Maximino “Mutch” Cariño, a Filipino American event producer, marketing consultant and community leader known for founding recognition programs honoring Filipino American achievers, died July 30.
His death was confirmed through social media posts from friends and colleagues. Information about the cause of death was not immediately available.
Based in Southern California, Cariño was widely recognized as the CEO and producer of Maxx Promos, which handled events including The Outstanding Pilipinos in Los Angeles (TOP-LA) Award, the Woman of Worth (WOW) Awards, the Spotlight Awards and SPOTLIGHT TV, which aired on KSCI-TV LA 18.
Maxx Promos also helped produce “Kasayahan: Sama-sama sa Kalayaan,” the first virtual Philippine Independence Day celebration in the United States.
Cariño built a decades-long career in event production, with more than 30 years of experience organizing theme park cultural festivals, U.S. concert tours and trade shows.
He produced Philippine concert tours for artists including Paul Anka, Angela Bofill, Lani Hall and Bob James, and served as executive producer of the 1980 Mr. Universe worldwide broadcast. His work also included large-scale ethnic festivals at venues such as Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm, helping bring Filipino culture to broader audiences.
Beyond production, he was deeply involved in community leadership. He served as president of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) from 2017 to 2019 and was named one of the 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans of 2020 by Blogtalk Hollywood, an honor announced in commemoration of Filipino American History Month.
He graduated with a degree in AB Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1978.
His TOP Awards became a key platform for recognizing Filipino American achievers across industries. Among those honored was TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards), a New York-based organization, which received the award in 2022.
Colleagues and members of the Filipino American community paid tribute to Cariño’s legacy and impact.
“The Filipino American community in Los Angeles has lost one great leader – Mutch Cariño,” said Hollywood veteran journalist Janet Nepales. “He was quiet, but he did the work. Even if it meant just doing things himself. He brought the community together with his awards shows and events and quietly, without fanfare or intrigue, did the work. We are still in shock at the sudden passing of our friend Mutch. May you rest in peace.”
Inquirer columnist Ruben Nepales also remembered Cariño as a driving force in recognizing Filipino American talent and leadership.
“Mutch was an indefatigable presenter of awards to Fil-Am leaders, talents and personalities through his TOP and SPOTLIGHT Awards,” he said. “Earlier in his career, Mutch actively produced shows and concerts for the community. When we arrived in LA in the late ’80s, Mutch was already a popular figure. The UP alumnus was an articulate, knowledgeable Fil-Am and knew virtually everyone in the community. He was persuasive – one can’t say no to Mutch.”
Cariño’s legacy is marked by his commitment to uplifting Filipino American voices and creating spaces where achievements could be recognized and celebrated on a national stage.
