Jhann Marlowe Galman Pamintuan (born January 4, 1993), known professionally as Marlo Mortel, is a Filipino actor, TV host, musician, entrepreneur, and singer-songwriter. Who is best known for his role as Nicolo Angelo Cortez in the morning television drama, Be Careful with My Heart and Gabriel Luna in OMG. In the novel I Love You Since 1892, he was originally introduced as Juanito Alfonso, a noble and kind-hearted love interest for protagonist Carmela. He is currently under Viva Communications' talent management Viva Artists Agency.
Early life Mortel is the only child of Merlie Pamintuan and Rommel Pamintuan.Cepeda, Cody "Marlo Mortel remembers last moment with mom, dedicates first single to her" Philippine Daily Inquirer accessed 2021 April 28 https://entertainment.inquirer.net/290977/marlo-mortel-remembers-last-moments-with-mom-dedicates-first-single-to-her He said that he was a sickly child who had a sensitive stomach and asthma. According to him, he nearly died due to his severe asthma when he was five years old.Bukas, Leo "Marlo Mortel, Muntik nang Mamatay" Pinoy Parazzi 29 December 2020 accessed 28 April 2020 https://www.pinoyparazzi.com/marlo-mortel-muntik-nang-mamatay/
Mortel has said he is academically advanced, stating that he learned to read, write, and tell time at the age of three. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing Management at San Beda College in Alabang, Muntinlupa.Trinidad, Gertrud "Marlo Mortel:Memories of A Heart" Star Studio accessed :28 April 2021
Career Beginnings (2009–2014) Mortel entered show business in 2009 as a contestant for the 5th season of GMA Network's talent show StarStruck. At the time, he used the screen name Marlowe Pamintuan. He became one of the regular teen performers at German Moreno's Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, using the name John Miguel Pamintuan. In 2010, he was cast in the teen-oriented drama Reel Love Presents: Tween Hearts. There, he played the role of Uno, the best friend of Barbie Forteza's character (Bambi), who becomes romantically involved with Leslie (Lexi Fernandez). He later recorded "Wake Me Up" by Wham!, one of the songs in the soundtrack album of Tween Hearts' movie adaptation, Tween Academy: Class of 2012, released in 2011.
Mortel got his career breakthrough after he auditioned for The X Factor Philippines in 2012. Shortly after, he was cast as Nicolo Angelo Cortez in the daytime series Be Careful with My Heart. Since then, a "loveteam" has been formed between Mortel and co-star Janella Salvador. On February 22, 2014, Mortel and Janella starred in Maalaala Mo Kayas episode "Card".Janella Salvador And Marlo Mortel Topbill Mmk This Saturday – Star Cinema. Starcinema.abs-cbn.com (February 20, 2014). Retrieved on 2014-03-06.Janella Salvador and Marlo Mortel paired in MMK | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz . PEP.ph. Retrieved on 2014-03-06.
On March 24, 28, and September 26, he competed in The Singing Bee. He was the champion of the week in March 24 with 40,000 and champion of the day with 60,000, then he became the defending champion on September 26 with 400,000. But, due to prior commitments with as the filming of Be Careful with My Heart, and for the upcoming show called Oh My G!, Mortel, withdrew from the show on October 3, 2014, he also mentioned on Instagram. Because of what happened, Inah de Belen took the place. He was the defending champion for two weeks and six days.
Rising stardom (2015–present) After his success in Be Careful with My Heart, Marlo was cast as "Gabriel Luna", the male lead of Janella Salvador's character in Oh My G!.Janella Salvador to star with Marlo Mortel and Manolo Pedrosa in Oh My G!. Push. Retrieved 2014-11-28.Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel get big break via Oh My G!. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
In a live interview on Aquino & Abunda Tonight in January 2015, Mortel revealed that he was not supposed to have as much lines in the defunct daytime series Be Careful with My Heart, but was given a bigger role due to the feedback to his tandem with Janella Salvador. He also said that he only intended to enter showbiz as a singer, and not as an actor, noting he does not consider himself good-looking compared to his contemporaries.Marlo Mortel reveals insecurities as neophyte actor. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2015-01-20.
