My weekend with Joseph

Excuse my wanna-be Academy Award-winning title. Just read on and find out why.

On October 4, one of my favorite up-and-coming actors Joseph Marco just turned 23. And so, in full support to Joseph, my weekend was dedicated to celebrating it with him. Last Saturday, I was tasked to host his first ever fan conference at the Greenbelt 3 My Cinema where Joseph gave his Sephtics a treat. A flock of screaming girls and (not surprisingly) boys trooped to Greenbelt to cheer for Joseph.

First, a montage of his most memorable commercial, television and magazine outings to the ooh's and ahh's of his loyal followers who were game enough to cheer for each one of the clips shown. Then came the special screening of Motorsiklo, an episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya where Joseph gave a hand-me-a-tissue performance as Ponso with Rayver Cruz. Chosen Sephtics didn't go empty-handed as well as there were six of them who were given special tokens from Powerade. A surprise from Joseph followed, which, according to him, was his first cover of the song - "What Makes You Beautiful" from One Direction, much to the delight of his swooning fans. Before the program ended, the group of Sephtics were then awarded his official bands that says “I ♥ Joseph Marco”. (Ain’t that cute?)

The following day, Sunday, was a complete surreal day. Giving him full support, his manager, my good friend Keren and I went to his very first ASAP birthday performance where he performed live with Sam Milby and JM De Guzman. Amidst the chaos backstage, the performance was well presented, of course, and the studio was definitely filled to the rafters not just with Sephtics but, as expected, jolly fans of the other ASAP regulars. That same day, a special dinner was given to Joseph’s select friends from the media, fashion, and the entertainment scene. It was an intimate dinner with some of Joseph’s closest friends like Enchong Dee, Jessy Mendiola, Miko Raval, and of course his manager Keren. Friends from the fashion and lifestyle media circuit were also in attendance like Millet Mananquil of the Philippine Star, Liza Ilarde of Manila Bulletin’s Style Weekend, designers JC Buendia & Rajo Laurel, stylist Noel Manapat, fashion director Robby Carmona, and of course Ben Chan and Miguel Pastor among others. It was a blessed evening of great food and laughter and I am most happy that I got to be part of Joseph’s birthday weekend. To more birthdays, Joseph! CHEERS!

Joseph while waiting for the fans to settle inside.

We spotted photographer Mark Nicdao in the vicinity!

Before the screening, everyone sang happy birthday to Joseph!

The crowd while watching Joseph's MMK episode.

A special music video of Joseph was also played.

Joseph sang a beautiful cover of "What Makes You Beautiful".

Then it was time for the photo ops and autograph signing!

Look at this very cute freebie for everyone - a baller that says "I ♥ Joseph Marco"

… and "Septhics" on the other side.

Joseph's got some beatiful fans, right?

Surely, they do love our dear Joseph Marco! Thanks for the support!

The next day on ASAP!

Joseph performed alongside Sam Milby and JM Rodriguez.

They sang a mash-up of "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Call Me Maybe".

And an interview and another performance at ASAP Chill Out with Megan Young, Robi Domingo, and twins from PBB Joj & Jai.

After ASAP, we went straight to Shang Palace. Enchong Dee and Jessy Mendiola were present to celebrate with Joseph!

Miko Raval, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco & Peter Norrdell

BFF Angelette Calero, Joseph Marco, me & JC Buendia

Ben Chan, me, Rey Lanada & Noel Manapat

Miguel Pastor, Joseph Marco & Ben Chan

Elbert Cuenca, Joseph Marco & Manila Bulletin Style Weekend Editor Liza Ilarde-Cuenca 

Philippine Star Lifestyle Editor Millet Mananquil & businessman Robert Mananquil with Joseph Marco

Bryan Lim & Joseph Marco

Joseph Marco & Taguig Mayorial candidate Bex Tinga

Direk Robby Carmona, Rajo Laurel & Nix Alanon