On television, he is a young man of many personalities: on “Tween Hearts” he is Nathan, the shy and lovable nerd of the barkada; on “Time of My Life” he is Chicho, a charismatic member of the Motion Masters; on “Pyra: Ang Babaeng Apoy” he is Beto, the charming boy-next-door.
However, behind all of these characters is a single man—Teejay Marquez, who, at first glance, appears like your typical up-and-coming celebrity. With his perfectly coiffed hair, flawless skin and pearly white teeth, he exudes an aura of self-assurance, charming his way into the hearts of thousands of Filipinos.
Yet one discovers that underneath his cool and confident demeanor is a man unaware of the fact that he is slowly on his way to becoming a household name. He remains humble about the good breaks coming his way: “I just want to be good at my craft.”
As a shy, young boy who grew up in Plaridel, Bulacan, Teejay had big dreams of becoming a celebrity. But his shyness initially prevented him from pursuing a show biz career. Instead, he aimed for a more achievable goal: “I wanted to be a flight attendant or a chef.” This is perhaps the reason why he briefly studied Culinary Arts at Trinity University Asia before entering show biz.
TV commercials
The opportunity first presented itself through VTR auditions. Being an introvert, he was reluctant to try out, but it was through the insistence of friends that he gathered the courage to go.
Eventually, he got cast in several TV commercials, where he was taught how to dress better and where he had his first taste of acting.
It was also during casting for commercials that he was introduced to his current manager and to German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, both of whom Teejay attributes the good breaks. They made him teen co-host of “Walang Tulugan,” where he received hands-on hosting, singing, dancing and acting training.
Teejay’s big break came when he won an award for his role as Nathan on “Tween Hearts.” “Na-fulfill ako sa ‘Tween Hearts’ kasi nagka-award ako na Best New Male in Television sa PMPC Star Awards,” he says.
This led to more TV projects.
While enjoying longer exposure on the TV screen, Teejay also branched out to different fields of entertainment, such as singing and hosting. “Makapal po kasi ang mukha ko,” he jokingly admits. “Mas okay na mas marami [yung pinapasukan kong industries] and even ako na-susurprise na kaya ko pala.”
Hectic hours
Teejay has long overcome his shyness. “It seems na na-develop ako sa show biz; habang mas tumatagal mas minamahal ko siya,” he says.
Yet he has also learned that being a celebrity isn’t always easy. Teejay says the working hours are hectic: “Minsan walang katapusan [iyong] shooting.” In addition, he has learned that not everyone will always appreciate his work: “People say bad things about you! [I learned] that you can’t always please everybody.”
Regular lifestyle
Instead, Teejay focuses on the good things that come with being a celeb. “[The best thing about my job is] the fans. I feel loved—it’s the best feeling,” he declares. “[It] feels good to say that I have something [I’m good at], and that people like what I do.”
Outside of his career, Teejay maintains a fairly regular lifestyle. Like any ordinary guy, he likes to stay home, cook and work out when he has free time. He also frequently finds the opportunity to bond with his friends through dinner and a few drinks, despite his busy schedule.
According to Teejay’s good friend Erica Brenner, “Teejay is down-to-earth, has no trace of arrogance, and values friendships [through] all these years… He will never push anyone to get what he wants, he’s never arrogant, he’s very patient—[which is] a rare thing these days.”
He admits that his best motivation is his fans: “[I want to] be a good role model to my fans and soon, [to be able to] help people who have the same dreams as mine. [I want to] use this opportunity to help others.”
It is this modest character of Teejay that, ironically, makes him stand out from his celebrity peers. He has never forced himself to be under the spotlight, yet the spotlight is naturally drawn to his good-boy appeal.
Teejay has many plans for himself, including acting in more movies: “I’m excited about my upcoming movies. Iba kasi dating ’pag movie actor ka na,” he says. He also entertains the idea of returning to his first love, culinary arts, and possibly setting up his own business. “[Ten years from now], I see myself having my own business. I want to have a family, while still pursuing show business on the side.”
His hardworking nature will inevitably lead him to success in the industry.
To his fans, Teejay says: “Follow your dreams. Practice your craft, and just believe. Dreams do come true, as long as you work for it. ”