Empoy Marquez’s comedy beginnings
CEBU, Philippines — Empoy Marquez shared to The FREEMAN and other media in a virtual interview that during his elementary days, he would skip classes just so he can indulge his hobby of watching movies, with comedy and horror his favorite genres.
“Halos hindi ako pumapasaok, magha-half day lang ako nung grade 5, grade 6…’90s po yun. Wala akong gagawin kundi manguha ng bayabas, bibili ng tsitserya, tapos manonood ng pelikula nila Tito Dolphy, Tito Panchito, Tito Vic and Joey, lahat ng komedyante nung araw…tuwing hapon halos araw-araw,” the “Ghosts Adventures 2” star recalled.
On his beginnings as a funnyman, Empoy said it became a habit for him to deliver a punchline once he enters his classroom. “Na-adapt ko, elementary, high school, college every time papasok, hindi pwede na e-enter ako sa classroom na hindi ako magpapatawa. Doon ko na-discover yung sarili ko. Everytime nakikita ako ng mga kaklase ko, natatawa sila sa akin. Hindi ko inakala na balang araw, magiging trabaho ko ito.”
In the field of horror, Empoy said most memorable for him are “Huwag Kang Hahalik sa Diablo” which starred Gabby Concepcion and Tina Paner, and “Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay,” featuring Jestoni Alarcon, Ricky Davao and Charito Solis.
His “Ghost Adventures 2” co-star, Benjie Paras, expressed his pride at the success of Empoy,
whose cache rose after starring in the box-office hit “Kita Kita” with Alessandra de Rossi.
“Matagal ko ng nakakasama si Empoy. The first time was a comedy show in QTV. Nakita ko pa lang si Empoy, tawang-tawa na ako,” said Benjie. “Yung kay Empoy kasi, natural. Kung paano mo siya kausapin sa labas, hindi siya umaarte. Yun na siya. Kaya nakakatawa talaga. Wala siyang effort. Minsan sinasabi, anong punchline? Si Empoy, pagalawin mo lang. Kung nakita niyo noong araw, it’s like Tito Dolphy. Hindi nila kailangan magsalita, just with their reactions and movement, matatawa ka na. Same thing with Empoy.”
Benjie said he felt genuine happiness when Empoy became a sought-after talent after years of being an underrated comedian. “At least kilala na siya ngayon at iba na kapag sinabi mong Empoy Marquez,” said Benjie.
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