Joseph Marco ‘on fire’ to continue his showbiz career with Viva

September 9 ------ Joseph Marco has reflected on his character as Leandro Flores in the series adaptation of “I Love You Since 1892,” which is now streaming on Viva One. Helmed by McArthur “Mac” Alejandre, the series is based on Binibining Mia’s Wattpad romance novel. It follows the story of Carmela (Heaven Peralejo), a rebellious modern-day girl who is transported to the year 1892.

Actor Jerome Ponce is Juanito Alfonso, a charming man from a noble family whose carefully planned life is turned upside down when he meets and falls for Carmela. Joseph Leandro is Carmelita’s first love. Returning home after training overseas, he’s determined to win Carmelita back and come between her and Juanito.

During an earlier presscon, Joseph assured the fans that they would stay loyal to the original material. He also showed his eagerness in essaying the role of Leandro. What drew Joseph to his character is the latter’s love for his family and Carmelita, he stated. “If you dig deep, you know what’s interesting is that you would realize that he’s human. Kasi andami niyang dinadalang bagahe (including) yung approval niya sa tatay niya. It’s just the beauty of knowing that the character you’re portraying is a real human being.”

Joseph felt grateful and humbled to be part of the show following his recent transfer to Viva Artists Agency (VAA). He was previously signed with GMA Artist Center from 2007 to 2009 and Star Magic from 2010 until this year. In the span of his 18 years in the entertainment business, Joseph appeared in GMA’s “La Vendetta” and “Dyesebel” and in ABS-CBN’s “Sabel,” “Princess and I,” “Honesto” and “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala.” His first lead role was in “Pure Love” in 2014.

The former member of Filipino boy group Harana bagged the Best Actor award at the 9th Cinema One Originals Film Festival for his performance in “Saturday Night Chills” (2013). He is now part of the VAA family and is co-managed by Khai Liclican.

Joseph shared that he is “preparing” as he enters a new chapter of his career. “The more I prepare, the more I grow, the more I succeed,” he told the press during a contract signing with the presence of Viva executives, Valerie del Rosario, Vic del Rosario, and Veronique del Rosario-Corpus. He added that he’s thankful to Viva for believing in him and trusting him. “I’m just very excited for this partnership. I’m ready to bring everything that I’ve learned, you know, 18 years of experience, 18 years of passion, of hard work, and I’m ready for whatever is to come.” “When my manager talked about transferring to Viva, it was a wonderful opportunity. Because when that door closes, a new door opens. I’m just really excited. And I’m looking forward to what’s in store for us,” he added.

He fondly looked back on the highlights from his more than 10 years in the industry. He started as a model and eventually shared the screen with some of the prominent names in showbiz, including Jodi Sta. Maria and Iza Calzado in “Ang sa Iyo Ay Akin” (2020), Coco Martin in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (2021), Ryza Cenon in “Kunwari Mahal Kita” (2023), and Loisa Andalio and Charlie Dizon in “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” (2023).

“But to be honest, right now, I could say that you know, looking back, now I really consider myself as a professional actor. Because for some reason, when I was studying before, when I was reading acting books, I couldn’t understand them. Like ang lalim, hindi ko naiintindihan, di ako maka-relate.”

He took a break for almost two years and thought of quitting showbiz, he revealed. “And when I actually (appeared in) ‘Batang Quiapo,’ three months ago, I really thought my passion for acting was gone.” “But when I was on set and I was acting, I told myself, ‘I was born to do this.’ It just felt so challenging, but it felt so natural. Alam mo sa sarili mo na, ‘OK ‘to, gamay ko ‘to.’ Parang feeling mo hawak mo yung ginagawa mo. And yeah, I missed it,” he shared.

But now, more than ever, he feels “on fire” and “ready to work again.” “I’m actually preparing right now for a new project. Also, I’m studying acting. I guess you will come to a point in your life where I guess magtataka ka andaming distraction, barkada dito, labas dito, but when you come to an age where you’re mature, you see, and it’s so clear to you the things that you need to do and your responsibilities,” he mused. “You’ll be surprised to discover that you have more time to hone your craft (and) to perfect whatever it is that you’re doing. And I feel like through experiences that I have in my life and the way I carry myself in terms of, you know, preparing and being professional, I just feel so ready. It’s a different person,” he concluded.

Source: philstar.com