How Teejay Marquez got over a 9-year romance

Teejay Marquez —BMC FILMS

In times of heartbreak or sadness, Teejay Marquez travels to a place where he can peacefully retreat into himself.

“The beach is the first place I go to. I stay there when I’m either happy or sad. It goes both ways. Because when I look far out at the ocean and feel the wind blowing, it makes me feel as if life is simple,” the actor told a group of reporters at a recent Christmas dinner for the comedy drama film “Broken Hearts Trip,” an entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Being on the beach reminds me to take a breath. And that usually helps clear my mind of whatever is bothering me,” the actor and television personality added. “You may end up finding something positive amid all your problems.”

And he prefers to go alone—not to seek out company—but to reflect and “self-heal.” “I’m not one to tell others about what I’m going through. Before I tell my story, I make sure I’m done with what I’m going through… so that everything is clearer and there’s no more heaviness in me,” he said.

Unfortunately, Teejay couldn’t really do that when his nine-year relationship ended amid the pandemic lockdowns. “So that time, I tried to keep myself busy by creating content for social media. I thought of home projects and ended up renovating my bedroom and bath,” he said. “It was a long process. But I was able to go through it.”

Letting go

Asked what caused the breakup, the 30-year-old television personality surmised that people in long relationships can run the risk of falling out of love. “Everything was happening at once [during the pandemic]… I think when a relationship wears on, I don’t know if it’s falling out of love, liking another person, or nagsawa… ganun,” he said.

“But hindi naman ako ’yun!” he quickly added. “Nasayangan ako [sa nine years], so I really tried to work things out. But then I realized that if you really love the person, then you have to set them free.”

Produced by BMC Films and directed by Lemuel Lorca, “Broken Hearts Trip” revolves around a reality show that features “five brokenhearted LGBTQ individuals who are given a chance to heal” by traveling to “some of the most beautiful places in the country.” One million pesos is at stake. But to advance in the competition, the contestants must remain single at the end of each stop.

Teejay plays one of the contestants, a celebrity who chose career over love life. His love interest in the competition is played by Ron Angeles, whom Teejay previously worked with in the boys’ love web series “Ben X Jim.”

First time doing comedy

Teejay is no stranger to having a male screen partner. But the fact that he and Ron already had an established rapport made filming much easier. “I have already experienced being paired with another guy. I have worked with Ron in the past, so we’re comfortable with each other… It’s fun working with friends,” he said.

“Broken Hearts Trip” also features award-winning artists Christian Bables, Iyah Mina, Andoy Ranay and Jaclyn Jose.

“These are all award-winning actors, so I really felt shy at first. I was worried that I might just end up causing delays because they all seemed so comfortable with comedy already. This is my first time,” said Teejay, who was once based in Indonesia, where he built a following and appeared in various television shows.

“That’s why I prepared well so that once on the set, I can show I have some comedy in me, too,” he added.

While the past few years were difficult, Teejay couldn’t be happier that he’s ending 2023 on a good note. As for love life, he said, he’s not in a rush and doesn’t want to force anything.

“I’m good, busy with work. I’m thankful because there were moments when I felt low. I want to focus on my job and I hope I can sustain the momentum in 2024. I don’t want to force myself into a relationship. Dapat kusang dumating,” he said. “I want someone who understands the nature of my job… someone who simply loves me.” INQ