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Empoy Marquez opened up about his journey from hardship to success, and ultimately, faith, in an interview with Kara David on the i-Listen podcast.

Empoy shared that he began working at a young age. “Grade 3, Grade 2… rumaraket ako sa tiyahin ko. Naglilinis ako ng bahay niya,” he said, recalling how he earned PhP10 a day to save up for a watch he wanted as a child.

He later took on various jobs because, he said, “'Pag hindi ako magtrabaho, wala akong pantustos sa sarili ko.”

He also spoke about his family background, revealing that his parents had separated when he was still in elementary school.

“Parang lagi kong naiisip, bakit kami hindi kumpleto,” he said, but clarified, “hindi naman ako nainggit… nirespeto ko yung parents ko.”

Related gallery: Empoy Marquez, ikinuwento ang buhay na galing sa broken family

Working while studying proved challenging, especially in college when Empoy had to juggle a graveyard shift and morning classes: “10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.… tapos 7:00 a.m. pasok ko sa school,” he recalled.

Eventually, he stopped his studies due to financial constraints.

“Hindi ko natapos… regret ko 'yun,” the ccomedy actor admitted, noting that he once dreamed of becoming a radio DJ.

Before entering showbiz, Empoy went through a period of uncertainty.

“Naging stokwa ako… tambay,” he said, as he stayed with friends and struggled to find direction. It was also his friends who pushed him to audition for "Mr. Swabe."

Despite being rejected twice, he persisted.

“Hindi ako natanggap… hindi na naman… pangatlong beses… tinuloy pa rin namin,” he shared. On his third try, he finally made it. “Blessing talaga… hindi ko alam na ako 'yung mananalo.”

Known for his comedic talent, Empoy said humor comes naturally. “Organic… nasa personalidad,” he explained, adding that even when alone, “humarap ako sa salamin… natawa ako.”

He eventually rose to fame, with one of his biggest breaks being the film Kita Kita (2017).

Empoy also turned emotional as he recalled the passing of his grandmother. He shared that he was about to perform when he received the news.

“Sabi nila, naghihingalo… turn ko na eh, ako na kakanta,” he said.

Despite the situation, he continued performing: “Hindi mo puwedeng ipakita yung lungkot mo.”

He later broke down in private: “Pagkatapos nung kanta, pumunta ako sa CR, umiyak ako nang umiyak,” adding that he was not able to see her before she passed.

Through life's challenges, Empoy underscored the importance of professionalism. “May switch na lang sa utak mo na mamaya na ako malulungkot… kailangan professional,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, he said his perspective has changed over time.

“Dati… money, fame,” he said, but now, “parang iba yung pinapakita sa akin ng Panginoon.”

He added, “Yung propesyon mo, binigay ko sa 'yo 'yan, pero hindi ikaw ang tunay na sikat—ang tunay na trabaho ay ipakilala mo ako sa mga tao.”

He also credited his friends for helping him along the way. “Sila yung ginawang angels and instruments ni God,” he said.

For her part, Kara David highlighted the message of Empoy's story, noting that while money and fame are temporary, one thing remains constant: “Ang pagmamahal ng Panginoon sa atin.”

Empoy's story serves as a reminder of resilience, purpose, and faith beyond success.

Watch the full episode of i-Listen here: