“Gusto ko lang maging versatile” -- Teejay Marquez

January 29 2014

He looks like every girl’s Prince Charming and he has the most adorable smile.

What happens when a certified cutie like Teejay Marquez is made to play against type?

He becomes the edgy bad boy, Ryan - his character in upcoming horror film, Basement.

The Kapuso actor describes his character as a “druggie” who hangs out with fellow wasted kids played by Louise delos Reyes, Kristoffer Martin and RJ Padilla.

He explained, “Very nakakatakot ako dito as a druggie kasi ako ‘yung pinaka-wild. May pagka-Goth pa ako dito. ‘Yun ‘yung nakakatuwa dito kasi for me as an actor, first time ko na gumanap ng ganyan. Also, there’s no workshop so salang agad.”

Reading the script of Basement excited Teejay and he enjoyed shooting the film because of its unique concept.

Teejay said,  “May bagong handog siya. Magtataka ka talaga sa mga nangyayari and you will start to doubt the characters na supposedly pinagkakatiwalaan mo. Experimental siya at mind-boggling. Sana ma-deliver naming ‘yung effect na ito sa mga tao.”

The Walang Tulugan mainstay appeared last year as one of Thea Tolentino’s leading men in Pyra Babaeng Apoy. Now, Teejay looks forward to portraying any role that would test his acting prowess.

“Lahat ng roles ko, ginagawan ko ng twist na kahit kakaiba, makikita niyo pa rin si Teejay dun. Ang gusto ko kasing mangyari ngayon is maging character actor. Gusto ko lang maging versatile,” he stated.

He added, “Kung magiging leading man ako, of course I’ll be thankful but if not, at least alam ko na may iba akong tinatahak kung saan nakakapag-experiment ako sa mga kakayahan ko.”

Teejay has just finished shooting two independent films. He likes to keep himself busy with both indie and mainstream projects because they enable him to become better at his craft.

He shared, “Medyo may pagka-indie nga ako talaga. Masaya kasi they talk to you. Tinatanong nila kung anong interpretation mo sa own character mo. Minsan nga parang ikaw na rin ang nagdi-direct sa sarili mo.”

Teejay feels that indie and mainstream complement each other. He said, “Nagiging workshop ko ‘yung indie films para ‘pag dumating ako ng mainstream, handa na ako.”

Catch Teejay Marquez in Basement, in cinemas this February. For more updates, keep visiting www.gmanetwork.com.

- Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com