Good things come to those who wait. But one must have determination and diligence in order to be successful. Comedian-actor Empoy Marquez proved that being poor is not a hindrance in achieving his life goals.
Empoy reminisced his humble beginnings when the morning talk show Magandang Buhay featured his homecoming to the place where he grew up and started molding his dreams. Momshies Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros, together with Empoy, went in Baliuag Bulacan.
Baliuag, as a whole, is a town of rich in culture and heritage. It also known for its product called “buntal” hat.
In the opening of the show, Empoy appeared to be as a peanut vendor, which was actually the very first job of the comedian. He used to sell roast peanuts in order to support his parents. He narrated “Elementary ako nagtitinda ako ng mani sa school. 'Yung mani dati sobrang mura lang siya, piso lang."
But Empoy didn’t expect there were other celebrity guests that would join them in their trip. Alessandra De Rossi surprised her on-screen partner as she’s also excited to have a tour in Empoy’s hometown.
Alessandra and Empoy, or known as “Alempoy” both co-starred in the blockbuster movie “Kita Kita” last 2017. It earned the gross income of 300-million pesos, which made their tandem also a smash hit. Since then, the two became close friends.
Also in the episode, Magandang Buhay went back to Empoy’s life as chicharon packer. The momshies were game to try how his job was like. And as they packed the snack in a chicharon factory, the "Kita Kita" star recalled his motivation for doing the job before.
It was his Tita who pushed him to work in a chicharon store in Bustos Bulacan. Because of his desire to provide for his family and to support his own studies, he became a working student. He said “School ako Monday to Friday, tapos every Saturday 8AM to 5PM. Kung ilang bundle ka, ‘yun ang su-swelduhin mo. Nakaka 20 bundle ako.”
Furthermore, Empoy also toured the Magandang Buhay team around his resto-bar. From its interior, decorations and music – the place exudes the 90s vibe.
Jolina asked the comedian what was his inspiration to open such resto-bar. But she laughed when Empoy jokingly told her that he was a fan of the host’s movie “Labs Kita Okey Ka Lang.” Then, Melai challenged the “Alempoy” love team to re-enact the famous confrontation scene of Jolina and Marvin Agustin in the movie.
Alessandra and Empoy enthusiastically acted out the famous Marvin-Jolina scene. But, she accidentally gave a hard slap to her co-star which made the hosts chuckle. Still, this incident would not tear up their built friendship for it is already been tried and tested.
Empoy’s mom Cecilia was also able to share how proud she is to have a son like him. She imparted that even before when Empoy was still young, he really loved helping his mother.
Mommy Cecilia used to sell yemma and ‘kundol’ candies; and in those days, young Empoy was always with her while doing her business. She remembered “Isasakay ko siya sa trycicle that time, hindi pa nakakatakot ang panahon nun. Tapos sasabihin ko dun sa tricycle driver, ito 'yung listahan. Bibilhin na niya lahat 'yun! 'Yung mani, mantika, bawang, plastic na pang-repack at karton. Tapos ibababad ko 'yung mga mani tapos siya tinutulungan niya akong mag-alis ng mga balat.”
Later, the hosts had a chance to taste Momshie Cecilia’s candies.
But Empoy’s mom couldn’t hold back her tears when she was asked to give a message for her son. She said in teary eyes, “Sobrang blessed siya at sobrang blessed ko na meron akong anak na gaya niya. Napakaswerte ko dahil pati ibang anak ko natulungan niya. Napakamapagkumbaba niya. 'Yun ang totoo. Mabait at mababang loob.”
Alessandra also gave him a heatrfelt message. According to her, Empoy was so blessed that he really deserves to have all the blessings in his life. She added that her love team achieved almost everything except love life. She elaborated “Hindi lang siya komedyante, blockbuster star, sometime a serious actor, sometimes a heartthrob (in your dreams). Ngayon may-ari pa siya ng restaurant. Isa na lang kulang, love life.”
But, Momshie Cecilia seemed to insist her wish that Alessandra would be Empoy’s the one. However, the actress humorously blocked the idea. She said “Mommy, please ‘wag ako.”
In the end, the hosts asked Empoy about how grateful he is in his life now. For him, “Thankful ako kasi binigyan ako ng mahal na Panginoon ng mababait na mga tao sa industriya at pamilya ko at mga kaibigan ko.”
Alessandra also showed full-support for Empoy that she wished his friend to be away from abusive people.
Empoy left his last note by saying “Kahirapan 'yung nagbigay sa'kin ng pagpupursigi para magsumikap kung ano man 'yung tinatamasa ko ngayon”.
If you are in the Philippines, watch the FULL episode on www.iwant.ph
If you are outside the Philippines, watch the FULL episode on www.tfc.tv