Joseph Marco relishes working with Juday

CEBU, Philippines - TV heartthrob Joseph Marco felt relieved when his primetime soap “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” (formerly titled “Against All Odds”) finally premiered on ABS-CBN last June 17. Production began last year yet and he said many people were eagerly inquiring when the drama would be unveiled.

“Finally the long wait was over, as everyone had been excited to see the soap because this is Ms. Judy Ann’s huge comeback. She hasn’t done a soap in a long time, so a lot of people have been really looking forward to it,” Joseph told THE FREEMAN recently before a mall show at the Ayala Terraces with castmates Judy Ann Santos and Bryan Termulo.

The 24-year-old actor praised Judy Ann, acknowledged as this generation’s Queen of Philippine Soap Operas, for breaking the ice between her and those like him who may be intimidated by her stature in the industry.

“When we had not been taping yet, I felt very nervous meeting her. She’s an excellent actress and I have been watching her on TV since I was young. But during our first day of work in Pangasinan, she didn’t make me feel that I’m a newbie. She immediately mingled with us and made everyone feel like family,” said Joseph.

Joseph said he shows a different side of him here as Leandros, the younger brother of Judy Ann’s character. His love interest is portrayed by Empress Schuck (a role originally for Jessy Mendiola), while Bryan Termulo plays his rich, baddie rival for her affections. “In the middle of the story, that’s when I get to do heavy drama. But in the first few episodes, it’s just very light. Being the youngest in the family, my character is like a kid. I’m like my big sister’s baby boy. I’m such a good guy here, unlike my past roles where I’m the brave cop or the villain.”

When asked if he always wanted to be an actor as a kid, Joseph said he was first eyeing a career as a basketball player. The sport was his first love.

In 2005, Joseph couldn’t believe his luck when his first commercial audition had him snagging a gig opposite Angel Locsin for a shampoo commercial. More modeling jobs poured in after that, until he finally got his first taste of acting via the Jennylyn Mercado soap “La Vendetta” shortly after being launched as a GMA Artist Center talent in the middle of 2007. It was his jump to ABS-CBN in 2010 to star in the sexy-drama “Sabel” with Jessy Mendiola and AJ Perez that brought life to his career.

He said, “Eventually, I realized the importance of my job as an actor and I’ve learned to love the craft.”

Joseph revealed that fans should watch out for his upcoming action indie film with Baron Geisler and Ejay Falcon. (FREEMAN)