MANILA, Philippines — Although his being a professional basketball player brought him first into the limelight, Joey Marquez has also made a name for himself as a funny man, who can deliver in creative works such as the crime-thriller film, On The Job: The Missing 8 and family drama series, Pamilya Ko.
The actor’s openness to give new roles and projects a try carries on with GMA 7’s sports-oriented primetime series, Bolera. Joey takes on the role of a seemingly grumpy man-billiards mentor, named Freddie to Joni, a billiards prodigy, portrayed by Kylie Padilla, based on the information provided to this paper.
What’s interesting to note, too, in the series, which airs weeknights after First Lady, is how Joey’s Freddie will become a father figure to the female lead character. By the way, First Lady is down to its last two weeks.
“I play billiards and I came from the sports (world),” the actor jumpstarted the one-on-one with The STAR, done recently and virtually. Among the many things viewers can look forward to, as Joey shared, is the tale of struggles and triumphs that Joni will go through for the love of the game. Basketball is Joey’s first love, which was eventually expanded to acting that has gifted him a more than three-decade career.
“Gusto ko pang maglaro, pero yung katawan ko ayaw na, parang ganun. I play golf and I’m into farming,” said he, who appreciates the advantages of lock-in taping.
“(One,) you’re (all) there, you get to maintain your character,” shared he. “Second, you don’t have any extra-curricular activities. You just focus on your work. So maganda at nakaka-pahinga ka.” So, time and energy were efficiently used and employed. Since there was no idle time, actors were fully committed and connected to their roles. “(The character) portrayal that is given to you, hindi nawawala yun. Bago ka matulog, dala mo. Hindi ka pa nakakaisip ng iba, pag-gising mo, dala mo pa rin yung karakter (You’re most of the time one with your character portrayal like before going to sleep and even waking up).”
It’s safe to say that Joey knew well his Freddie, who, according to him, started as best friend of Joni’s father Joma, a former billiards champion. Their friendship turned sour because Freddie played a role in the loss of Joma. Since then, Freddie has been haunted by his action and conscience.
“One way to make up for my (character’s) mistake was to teach her (Joni) how to play billiards,” he said, “parang protégé siya (ni Freddie) sa billiards, he has become her mentor.”
But the relationship between the mentor and mentee will face some challenges. It won’t be easy for Freddie to divulge the truth, and once revealed, for Joni to accept that her mentor is her father’s enemy, as Joey said. Will Joni, at some point, consider Freddie her father figure? Well, it’s something viewers will find out soon.
“Pinapakita din dito yung pagiging resilient (ng isang tao) and that (one) can achieve anything,” shared Joey about takeaways, aside from gender equality in sports, viewers can learn from. “You can be the person you want to be for as long as you stay focused.”
As much as he enjoys every screen role being thrown at him, Joey loves being a father.
“I’m probably not a good husband or a lover, but definitely I will be a good father to my children,” said he. “Lahat ng oras ko ay binibigay ko sa kanila, kasi alam ko na kailangan nila ako nung maliit sila (I would make myself available to them because I knew they needed me when they were young).” Joey finds time for them and time seems to be his love language. “Ititigil ko ang lahat kapag may kailangan sila,” said he. Among his children who have entered show business are Optical Media Board chairperson Jeremy Marquez and beauty queen Winwyn Marquez. A GMA News Online article says that the actor has 16 children with different women.
“I have three rules at home,” shared he. “When you live under my roof and you’re a minor, follow what I say (because) I’ve been there. I explain to them the importance of education, which is the only thing I can give them. It’s a permanent asset to them. No. 2 is be responsible. (I would tell them) maiintindihan ninyo rin kapag nagkapamilya kayo na dapat parating priority ang mga anak ninyo. Three is focus, lahat ng bagay pwedeng mangyari, pero hindi mo pwedeng isisi sa ibang tao yung pagkakamali mo (Everything is possible but you can’t blame others for your failure).” Joey said one’s not-so-good situation can be used to one’s advantage and succeed in life. What also excites Joey is his being a grandfather, who looks forward to spend time and take care of his apos.
Even he has carved out his niche in the entertainment industry, Joey aspires to do more meaty roles like the law enforcer Joaquin Acosta in On The Job: The Missing 8, directed by Erik Matti.
“I told direk Erik na hindi ko kaya yung pinagagawa mo kasi komedyante ako (I told him that I couldn’t do what he asked me because I’m primarily a comedian). He encouraged me to give it a try by saying, ‘Gawin mo lang ang gusto mo, ‘wag ka lang aarte (‘Just do what you want. Don’t act it out’). So, nagampanan ko, pwede pala (I was able to play it and it was possible).”
Given the good father roles such as the Fernan Mabunga in Pamilya Ko that he has done before, Joey wants to essay a dad character, who suffers from mental illness.
As for his secrets to staying long in show business, Joey said, “Humility. Kailangan kasi na kahit gaano ka kasikat, kailangan magpakumbaba ka pa rin… Being respectful to others and having the abundance of humility can make you stay longer in any career. Of course, part of it is you’re being focused (on work) and what’s given and entrusted to you and don’t let (success) go to your head.”