Joselito “Joey” Perez Marquez (born Artemio Perez Marquez Jr. on October 7, 1957, in Mabalacat, Pampanga) is a prominent Filipino figure whose career has spanned professional basketball, entertainment, and politics.
Current Status and Personal Life
Presently, Joey Marquez has retired from formal politics and is primarily focused on his career as an actor, comedian, TV director, and host. He is a contract artist with major Philippine networks, including ABS-CBN and GMA Network, and continues to be active in film and television projects.
He is the son of the late film director Artemio Marquez Sr. and Teresita Esguera Perez. His siblings include Via Marquez Hoffman and Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.
Marquez is noted for being a proud father to 16 children (including Teresita Ssen and Zia). He obtained his education at Arellano University (High School) and Angeles University Foundation, where he took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting.
A Colorful Love Life
Marquez’s romantic relationships have frequently been in the public eye, notably with women who are also high-profile personalities in the entertainment industry.
He was married to actress Alma Moreno from 1989 until their annulment in 2004. He has been candid about his personal evolution, stating that his current partner, Malu Quintana, accepted him as he is, allowing him to change on his own terms.
In 2003, his relationship with actress and host Kris Aquino was highly publicized after their breakup in which Aquino exposed Marquez on contracting her with STD.
Career Highlights
Marquez’s career is defined by three distinct and successful paths:
Basketball Career (1981–1987)
Before becoming an actor and politician, Joey Marquez was a professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) where he played as a small forward.
He began his PBA career in 1981, playing for Presto Fun Drinks (later known as the Great Taste Coffee Makers). He later moved to Gilbey’s Gin Tonics, which eventually became the iconic Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, playing under player-coach Robert Jaworski. He also briefly played for Hills Bros. Coffee Kings in 1987.
A career highlight was winning the 1986 PBA Open championship. He retired from the sport to pursue acting full-time.
Show Business Career
Marquez is best known in show business as a comedian and versatile actor.
Sitcoms and Comedy: He gained widespread fame as part of the original cast of the hit sitcom “Palibhasa Lalake,” which ran for twelve years starting in 1987. He also starred in other successful sitcoms like “Kool Ka Lang” and “Lagot Ka… Isusumbong Kita!”
Hosting: He served as a host for the showbiz talk show “S-Files” and the comedy-reality show “Kung Ako Ikaw.”
Film: Marquez has earned critical recognition for his dramatic roles, winning the Movie Supporting Actor of the Year at the 2014 PMPC Star Awards for Movies for his role in “On the Job,” and the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival for “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2.”
Political Career
Marquez successfully transitioned to public service, becoming a long-serving local official in Parañaque City.
Vice Mayor: He started his political career as the Municipal Vice Mayor of Parañaque, serving from 1992 to 1995.
Mayor: He was then elected as the Municipal/City Mayor of Parañaque, serving three consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004.
Post-Mayoral Run: After his mayoralty, he ran unsuccessfully for Representative of Parañaque’s 2nd district (in 2004 and 2013) and for Mayor (in 2010). He eventually announced his retirement from politics to focus entirely on his career in the entertainment industry.
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See also: List of Famous Filipino Actors