Julius Erman "Empoy" Ramos Marquez[1] (born July 3, 1981[2]), also known mononymously as Empoy, is a Filipino actor, comedian and host. He is best known for playing the male lead in Kita Kita (2017), the highest-grossing Filipino independent film of all time. His performance earned him a nomination for the Gawad Urian for Best Actor.

Empoy Marquez
Marquez in 2014
Born
Julius Erman Ramos Marquez[1]

(1981-07-03) July 3, 1981 (age 43)[2]
Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippines
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • host
Years active2003–present
Comedy career
Medium
  • Film
  • television
Genres

After winning the Mr. Suave look-alike contest on Magandang Tanghali Bayan, he was awarded a minor role in the 2003 comedy film Mr. Suave. From 2003 to 2008, he had small roles in several films and television shows, where he was typecast as the comical sidekick. He also appeared in some independent films.

Marquez then appeared in TV5's Lokomoko (2008–2013), Tropa Mo Ko Unli (2013–2015), and played the titular superhero character in Kapitan Awesome (2012–2013). He also portrayed Chiz in the 2015 sitcom Mac & Chiz. In 2018, he had a supporting role in the television drama Since I Found You and also co-starred in the film Kusina Kings.

Life and career

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Julius Erman Ramos Marquez was born in Baliuag, Bulacan on July 3, 1981.[2] He is the eldest among seven siblings, and his parents separated when he was in sixth grade. He earned his college degree in mass communication with the intention of becoming a DJ.[1]

In 2003, Marquez won the Mr. Suave look-alike contest on ABS-CBN's Magandang Tanghali Bayan. Aside from the cash prize, he was also awarded a role in the film, which starred Vhong Navarro as the title character.[1][3] He also became a co-host of MTB Ang Saya-Saya for a year.[1]

Marquez was signed to Star Magic from 2003 to 2007, and moved to TV5 in 2008.[4] During this time, he had small roles in several films and television shows where he was typecast as the comical sidekick.[1][5][6] He also appeared in the independent films Sa Aking Pagkakagising Mula Sa Kamulatan (2005) and Carnivore (2008), both directed by Ato Bautista and starring Carlo Aquino.[4][7][8]

In TV5, Marquez appeared in the sketch comedy show Lokomoko, which aired from 2008 to 2013 – the network's longest-running comedy show.[9] He then played the titular superhero character in Kapitan Awesome (2012–2013), and became a cast member of Tropa Mo Ko Unli (2013–2015).[10][11] He considers the 2015 sitcom Mac & Chiz as his "big break", where he co-starred as Chiz, alongside Derek Ramsay who played Mac.[1][12]

In 2017, Marquez returned to ABS-CBN and became part of the sketch comedy show Banana Sundae.[13] He also appeared in the suspense thriller film Bloody Crayons (2017) as Gerard, the "clown" of the group of friends who travel to a remote island to make a short film, until they get killed one by one by a masked individual.[14][15][16]

Afterwards, Marquez co-starred in the romantic comedy film Kita Kita (2017), opposite to Alessandra de Rossi. He portrayed Tonyo, a plain-looking but kind-hearted OFW in Japan, who falls in love with a blind woman played by De Rossi.[1][17][18] According to the film's co-producer Piolo Pascual, the role of Tonyo was "tailor-made" for Marquez.[19] Against expectations, Kita Kita went on to become the highest-grossing Filipino independent film of all time, earning ₱300 million (approx. US$5.88 million) within three weeks of release.[20][21] Due to the film's popularity, the entertainment media dubbed Marquez and De Rossi's pairing as "AlEmpoy".[22] For his performance, he was nominated for the Gawad Urian for Best Actor. He also co-hosted the 41st Gawad Urian Awards ceremony with De Rossi and Butch Francisco.[23]

In July 2017, Marquez opened Wayback 90's, a 1990s-themed restobar in his hometown, Baliuag, Bulacan.[24]

In 2018, Marquez and De Rossi had supporting roles in the ABS-CBN series Since I Found You, which aired from April to August.[25] That same year, in the comedy film Kusina Kings, Marquez and Zanjoe Marudo starred as a pair of chefs who attempt to save their restaurant by joining a reality show.[26]

