Here’s Empoy’s take on replicating the success of his first phenomenal hit
To date, the phenomenal hit “Kita Kita” holds the record of the highest grossing Pinoy indie film of all time after raking more than P320 million at the tills.
This movie also validated Empoy Marquez’ status not only as a leading man material but also as a box office star.
In his follow up, the millennial star said he does not want to succumb to pressure as to the box office fate of his next outing.
“Wala pong pressure kasi gusto lang po naming magpasaya ng mga tao.”
“Basta, asahan po ng mga manonood na hanggang sa huli ganoon pa rin po ako at bawat ginagawa ko pong proyekto ay para po sa kanila,” he added.
The comedian also swore that whatever happens, he will not change.
“Kung gaano po ako minahal ng mga tao noon, hindi po iyon magbabago at pagsisikapan ko pa pong mapagbuti ang trabaho ko,” he remarked.
Empoy is ecstatic that after “Kita Kita,” he became sought-after by enterprising film producers.
“Thankful po ako na gusto po nila ako at pinagkakatiwalaan mo ng mga proyekto,” he said.
If in “Kita-Kita,” audience got to discover Empoy’s potential as a dramatic actor and a romantic lead, people will see his other side, that of an action star-comedian.
“Action-comedy po siya. Hindi naman po siya slapstick kasi pinag-combine po iyong wittiness at iyong pong old school. So, comedy po siya na puwede pong pang bata at matanda,” he explained.
He said that he is also challenged by his role in this Dennis Padilla megger.
“Isa po akong barker ng jeepney. Kapag nangangarap po siya, akala niya, isa siyang action star. Pag nananaginip po siya akala po niya ay si Jason Statham po siya pero in reality po, isa siyang barker na tagatawag po ng mga pasahero sa jeep,” he described.
According to Empoy, he is honored to work with ‘80s ace comedian turned movie director Dennis Padilla, whom he regards as one of his idols in comic acting.
“Napanood ko rin po ang mga pelikula niya noon. Nakaka-relate rin po ako, kasi tulad ko po, nagsimula siya bilang sidekick nina Robin po hanggang magbida po. Ako rin po, nagsimula po ako bilang sidekick bago po ako nagbida,” he pointed out.
When asked if given the resources, would he do another Marlou Arizala aka Xander Ford who went under the knife to transform his facial appearance, this was what the amiable comedian said.
“Iginagalang ko po kung anuman po ang naging desisyon nila pero ako po, hindi po siya pumapasok sa isip ko. Kasi kung sakali po, hindi na po siya si Empoy at baka maging Pompeye na po. Ganito po akong tinanggap ng mga tao at kuntento na po ako kung ano ang ibinigay ni God sa akin,” he concluded.
Empoy is also happy to be given a chance to work with Shy Carlos who has shown her acting versatility in “Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin” and “Ang Pagsanib kay Leah dela Cruz.”
He also dedicates his movie to all jeepney drivers and ‘barkers.’
“The Barker” is produced by acclaimed journalist turned filmmaker Arlyn de la Cruz of Blank Pages Productions and Viva Films.
The movie set to open on October 25 also stars Shy Carlos, Jeric Raval, Wilma Doesn’t, Ronnie Lazaro, Atak Arana, Janice Jurado, and “Greatest Love” power couple Sylvia Sanchez and Nonie Buencamino. Introducing in the film are promising newcomers Jemina Sy and Raffy Reyes.
