For Joey Marquez, Kids Are Not A Retirement Plan
Actor and comedian Joey Marquez shares how he treats his kids—and why he would never burden them
Joey Marquez has worn many hats—athlete, actor, comedian—but these days, it’s fatherhood that he’s proudest of. During a guesting on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, the Palibhasa Lalake alum opened up about raising 16 children, navigating modern parenting pressures, and why he believes being a parent means giving everything without expecting anything back.
Joey Marquez on Fatherhood: A Tatay Who Doesn’t Ask for Anything in Return
In the interview, Joey shared that, just like with his siblings, there’s no such thing as half-siblings among his children. He’s a proud father, especially now that many of them have stable careers.
“I am very proud to be a father,” he said of his kids, who include actress and beauty queen Winwyn Marquez.
Photo from Winwyn Marquez Instagram
As a dad, he describes himself as “a tatay na dapat gawin ang responsibility without asking anything back.”
“I just want to remind some children na ang tatay, ibibigay niya ang lahat kahit nahihirapan na siya. But he will never ask anything back,” he added.
“Always love your parents. Especially your dad.”
One constant reminder he gives his children is to never speak ill of people.
“Wala kayong sisiraan na kahit na sino… Kung wala kayong masasabi maganda, don’t talk anymore.”
On the Parents’ Welfare Act
Last month, Senator Ping Lacson refiled the Parents’ Welfare Act, which was met with mixed reactions due to the proposed penalties. The bill has stirred fresh conversations about utang na loob and filial obligation.
In a culture where children are expected to repay their parents, Joey doesn’t believe in that concept.
“Hindi ko tinuring investment ang mga anak ko. Tinuring ko silang responsibilidad,” he said.
“Kailangan ko gawin ang lahat para sa future nila. Kung sumikat sila, yumaman sila— I promised myself na kahit may sakit ako kahit nasa kalye na ako, I will never burden them.”
While others may not agree with his view, Joey said he only asks his children to do their best in whatever path they choose.
On Co-Parenting and Being Friends with Ex-Partners
Joey also touched on how he maintains good relationships with his former partners, including actress Alma Moreno, the mother of four of his children.
“Na-realize namin pareho na kailangan namin i-consider yung mga anak namin,” he said of his ex-wife.
“Whenever mag-away kami, maapektuhan ang mga bata.”
“So what we did was, kahit hindi kami tumagal na husband and wife, we can be friends—or best friends—para ma-compensate naman yung lungkot ng mga anak namin dahil naghiwalay kami.”
Photo from Winwyn Marquez Instagram
He proudly shared that his current partner, Malu Quintana, is friends with Alma and his other former partners.
As for Malu, Joey says he is grateful to have an understanding and accepting partner.
“She listens. And she accepted me for who I am. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, ‘Malu, don’t make the mistake of changing me. Let me change.”
On Relationships and Honest Love
Asked what advice he could give men when it comes to women, Joey kept it simple but meaningful:
“Know your women so that you’ll be the best for them. Treat them as a princess. Eventually, pag in love ka na, treat them as a queen. Give in to what they want, but tell them what you don’t want. You have to be honest.”
More on utang na loob and family issues
How To Get Away From My Toxic Family Hits Too Close for Filipino Breadwinners
Juan Karlos Speaks Out on Children Becoming Breadwinners
Jaclyn Jose is Right: “Kids Are NOT A Retirement Plan!”
