Markki Stroem works hard for his big break

MANILA, Philippines – For someone who’s only been in the industry for less than five years, Marrki Stroem has accomplished a lot. But the singer-actor admits he still has a long way to go — which is why he’s tolling hard to reach his big break in the entertainment industry.

“I’m sure everyone dreams na magkaroon sila ng break so they can sustain themselves for what they love to do. Ito yung training ko, the hard way up,” Markki said in an interview with members of the press at Kozui Green Tea, Quezon City on Friday, July 26.

The former “Pilipinas Got Talent” contestant added: “Working your way to a goal instead of doing it na hindi ka pa ready. At least ito, slowly but surely you’re getting ready for that if it happens.”

Not that his resume in showbiz is lacking. Markki has been in two musicals (“Next to Normal” and “Camp Rock”) and an independent movie (“Slumber Party”) and has released an album (“Thousands of Pieces”). But he believes logging in a lot of time as a performer will prepare him in case

“Kasi sabi nila, kapag may 10,000 hours ka sa system mo — kunwari, sa pagarte o sa pagkanta — expert ka na sa field na yun,” he said. “So kung may makuha akong project which I can consider as a big break, may ibang characters ako sa bank ko, sa system ko na pwede kong hatakin.”

He accepted all his projects this year with that in mind. Markki is part of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry “Amor y Muerte,” where he plays a Spaniard married to an Indio (played by Althea Vega). For the film, they shot a sex scene for 47 minutes.

Related article: Let Markki show you his soul

“Medyo open ako sa nudity and I guess here, hindi siya masyadong tinatanggap ng mga tao, feeling nila na bold,” Markki said of the movie. “Pero, in a sense, it’s bold na it’s something different.”

He will also star in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “10,000 Hours” starring Robin Padilla.

In between these two movies, he will be part of the local stage adaptation of the musical “Carrie” this September.

“Para sa akin, lahat ito training eh. Hindi ito masyadong mainstream kaya hindi ito masyadong makikita ng lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas. Pero ito training ko in case, kunwari, makuha ako sa isang mainstream film na big break ko, may 10,000 hours na ako sa system,” Markki said.

As a multi-hyphenated artist, Markki wants to explore all aspects of the entertainment industry.

Does he still have time for love?

“I’d like to say na meron pero hindi na ako lumalabas eh. Partied out na ako nung college. Kapag lumalabas ako dito, gusto kong umuwi ng 12, 1 in the morning. Feeling ko, old soul ako,” he shared.