Empoy Marquez shares story of having to perform live just moments after learning his grandmother died

Empoy Marquez narrated how he had to endure performing live, on stage just moments after learning his grandmother died.

In an interview with Dr. Anna Tuazon for "Share Ko Lang," the comedian shared how he had to proceed with a life performance depite having just experienced a the particularly distressing moment in his personal life.

He didn't mention the year it happened, but Empoy recalled his guesting for Sharon Cuneta's birthday show at the Araneta Coliseum.

"Hindi ko nga po alam kung bakit nandu'n po ako nu'ng time na 'yun, pero sabi nu'ng staff, 'Isa ka sa gusto ni Miss Shawie, kaya ikaw ang isa sa special guest na surprise,'" he said.

Right before his performance, however, Empoy's personal assistant approached him and said his cousin was on the phone, and needed to talk to him about his lola, who was fighting for her life in the ICU.

"Sabi nu'ng pinsan ko, 'Poy, nasaan ka ba?' Sabi ko, 'Erick, nandito ako sa may Araneta. Guest ako ni Miss Shawie. Surprise guest,'" he said.

"'Oo, kaya lang hinahanap ka ni Inang.' 'Yung lola ko po, nasa ospital po siya that time, e, at nasa ICU nu'ng time po na 'yun," Empoy continued.

"After mga one minute po, kinakausap ko po siyang ganyan, tapos ipapasa na po yata niya kay Inang 'yung telepono para kausapin po ako. Ipaparinig niya lang po 'yung ganu'n."

In that moment, Empoy heard his grandmother flatlined. "Tapos sinabi sa akin ng pinsan ko, wala na raw 'yung lola ko."

As though that wasn't difficult enough, Empoy was immediately called on stage. 

"Ako na po, 'yung turn. Ako na 'yung kakanta. Ako na 'yung sa stage... Hindi ko po alam 'yung lyrics," he said.

All Empoy could do at that time was pray and surrender to God.

"Yumuko po ako, tapos sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Oh, Lord God, kayo na po ang bahala sa akin,'"he said.

"Alam mo 'yung nandu'n ka sa moment na nawala 'yung mahal mo sa buhay, tapos nandito ka sa [harap ng] maraming tao," he added. "Papunta ka rito sa maraming tao, tapos malungkot ka. Tapos bigla kang kailangan mong magpasaya ng maraming tao sa dome."

It was the first time it ever happened to Empoy. 

"Hindi lang pala sa pelikula nangyayari ito. Kailangan continuous pa rin. The show must go on," he said.

He was able to perform, Empoy said, his jokes a hit with the Mega Star. "Tinapos po namin 'yung show, tapos chorus ganyan-ganyan, Happy Birthday, blow the candle sa cake," and then right after, Empoy ran to the toilet "tapos doon ako humagulgol nang humagulgol."

He didn't care for his professional fee anymore, Empoy said. He just went straight to his vehicle, along with his PA and his driver. " Sobrang nakakatulala po [ako]," he added.

Empoy appeared in the latest episode of "Share ko Lang," where they discussed the topic of performing under pressure. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News