Reynaldo Oliver Malonzo (born May 17, 1952), professionally known as Rey Malonzo, is a former Filipino actor, film director and politician in the Philippines. He was a famous action star doing mostly martial arts in his films during the 1970s up to the 1980s. Malonzo served as mayor of Caloocan from 1995 to 2004. In 2024, he announced his intention to run for the congressional seat of Caloocan's 1st district in the 2025.
In the 1970s, Malonzo rose to popularity by way of kung fu and karate movies. Malonzo, together with Ramon Zamora gave rise to the so-called Pinoy Bruce Lee clones in the late 1970s. They starred in such films as Bruce Liit (1978) with Niño Muhlach, Ang Hari at ang Alas (1978), The Deadly Rookies (1978) with Rio Locsin and Kambal Dragon (1978). He did also a string of martial arts films including Chaku Master in 1974, and They Call Him Bruce Lee in 1979. In the 1980s, he became a director using his alternate name, Reginald King in his films, Pedrong Palaka (1980), Tigre ng Sierra Madre (1982), Roman Sebastian (1983), and Maestro Bandido (1983) among others. In 1987, he starred with American actors David Anderson, Brett Baxter Clark, and Robert Patrick for the film Eye of the Eagle.
In 2000, Malonzo portrayed Andrés Bonifacio in the television film Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, directed by Lorli Villanueva.[1] It was later intended to be reshot and entered into the 2003 Metro Manila Film Festival, but the plan did not come to fruition.[2]
Malonzo became a mayor for three consecutive terms in Caloocan. In 1995, he ran for mayor and defeated Macario 'Boy' Asistio. A year later, Asistio loyalists filed a recall petition against Malonzo. A recall election was conducted, and Malonzo still emerged as the winner. He was reelected as mayor in the 1998 polls. In 2001, Malonzo won a third term, this time against former Congressman Luis Asistio. Upon being term limited, he ran for representative of the 1st district of Caloocan, but lost to former vice mayor Oscar Malapitan.[3] He later ran for vice mayor of Caloocan in 2010 as Asistio's running mate, but lost to former 2nd district representative Edgar Erice.
In 2024, Malonzo expressed his support for the 2025 Caloocan mayoral run of former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, with whom his son PJ is the running mate. He eventually ran again for representative of the 1st district of Caloocan.[4]
Personal life
Malonzo is married to fellow actress Gwendolyn "Gigi" Emnace.[5] They have two children: Christopher "PJ" Malonzo and Charles King Malonzo.[5]
↑ "OPENS TODAY Simultaneously". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. January 17, 1986. p.6. CINEMA MANAGEMENT CORPORATION presents a LDG FILMS initial offering
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