John Carlo Cruz is a 21-year old model who hails from Novaliches, Quezon City. He commenced his college education at Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila and then transferred to Our Lady of Fatima University in Malabon. I got to talk to him recently and he told me that he stopped school because of the sudden pouring of projects and he is having a difficult time balancing his studies and his modelling career.

His first major modelling stint was being an image model for Paradise Mango Rum Liquer (the world’s first mango rum). Soon, thereafter, he was signed up to endorse another brand of beverages specializing in flavored vodka.

Wanting to further his career, this 6-foot-tall hunk went to the screening of the 2007 Mr. Philippines-World competition; and luckily for him, he was chosen as one of the semi-finalists.

During the competition, he was declared as one of the top ten finalists. According to him, during the interview portion of the pageant, he was asked a question which was not supposed to be directed to him because it did not relate to his personal experiences. It was a good thing he was quick-witted and spontaneous that he was able to breeze through the interview without anybody noticing that there was a mix up. He didn’t blame the organizers for the incident, though, because he recognizes that a lot of things can go wrong during pageants.

Although he didn’t win the grand prize in the Mr. Philippines-World pageant, his exposure in the said event opened a lot of doors for him in showbusiness. GMA7 took notice of his talent in dancing and he became part of Eat Bulaga’s Macho Men. And soon, he will be appearing in GMA7’s upcoming Japanese-inspired teleserye entitled “Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan” (Space Police).

By the way, his pictures don’t do him justice. He looks way better in person.