Empoy’s goal as Tinseltown’s ‘New Pogi’

Empoy Marquez (left) and Shy Carlos

With John Lloyd Cruz on an indefinite leave, Empoy Marquez—show biz’s newly minted leading man—was teased by reporters at a recent press conference: Will he be keeping the former’s throne warm for the meantime?

“Hindi po—John Lloyd is John Lloyd!” said the comedian, who’s one of the leads of the hit rom-com, “Kita Kita,” which earned over P300 million at the box office, making it the highest grossing independent film in the Philippines. “I’m good friends with some of our leading men, and they’re happy for me.”

Nonetheless, Empoy is grateful that viewers and producers alike are now seeing him with new eyes.

“Perhaps they find me amusing,” surmised Empoy, who vowed that he wouldn’t let success go to his head.

‘Blessed’

“I’m the same person I was when I started in the biz. I have been blessed. And I know that the Lord is always by my side [to keep me grounded],” said the 36-year-old actor, who topbills the coming action-comedy flick, “The Barker.”

What sets him apart from other heartthrobs? For starters, he takes a bath at least three times a day, quipped Empoy, who has been dubbed “The New Pogi.”

Are girls starting to take notice? “Actually…that’s not new. Grade 1 pa lang ako, ganito na ako,” he said, drawing laughter.

But it’s true, Empoy said—having a sense of humor does pay off. “We could use a little bit of humor, especially with all the things happening in the country nowadays. We need to smile. I’m just here to make people happy—that’s the goal,” he related.

Shy Carlos, Empoy’s leading lady in “The Barker,” did agree that funny is the new pogi.

“A confident person who’s not afraid to show his true character is attractive to me,” said the young actress, who did kissing scenes with Empoy for the movie. “Feeling ko, kini-kiss ko si Piolo Pascual!”