Joseph and his multi-colored dream

MANILA, Philippines - Among today’s heartthrobs, Joseph Marco is one who can show versatility and vulnerability in his acting assignments. His Chinese mestizo looks does not limit him in playing well-off, boy-next-door characters. Joseph’s stint in Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala as the brother of Judy Ann Santos’ Anessa can attest to it. And he will further break away from the cover-boy image in the Kapamilya drama series Honesto which will premiere tonight after TV Patrol on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.    

“I have given roles that are leaning to drama,” says Joseph. “When I was starting (in ABS-CBN), I was more like a sexy actor, for instance (my role) in Sabel. Now, my acting is being highlighted… I’m very passionate when it comes to acting. I like portraying different characters. I’m just thankful that I got noticed in Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala.”

This seems to be the take-off point of Joseph’s dream “to be known as a dramatic actor more than a sexy actor or comedy actor.”

In Honesto, the Bachelor Cutie will play Elai Galang, who “is isip-bata (childish). He is someone who has simple thoughts and who lacks common sense.” That’s why his character will appear innocent to televiewers. “He would say, ‘Lagot ka. Mali yang ginagawa mo. Isusumbong kita,’” adds Joseph. And he will be seen with the newest Kapamilya child star Raikko Mateo, creating a strong sibling connection in the weeknight series. 

“We’re like best friends,” shares Joseph. “(Elai, my character) is not like Budoy.” Perhaps, Elai is in the borderline of being normal and special. 

“When the role was offered to me, I had doubts if I could do it,” says Joseph. Good thing is, his directors Jerry Lopez Sineneng and Darnel Joy Villaflor have generously guided him in creating Elai Galang. Joseph has watched such movies as Forrest Gump and I Am Sam. The performances of Tom Hanks and Sean Penn must have taught Joseph what a nuanced portrayal is about.

As a young actor, Joseph raises the bar by making “sure that I do nuances that will make it (my performance) different from my last.” This is a way of offering something new to the audience, Joseph adds.

Like all celebrities out there, Joseph has made sacrifices to jumpstart a promising career in showbiz. This means having less social life and putting on hold his studies. “I did home study in college at ILA (International Language Academy),” he says. “I think I might have difficulty managing my time (if I go back to school again), especially now that I’m taping every day and I’m also doing an indie.” Since Joseph seems to be seizing the day, he will star in two independent films, Saturday Night Chills and Saka-Saka. The former will see him sharing the big screen with Rayver Cruz and Matteo Guidicelli, while the latter with Ejay Falcon. Saka-Saka is intended for the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

Known to many as a commercial and ramp model, Joseph entered show business at the age of 17 and acted in a drama-suspense-thriller. He recalls that he wasn’t serious about acting at that time and didn’t read scripts. But the eight years being added to his age have helped Joseph mature and appreciate the business of entertainment. “Now, I’m very excited,” he says. “Once you get older, you become more serious in life, especially in your craft. You’ll value it more.”

Speaking of acting, Joseph says that the actor’s honesty in what he feels about his character is important. And proving that there’s more to his good looks is “a healthy pressure.”  

“I really want to learn,” says Joseph. “I never stop or get tired of asking my directors and my co-actors. I just want to learn something new every time.”

This learner in Joseph will hopefully see him doing assignments that only the brave embrace.

(Honesto also stars Janice de Belen, Eddie Garcia, Joel Torre, Spanky Manikan, Angel Aquino, Nonie Buencamino, Maricar Reyes, Paulo Avelino, Malou Crisologo, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Michael Conan, Janna Agoncillo and Josh Ivan Morales.)