Onto Greater Heights Featuring Teejay Marquez

Having won the hearts of his adoring Filipino and Indonesian fans, Teejay Marquez enthralls us this time as a balladeer, showcasing skill and charm worthy of a cross-border star.

 

What started as a pastime following the Dubsmash craze has unexpectedly gained him a huge social media fanbase given his creative yet wacky execution. “Feeling ko naman kasi natural lang sa akin ang pag-du-dubsmash kasi mahilig akong sumabay sa mga kanta habang naliligo o habang nag-aayos ng buhok”. Indeed, when his ‘Twerking like Miley’ Dubsmash video became viral, Teejay was invited to audition in Indonesian commercials and later on, land leading roles in their local movies.

“The feeling is surreal kasi hindi ko sya expected nor was it planned. I just went there (to Indonesia) to audition for one commercial pero yung naging tanggap nila sa akin ay iba kasi ginawa nila akong celebrity. Until now, I feel overwhelmed and thankful. Alam ko na isa ito sa mga iku-kwento ko sa magiging anak at apo ko.”

Now that he is back in the Philippines, Teejay eagerly brings to fore all what he experienced so far. “Kung ano yung mga nasimulan ko dun, mas meaningful parin pag ma-achieve ko ito sa Pilipinas. Gusto kong mapakita kung sino ako at yung talent ko ay makilala ng kapwa kong Pilipino”.

Teejay just launched his debut single “Di Magbabago” under Universal Records and looks forward to doing a Bahasa version of the song as a tribute to his growing fans.

Off the set, his confident yet unassuming air and boyishly good looks makes it all the more appealing to get to know this young celebrity as he genuinely talks about achieving dreams not only for himself, but also for his grandmother and the youth whom he wishes to inspire.

How did you get started in showbiz?
Six years ago, I started as a commercial model. Tapos, after two years, nakita ko yung mga kasabayan kong models na nag-aartista na, so nag-audition na rin ako. I wanted to get into acting since day 1, so I was so happy na I got into teleseryes.

If you are to choose amongst your many talents (singing, modelling and acting), what do you want to focus more at this time?
Hopefully I get into television again which is target ko, but I also want to continue my singing career.

Name three of the most difficult dubsmash videos that you did so far?
Challenging yung Rap God and yung mga may mabibilis na rap. Nahirapan din ako sa Indonesian dubsmash kasi hindi ko naman alam ang language nila, pero sinubukan ko parin aralin at sabayan.

What tips can you give to aspiring dubsmashers.
Just be crazy and weird and just have fun.

How different or how similar is working in Indonesia as compared to the Philippines?
Surprisingly same lang, sobra. The way they do tapings, the way people treat you. Nagkaroon lang nang difference sa language pero same lang sa trabaho, taping hours inuumaga parin.

What did you do to become Indonesia’s superstar?
Natuwa lang siguro sila sa akin kasi mukhang nagpapatawa naman ako sa dubsmash and I try din na magpaka-Indonesian. Parang sa atin lang diba, kapag pag merong taga ibang bansa na celebrity, happy tayong makita silang na nagpapaka-Pinoy. So sila din natutuwa din sila na may nag papaka-Indonesian kasi I really had to learn their language and their culture.

Is there something that you will be missing in Indonesia?
I love spicy foods so dun napakadami nilang pagkain na maaanghang. Dun lang ako natuto kumain ng sili na buo na kinakain.

What made you come back to the Philippines?
There is no place like home. Syempre iba na kapag ang family and supporters mo ay nandito. I miss doing teleseryes and I really hope to meet the expectations of my fans since they motivate me to keep on going sa aking career. But I also do this for my family.

You are very close to your lola, what is the favorite bonding moment with her?
We love zombie films together. Whether mainstream or indie, basta horror or zombie, ine-enjoy namin yan both.

How did you lola inspire you to become who you are right now?
Sya kasi nagpalaki sa akin at sya kasi ang tumatayong parent ko. So ngayon na nagkakaroon na sya ng mga ibang karamdaman dala ng pagtanda, I feel like it is time to give back naman. Ang part ko bilang apo is to work hard para kung magkaroon man ng emergency in the future, or kailangan nya ng tulong, meron akong maibibigay sa kanya.

As someone who is also being admired for your sense of style. Can you share your casual fashion peg for anytime of the day?
Ako kasi moody ako sa pag style ko sa sarili ko. Minsan feel ko ang hiphop, minsan ang clean look, minsan less is more, depende sa mood or sa pupuntahan ko. Pag normal days mahilig ako sa plain, earth colors or pastel colors. Pag may events naman, duon ko na nilalabas ang pagiging ma porma, depende talaga.

I’m sure your fans would like to know if you are in a relationship right now?
I’m single by choice. For now I have a lot of priorities and once I am stable na, then I will be ready to be in a relationship.

You started at 19 and now at 23 and very successful, what advice can you share to those who wants to follow your footsteps?
Well, dreams do come true and if you really want something, just work hard for it. Hindi pumasok sakin na gusto kong mag-artista. Gusto ko lang, maging cook or HRM student. But then, I got inspired sa mga idol ko na nag commercial modelling. I decided dun ako mag-focus at nung na-build ang aking confidence, I realized na gusto ko pala ang ginagawa ko.

My advice is not to dwell on negativity, just focus on your dreams.