Teejay: From cutie to hottie

MANILA, Philippines - Teejay Marquez has come a long way from being the adorable boy-next-door Candy Cutie for Candy Magazine, to a young actor on his way to more and bigger projects.

Fresh from his stint on ABS-CBN’s Dream Dad teleserye, Teejay is attending an art class, focusing on acrylic paint, while waiting for a new show/project. Of course, he continues going to the gym, attending workshops, accommodating out-of-town shows and gracing events as an ambassador of YSA Skin and Body Experts.

Teejay started out in commercials before he was chosen as a Candy Cutie that opened doors for him. He met talent scouts, young aspiring actors and actresses, and talent managers who all insisted that he try showbiz. Teejay listened, auditioned for a role on GMA’s Tween Hearts, got accepted and, as they say, the rest is history.

He has since starred in other TV series and shows including Time of My Life, Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin, Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, Party Pilipinas, Home Sweet Home, Anna Karenina and Pyra: Ang Babaeng Apoy.

The 2011 PMPC Star Awards for Television’s Best Male New TV Personality has learned that he cannot please everyone.

“Just know yourself and with that, no one can bring you down. Dreams do come true. Stay as real as possible, be nice, be respectful always,” says Teejay, who takes pride in being a Gawad Kabataan youth ambassador.

He is always inspired to do his best for his family, especially his grandmother. Teejay is grateful for all the blessings and opportunities and he always prays to thank God. If he finds time, he visits churches like Baclaran and Padre Pio.

Single by choice, Teejay is focused on work. In the future, he wants to have his own business and win a Best Actor award. If he’s not busy with work, he relaxes by watching movies, surfing the Internet and going on food trips. And he eats a lot! But he manages his diet, drinks more water, always goes to the gym and visits YSA for his regular maintenance of skin and body.