In March 2015, ASAP launched Marlo's newest boy group called Harana together with his co-members, Joseph Marco, Bryan Santos and Michael Pangilinan with their carrier single, "Number One".ASAP’s Newest Boy Group, "Harana," with Joseph Marco, Marlo Mortel, Bryan Santos and Michael Pangilinan. Random Republika. Retrieved 2015-03-16. Marlo Mortel overwhelmed by success of his tandem with Janella Salvador and his group Harana Boys. Pep.ph. Retrieved 2015-04-26. .
In January 2016, Mortel and co-star Janella Salvador were chosen as interpreters of "Mananatili," one of the top 15 finalists in the 2016 Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs, composed by Francis Louis Salazar.
In 2019, he became one of the contestants in TNT All Star Grand Resbak in Tawag ng Tanghalan sa "It's Showtime" but was eliminated.Monde, Jeel "Marlo Mortel On Loss In Tawag Ng Tanghalan: “Not gonna lie, my heart breaks.” Philippine News 13 November 2019 accessed: 7 March 2021 https://philnews.ph/2019/11/13/marlo-mortel-on-loss-in-tawag-ng-tanghalan-not-gonna-lie-my-heart-breaks/
In 2020, he released his fourth composition written during enhanced community quarantine "Racing Waters" which he wrote to raise awareness of psychological and mental abuse.Cerezo, Anna Gabrielle "Marlo Mortel writes songs to raise awareness about psychological abuse" ABS -CBN News: April 11, 2020 accessed:March 7, 2021 https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/11/20/marlo-mortel-writes-song-to-raise-awareness-about-psychological-abuse Later on the same year, he also released his written new single with Evelyn Cormier of American Idol Top 14 entitled "Bones". The music video was recorded separately in Manila, Philippines and New Hampshire, United States."Marlo Mortel releases new collaboration with Evelyn Cormier of 'American Idol'" ABS-CBN News: May 20, 2020 accessed: March 7, 2021 https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/20/20/marlo-mortel-releases-new-collaboration-with-evelyn-cormier-of-american-idol He also joined the cast for Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 film entry "Suarez: The Healing Priest" where he played the role of news reporter.Escuadro, Kiko "Marlo Mortel, Isa sa mga natulungan ni Fr.Suarez" ABS-CBN Push 25 December 2020 accessed: 28 April 2021 https://www.abs-cbn.com/2020/12/24/fresh-scoops/marlo-mortel-isa-sa-mga-natulungan-ni-father-suar-190609
In April 2021, Marlo released his debut single “Mahina” under Polyeast Records as well as "Bituin" On his virtual press conference, He said that he wrote the single for his friend who is currently living in Vietnam. Severo, Jan Milo " Marlo Mortel on ex-love team partner Janella Salvador" Philippine Star 5 August 2021 Retrieved: 28 August 2021 https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/08/05/2117595/marlo-mortel-ex-love-team-partner-janella-salvadorBasco, Karl Cedric "Marlo Mortel turns to music to overcome anxiety during pandemic " ABS-CBN News 5 August 2021 Retrieved: 28 August 2021 https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/05/21/marlo-mortel-turns-to-music-to-overcome-anxiety
Personal life
Aside from being a TV host, actor, and musician, he also has a business called "Ornstal," meaning Oriental Stones and Crystals, which sells bracelets and necklaces made of semi-precious stones and crystals."Marlo Mortel turns his favorite accessory into a business" Philippine Entertainment Portal 02 December 2015 accessed: 7 March 2021 https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/32732/marlo-mortel-turns-his-favorite-accessory-into-a-business
In August 2018, his mother, Merlie Pamintuan, died due to complications of stage 4 breast cancer which was originally diagnosed as stage 2 in 2014.Marlo Mortel's mother dies ABS-CBN News: 24 August 2018 accessed: 7 March 2021 https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/24/18/marlo-mortels-mother-diesAbanilla, Clarizel G."Marlo Mortel mom's dies of cancer" Inquirer.net :24 August 2018 accessed: 7 March 2021 https://entertainment.inquirer.net/290119/marlo-mortels-mom-dies-cancer
In July 2020, he revealed on his Instagram account that he had had a mental breakdown."Marlo Mortel admits having a breakdown" ABS-CBN News: July 13, 2020 accessed: 7 March 2021 https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/13/20/marlo-mortel-admits-having-a-breakdown In an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal in 2021, he announced that he is planning to return to school to major in psychology.Regondola, Glenn "Marlo Mortel plans taking up Psychology after bout with anxiety" Philippine Entertainment Portal: March 5, 2021 accessed: 7 March 2021 http://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/156999/marlo-mortel-psychology-a730-20210305
Discography Harana
Music video appearances 2014 Mahal Kita Pero Janella SalvadorJANELLA SALVADOR: Mahal Kita Pero, Official Music Video. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
2015 Shine Pilipinas! Liza Soberano ft. Enrique GilABS-CBN Summer Station ID 2015 "Shine Pilipinas!". Retrieved 2015-08-31. I Can Janella SalvadorOh My G OST: "I Can" Music Video by Janella Salvador. Retrieved 2015-03-29.
