A Pokwang on the comedy scene

They say talent can be honed or it may be produced. But some are just born with it. For 31-year-old Marietta "Pokwang" Subong, comedy was her life’s calling and passion, a knack so evident even in her younger years, that to be discovered was an event sure to come. The road to her big break was a bumpy one, so that Maalaala Mo Kaya, the longest running and highest-rating drama anthology, recently featured her touching and inspiring life story.

Being one of the freshest additions to show business, Pokwang epitomizes the embodiment of a talented comedienne who knows how to play her cards right. After bagging the title "Clown in a Million" on ABS-CBN’s Yes, Yes Show, Pokwang became a mainstay of the said primetime comedy program and also became one of the cast members in the daily afternoon dramedy Maid in Heaven.

Still floating in la-la land, impervious to her new reality, Pokwang amuses each one she meets with a rare confidence and pride in her past. Twelve years ago, she brought her first son, Shin, into the world but lost him to a brain tumor when he was only six. Unable to be here for her son’s funeral, bound by a contract to perform in Japan, Pokwang struggled between tears and smiles to get over her grief. To date, she takes her eight-year-old daughter, Rie Mae, to visit her son’s resting place Antipolo.

Pokwang used to be a regular customer at Funline where she was first discovered. One night, she was pulled upstage and decided not to be outshore by the hosts. Her flair for comedy was instantly noticed by an entertainment manager who decided to give her a regular show at Funline. One month later, she moved to Music Box. Friend Eric Nicolas came up to her and encouraged her to join Clown in a Million; as production was in need of a girl in the roster. Game for anything, Pokwang gave it a try. Her popularity as the babaeng bakla won her a clean slate and the opportunity to live her dream.

This comedienne boasts of many talents, one of which is cooking, with Japanese food as her specialty. She also shares her love for interior design and promises that, "One day, ang kama ko, nasa kisame na ’yan!" Truly passionate for designing clothes, she plans to start her own garment line and put up a boutique.

Being a funny kid was natural for Pokwang. She was constantly surrounded by people who were amused by her antics. Instigator of trouble and dangerous adventures, she was once caught coming back from the river when she cut class. And, oh, did she enjoy her retribution of belting the national anthem!

Pokwang attributes her big break to her experience at Music Box where she sharpened her grind with a show five times a week. Experience gave her the much-needed confidence to make it in show business.

Without batting an eyelash, she exclaims that she idolizes her mother, Gloria. Her work is given a nudge by her inspiration, her daughter Rie Mae. "Nagtatrabaho ako ng ganito para sa kanya para hindi niya maranasan yung hirap na dinaanan ko," Pokwang shares. Her mother and daughter stay in Antipolo, away from the noise and madding crowd of the city.

Pokwang’s experience with Yes Yes Show’s Clown in a Million was very memorable. Her fondest memory was the workshop with Direk Joey Reyes because it helped put her skills to a test. She said it forced her to react to situations with lightning speed and with the wit of a real entertainer. Her crown of the event was the friendships fostered with the rest of the seven clowns. Pokwang laughs and says, "Sobrang close namin na yang mga utang-utang, hindi na inaalala."

Entering a new business has taken her by storm. She says that the best thing about her new job is meeting so many people. Watching the entertainers she has long admired work with so much professionalism has encouraged her to work at hers. This is why Pokwang always come prepared to any set and is up three hours before call time. Her working hours go anywhere from 10 to 22 hours in a day. To prepare for this, she never skips her breakfast of "coffee and a little muni-muni". And believe it or not, "Pag kumain ako, you know, like a trabahador," she says smiling. This fact blows away anyone who meets her in person and vouch for her svelte figure.

Although she feels like comedy is her life’s calling. Pokwang is confident she can take on drama roles. Proof was her affecting performance in Maalaala Mo Kaya, where she portrayed herself. However, she also dreams of playing Catwoman, maybe in a fantasy series. To prove her point, she displayed her version of feline movement and a resemblance to Halle Berry was indeed found. Truly a jack of many trades and master of most.

Pokwang says she lives by one principle: Live life without hesitation. No guts, no glory. "As long as wala kang sinasagasaang ibang tao, go ka lang ng go! Wala nang hiya-hiya pa," she advises.

It isn’t easy making it big in this business. Many can attest to that. As a woman living in this day and age, Pokwang reveals that you have to be smart to stand on your own two feet and work towards your dream. But the best advice she can give to aspiring comediennes is to always know how to be grateful and to recognize God in your life.

Great words said by one who knows the value of hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. With her poignant past as her foundation and source of strength and comedy genius as her shield, Pokwang stands ready to face show business. While striving to make it in this dog-eat-dog world, she says that she also loves to sit back as she enjoys signing autographs and having her picture taken. These she considers part of the job – the perks and the simple glamour factor.

In a business where one can rise and fall faster than you can say "cut," truth and humility define each entertainer and set them apart from the rest. Showbiz has welcomed one of its latest additions, Pokwang, with a big and well-deserved break, although she has yet to walk her mile. But the journey looks bright for one who enters with the passion and focus of this funny face. Meantime, many admirers of her strength and talent await the day when Pokwang will make an icon of her funny face. The curtains rise for this talent who is sweeping the business off its feet in genuine comedy.