Empoy Marquez talked about his journey in showbiz
Comedian Empoy Marquez opened up about his struggles before achieving success in the entertainment industry.
Empoy is one of the most popular comedians of his generation. Over the years, he has done various shows and movies that boosted his career in the entertainment industry.
However, just like many celebrities, Empoy’s journey to where he is now was not that easy. In a recent interview on the i-Listen podcast of award-winning journalist Kara David, the comedian talked about the hardship he went through before achieving the success that he has now.
At a young age, he already started working to earn money. “Grade 3, Grade 2… rumaraket ako sa tiyahin ko. Naglilinis ako ng bahay niya,” Empoy Marquez said.
He did that just to earn P10 a day to save for the watch he wanted to buy back then. The comedian had to take various jobs because if he did not, he had nothing to support himself.
During the interview, Empoy also shared that his parents separated when he was still in elementary school. “Parang lagi kong naiisip, bakit kami hindi kumpleto,” he said, but clarified that he is not envious because he respects his parents.
It was extra challenging for him since he had to work while he was studying. There was a point when his graveyard shift would end at 6 in the morning, and at 7 am, he would enter his class.
Eventually, he had to give up his studies because he could no longer support it financially. “Hindi ko natapos… regret ko ‘yun,” he admitted, and revealed that he dreamed of being a radio DJ.
There had been a period of uncertainty before he entered the entertainment industry. “Naging stokwa ako… tambay,” the comedian shared, adding that he stayed with his friends and he struggled to put his life on track.
Then, his friends encouraged him to join “Mr. Swabe.” Even though he was rejected twice, he continued pursuing it, and on his third try, he made it.
This was a blessing for him, even though back then, he had no idea that he had won. Talking about his organic rumor, Empoy said that he would even laugh at himself in front of the mirror.
Eventually, Empoy Marquez got his biggest break in the entertainment industry when he became the leading man of award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi in the 2017 film Kita Kita. From that, bigger projects were offered to him.