, Goin’ Bulilit, which opened a lot of opportunities for him in showbiz. For John, being in the business is a dream come true.

The youngest of four children, John dreamt of being a star when he was still a kid. Inspired by the accomplishments of his uncle Jericho Rosales, John also vowed to make a name for himself.

At four, he started appearing in TV commercials which became his stepping stone to television. He has done more than 30 TV ads to date. It was in one of those ads where he was discovered for Goin’ Bulilit.

Two years ago, however, John, now 14, graduated from the weekly gag show to give way to new talents. “I enjoyed my work in Goin’ Bulilit,” John asserts. “I always looked forward to our taping day. It still thrills me up to now to see myself on TV. I’m happy with what I’m doing.”

A talent of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, John has built an impressive showbiz credentials in the few years that he has been in the business. He is grateful to his network for giving him the good breaks, working with big name stars and first-rate directors.

He starred in the primetime series, Mga Anghel na Walang Langit, with fellow child actors Sharlene San Pedro, Nash Aguas, Carl Barrameda and Miles Ocampo. Maryo J. de los Reyes and Lino Cayetano worked at the helm.

For films, John has charted an even remarkable roster. He worked with Claudine Barretto and the late Rico Yan in Got To Believe, played the younger brother of Mark Bautista in Lastikman and portrayed the young John Lloyd Cruz in Dubai (which also starred Aga Muhlach).

John was Kris Aquino’s son in Chito Roño’s Feng Shui, where he clinched a Best Child Actor trophy from the FAMAS, Star Awards and Guillermo Mendoza Foundation.

He was the younger brother of Angel Locsin in Land Down Under (with Piolo Pascual) and played the son of Sharon in Caregiver, which brought him to London for the first time.

John also appeared in Paul Soriano’s indie film, A Journey Home, where he essayed the role of Toni Gonzaga’s son. In the animated feature, Dayo, he was one of the voice talents.

For this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), John plays son to Sharon anew in Joel Lamangan’s family drama, Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love, Regal’s official entry to the MMFF.

John is grateful to producer Lily Monteverde for bringing him all the way to Beijing for the first time to shoot scenes for the movie, including the grand finale. Aside from Sharon, he was with co-stars Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, Ciara Sotto and Nicole Uysiuseng.

He is also happy that he got to bond anew with Ate Heart, the ex-girlfriend of his Tito Echo. “Before, we would go out and watch movies together,” John shares. “During Christmas time, Ate Heart would have gifts for me and my siblings. I felt sad when they broke up. But I’m glad that I got to be with Ate Heart in Beijing.”

John vows to improve his craft and make more films. He looks up to his Hollywood idols, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, but gets inspiration from his Tito Echo. “He never fails to tell me to do my best so I can build a name in showbiz and become a good actor,” John says.

A freshman at Marist School in Marikina, John attends high school like any other regular students. He attests he doesn’t get special treatment from his teachers and is treated like any other kid in campus.

“I am made to write excuse letters every time I’m absent,” John offers. “I go see the Prefect when I’m late. It’s normal school for me. I really want to prioritize my studies.”

This young actor, however, is a self-confessed “Mama’s Boy.” Up to now, he sleeps with his mom and brings her wherever he goes. “I can’t sleep without her and I miss her when she’s not with me,” John allows. “I am very close to my mom and I’m not ashamed to admit that.”

John is keeping his fingers crossed that his MMFF movie will get good box-office results and even awards. He is proud to have been a part of a grand production and to have worked with a stellar cast in Mano Po 6.

Also starring in the movie are Christopher de Leon, Zoren Legaspi, Ricky Davao, Ryan Eigenmann, Niña Jose, JC de Vera, Glaiza de Castro and Kris Aquino in a special role as Sharon’s best friend.