Teejay Marquez to do first kontrabida role in 'Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss,' thanks Ken Chan for guidance

On his return to Philippine television, Teejay Marquez is set to wow with his first-ever kontrabida role in the upcoming "Mano Po Legacy" entry titled "Her Big Boss."

In a recent online interview with the press, Teejay admitted to having a hard time portraying Raven Lim, the "Charming Boss" of the show. The actor said it was a shift from his previous roles.

"First time ko po mag-kontrabida kaya talagang nag-360 (degree turn) from 'Ben x Jim.' Kontrabida ako pero in a charming way. May puso pa rin," he said.

["It's my first time to be an antagonist so it's a really a 360 (degree turn) from 'Ben x Jim.' I'm an antagonist but in a charming way. There's still heart."]

"'Yon ang challenge ko rito—maging charming while doing those stuff na talagang magbibigay ng issue o problema sa mga taong makaka-eksena ko," he added.

["That's my challenge here—to be charming while doing those stuff that would really give issues or problems to the characters on the scene."]

According to Teejay, he is pretty much the opposite of his character's attitude, which made it harder. He used this as a motivation to practice his expressions even in his free time.

"Hindi naman ako talaga normal na magalit or talagang hindi ako sanay magalit," he said. "Lagi akong nakatingin sa salamin, inuulit-ulit ko lines ko kasi baka ako lang naniniwala na kontrabida ako."

["I don't normally get angry or I'm not used to being angry. I always look in the mirror, I keep practicing my lines because I might be the only one believing that I'm an antagonist."]

Aside from the show's director Easy Ferrer, Teejay said he is grateful to his "Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman" batchmate Ken Chan, who plays the "Geeky Boss" Richard Lim.

"Since makaka-eksena ko siya, sobrang komportable ako. Medyo nawala 'yung kaba ko dahil alam ko na kapatid ko 'tong ka-eksena ko. Sobrang nakakatuwa na sinusuportahan niya ako," he said.

["Since I'll do scenes with him, I'm so comfortable. My nerves were reduced a little because I know my co-actor is my brother. I'm so happy that he supports me."]

"Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss" circles on "Bubbly Assistant" Irene (Bianca Umali), who would have to choose between Richard (Ken) and "The Perfect BF" Nestor (Kelvin Miranda).

It is the second installment of the "Mano Po Legacy" series after "The Family Fortune." It will premiere on March 14 at 9:45 p.m.

Teejay rose to fame after starring in "Tween Hearts," GMA-7's concluded teen romance drama in 2010.

In 2016, he became popular in Indonesia for his Dubsmash videos, and did films such as "Lovepedia."

His most recent project is Regal Entertainment's 2020 BL (boys' love) web series "Ben x Jim," where he plays Ben.

—MGP, GMA News