2016
Mananatili" Music Video with Janella Salvador
Compilation albums Year Track Album Artist Details Certification Ref. 2011 "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" Tween Academy AlbumHimself 2015 "M.O.O" OPM Fresh MARLO MORTEL: M.O.O (My One and Only) Official Lyric Video. Retrieved 2014-04-13. 2016 "Mananatili" Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2016 Himself with Janella Salvador Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador – Mananatili (Official Recording Session with Lyrics). Retrieved 2016-03-10.
Filmography Films Year Title Role Ref. 2011 Tween Academy: Class of 2012 Prom bully 2015 Haunted Mansion AdrianMarlo Mortel and Janella Salvador talk about working on Haunted Mansion. Push. Retrieved 2016-03-07. 2016 Isang Araw: Ikatlong Yugto Emmanuel Mano Po 7: Tsinoy Henry2017 Fallback Frankie 2018 Petmalu Peter John Ledesma One Great Love Bryan 2019 Santigwar Aldrin Damaso Fernando Damaso 2020 Suarez: The Healing Priest Robert 2021 Ayuda Babes Jun 2025Lola Barang
Television Year Title Role Source 2009 StarStruck: V The Worldwide Invasion 2009–2012 Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman Teen stars (Performer/Co-host) 2010–2012 Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts Uno Morales 2012 The X Factor Philippines 2012–2014 Be Careful with My Heart Nicolo Angelo "Mallows/Nic-Nic" Cortez 2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Card Celo Magallanes Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bonnet Paolo Buenafe The Singing Bee Game show, Champion of the week and Champion of the day of March, 2-week and a-6-day defending champion of September–October Home Sweetie Home Young Romeo Valentino2015 Oh My G! Gabriel "Gabby" Luna Wansapanataym: Fat Patty Richard Janella Salvador and Marlo Mortel Stars in Wansapanataym Presents ‘Fat Patty’ . Retrieved 2016-03-07. 2015–2016 Kris TV Himself 2015–2025 ASAP Co-host & performer, Harana 2015–2020 Umagang Kay Ganda Segment Host#UKGHotties: Faces We Look Forward to Greeting Us ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ . Retrieved 2016-03-07. 2016 We Love OPMMember of "Power Chords" with Marion Aunor and Kaye Cal 2017 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Pride and Joy Young Raul Maalaala Mo Kaya: Diploma Young Memerto Maalaala Mo Kaya: Gitara Joel 2017–2018 Hanggang Saan Unyo 2018 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Noel Marasigan 2019 Ipaglaban Mo: Reputasyon Vincent 2021 Mars Guest 2022 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Altar Angelo Villadarez 2023 FPJ's Batang Quiapo Young Armando "Mando" Mendoza Nag-aapoy na Damdamin Young Javier Buencamino 2025 Rainbow Rumble Contestant2025–2026 Totoy Bato Coby Sandoval What Lies Beneath Angelo Melendez
Accolades