Beginning in 2019, Marquez appeared in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano as Domingo "Domengsu" Suarez, an aspiring actor who is mistakenly arrested in a drug raid and later becomes a police informant.[27] Also in 2019, he was reunited with De Rossi in the music video for "Pag-ibig Sa Tabing-Dagat" by Orange and Lemons.[28]

Marquez again co-starred with De Rossi in Walang KaParis, an Amazon Prime Video original film released in March 2023. The romantic drama is set in Paris and was directed by Kita Kita director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.[29]

In 2024, he joined Susan Enriquez as the newest co-host of GTV's news magazine show IJuander.[30]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Network
2003 Magandang Tanghali Bayan Himself / Co-host ABS-CBN
2005 Maynila Empoy GMA Network
Bora: Sons Of The Beach ABS-CBN
2006 Super Inggo Petrang Kabayo
2007 Sineserye Presents: May Minamahal
2008 Kahit Isang Saglit Nestor
2008–2013 Lokomoko Himself TV5
2010 Kokey @ Ako Bubot ABS-CBN
2011 Star Confessions Presents: The Caloy Alde Story Teen Caloy TV5
Love Spell Presents Various
Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum Epal
2012–2013 Kapitan Awesome Kapitan Awesome
2014 Tropa Mo Ko Unli Himself
The Legal Wife Anjo ABS-CBN
One of the Boys Aga Silang TV5
Wattpad Presents: His Secretary Denver
2015 Mac and Chiz Chiz Espinosa
Happy Truck ng Bayan Himself / Host
Happy Truck HAPPinas
2016 Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday Juro
HAPPinas Happy Hour Himself / Host
Wagas Juanito GMA News TV
2017 Goin Bulilit Himself / Guest ABS-CBN
Banana Sundae Himself / Co-Host
2018 Since I Found You James Ribs
2019 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Jacket Dong Corpuz
2019–2020 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Domingo "Domengsu" Suarez
2020 Eat Bulaga! Himself / Guest Contestant GMA Network
2021 Niña Niño Gardo TV5
2022 Bubble Gang Himself / Various roles GMA Network
Jose & Maria's Bonggang Villa Johnny
Family Feud Himself / Contestant
Happy ToGetHer Emmanuel "Emman" Arturo
Running Man Philippines Himself/Guest runner
Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento Pio
Anong Meron Kay Abok? Abok Net 25
2023 Open 24/7 Jerico GMA Network
2023–24 Black Rider Oscar "Oka" Santos
2024–present IJuander Himself / Host GTV
2024 Abot-Kamay na Pangarap Oscar "Oka"
Sellblock
May 4 Ever Net 25
LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines Himself / Contestant Amazon Prime Video

Film

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Year Title Role Production Company
2003 Mr. Suave Mr. Takatak Star Cinema
2005 Sa Aking Pagkakagising Mula Sa Kamulatan Kahoy Une Bloc
2008 My Only You Romnick Star Cinema
One Night Only Gudo OctoArts Films
Carnivore Reality Entertainment
Supahpapalicious Hercules Star Cinema
2009 Villa Estrella Otap
Ang Tanging Pamilya: A Marry Go Round Ka-Bado
2010 Hating Kapatid Firecracker Buyer (as Empoy) Viva Films
I Do Counselor Star Cinema
Cinco Denden
Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!) William (Seven's Husband)
Paano na Kaya Kwek-Kwek
2011 Enteng ng Ina Mo William Star Cinema, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, OctoArts Films
2014 Bride for Rent Javier Star Cinema
Da Possessed Dadu Star Cinema, Regal Films
2017 Bloody Crayons Gerard Anderson Star Cinema
Kita Kita Tonyo Viva Films, Spring Films
The Barker Coco Blank Pages Productions
2018 Kusina Kings Benjie Star Cinema
2020 Hayop Ka! (You Son of a Bitch!) Jerry (voice) Rocketsheep Studio
2023 Walang KaParis Jojo Spring Films, Viva Films
Penduko Pendro Penduko Viva Films
Kidnap For Romance Fred
Fruitcake Diego Cornerstone Studios and Create Cinema
2024 My Zombabe Pong Viva Films
Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released

Awards

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Year Award-Giving Body Category Work Result Ref
2018 Gawad Urian Best Actor Kita Kita Nominated [23]
2018 Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards Breakthrough Movie Actor of the Year Kita Kita Won [31]
Breakthrough Movie Love Team

with Alessandra de Rossi

Kita Kita Won [31]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Lo, Ricky (August 6, 2017). "Kitang-kita: Kita mo, kita ko!". The Philippine Star (in English and Filipino). Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Espina, Cheska (July 8, 2017). "Kaye Abad gives Empoy a birthday surprise!". Star Cinema. ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  3. ^ "KILALANIN: Empoy, dating kontesero, ngayo'y patok na leading man". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). August 1, 2017. Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Bonoan, Reggee (July 7, 2017). "Empoy: Wala po akong anak…pero may kalaro ako!". Philippine Daily Inquirer (in Filipino). Bandera. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  5. ^ Fernando, Jeff (August 3, 2017). "Alessandra, Empoy, binigyan ng malaking bonus". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  6. ^ Cruz, Oggs (July 28, 2017). "'Kita Kita' review: brisk, whimsical and always delightful". Rappler. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  7. ^ "Indie film takes realistic glimpse of Filipino youth". The Philippine Star. April 21, 2005. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  8. ^ "Carlo Aquino wins Best Actor for "Carnivore" in Cinemanila". Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 21, 2008. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  9. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (June 10, 2013). ""Lokomoko U" cast and crew thankful for 5-year run on TV5". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  10. ^ Vibal-Guioguio, Peachy (December 1, 2014). "Paying it forward with Sari-Sari Stars". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  11. ^ Blanco, Eunice (October 8, 2013). "'Tropa Mo Ko Unli' members give tips on doing gag shows". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  12. ^ Sibonga, Glen (December 4, 2014). "Derek Ramsay will have Empoy as his twin brother on Mac & Chiz". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  13. ^ Amoyo, Aster (August 5, 2017). "Empoy nag-ikot muna sa lahat ng network bago sumikat". The Philippine Star (in Filipino). Pilipino Star Ngayon. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  14. ^ Cruz, Oggs (July 16, 2017). "'Bloody Crayons' review: So bad, it's fun". Rappler. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  15. ^ Abunda, Boy (July 1, 2017). "Bloody Crayons: Worth the wait". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  16. ^ Hsu, Marty (June 19, 2017). "Empoy shares details about his character in 'Bloody Crayons'". Star Cinema. ABS-CBN. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  17. ^ Severino, Howie (August 5, 2017). "In 'Kita Kita', a win for plain-looking strivers with nerve". GMA News. GMA News. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  18. ^ Villano, Alexa (August 3, 2017). "5 fun facts about the Alempoy movie 'Kita Kita'". Rappler. Rappler. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  19. ^ "How Piolo almost took Empoy's role on 'Kita Kita'". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN News. July 18, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  20. ^ "'Kita Kita' sets new record at the box office as highest grossing indie film". GMA News. August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  21. ^ Abanilla, Clarizel (August 10, 2017). "'Kita Kita' now PH's highest grossing indie movie, surpasses 'Heneral Luna'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  22. ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose (April 17, 2018). "WATCH: Funny 'kilig' moments with Alempoy". The Philippine Star. The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Full list: Winners, Gawad Urian Awards 2018". Rappler. June 14, 2018. Archived from the original on May 21, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  24. ^ "Empoy, ipinasilip ang kanyang resto-bar sa Bulacan". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News. August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  25. ^ "WATCH: 'Since I Found You' ends with Piolo-Arci wedding, 'AlEmpoy' engagement". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN News. August 11, 2018. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  26. ^ Hallare, Katrina (July 10, 2018). "WATCH: Empoy Marquez, Zanjoe Marudo bring humor to the kitchen in 'Kusina Kings'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  27. ^ Dela Cruz, Liezel (May 28, 2019). "Behind-The-Scenes: Empoy Marquez bilang Domengsu sa FPJ's Ang Probinsyano". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  28. ^ Bodegon, Kara (July 22, 2019). "Orange & Lemons hit the beach with Empoy Marquez and Alessandra De Rossi in new 'Pag-ibig Sa Tabing-Dagat' music video – watch". bandwagon.asia. Bandwagon. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  29. ^ Tomada, Nathalie (March 19, 2023). "Alessandra, Empoy revive their tandem in Walang KaParis". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  30. ^ TDT (August 11, 2024). "'Pambansang' leading man: Newest ka-Juander". Daily Tribune. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "LIST: Kapamilya stars who won at the 49th Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards". ABS-CBN News. May 6, 2018.
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