It's no secret that Joey Marquez has a total of 16 kids.
He became a young father around the age of 14, and since fathered more children with different women. Now, some of his children are also part of the showbiz industry.
But if there's one thing the 63-year-old actor is proud of achieving as a parent, it's that he was able to teach his children to love and care for each other.
In his interview with Pia Arcangel for Tunay Na Buhay on June 9, 2021, Wednesday, Joey said he made sure to pass on his life's principle to all of his children.
The actor said, "Alam mo kasi ang principle in life ko, lahat ng half-sister, half-brother ko, kilala ko lahat, e. I don't call them my 'half-sister' or 'half-brother.'
"Sabi ko, 'Wala naman silang kasalanan, e, kapatid ko pa rin iyan kahit anong mangyari.' Very close ako sa lahat ng kapatid ko.
"It's the same principle I told them [my kids]. Alam mo, very protective sila sa isa't isa. Very protective sila. Kapag iyong isa inaapi, guguyurin nung isa, parang ganun sila."
'JOEY'S CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY
For Vitto, Winwyn, and Yeoj, this was one of the greatest lessons they learned from their father.
Vitto, Winwyn, Yeoj, and their younger sister MM are Joey's children with his former wife Alma Moreno.
Vitto told Tunay Na Buhay, "Laging sinasabi ni Dad sa amin na walang half-brother, walang half-sister.
"Kapatid mo pa rin sila an siyempre, sa huli din, magtutulungan kayo kahit anong mangyari. Because family is family."
For her part, Winwyn said, "We grew up beside each other. We grew up knowing our other siblings. We have really, really good relationships with each other, thanks to my dad, and, of course, my mom as well.
Yeoj added, "Gusto niya lagi na may family activities, may it be sports or movies, eating out. He just really wants to bond lang every time."
Actor-politician Jeremy Marquez is also the brother of Winwyn, Vitto, Yeoj, and MM. He is Joey's son with Francesca Siron, who is now based in the U.S.
Joey also has two daughters named Jowee Ann and Zia with former actress Brenda del Rio.
His other children are JJ, Jesm, Kristine, Jerica, Jerico, and Paolo.
Joey is now in a happy relationship with his non-showbiz partner Malu Quintana. They have three kids named Jazalla, Jacob, and Joeygy.
JOEY IMPARTS IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION TO KIDS
Joey also constantly reminds his children of the importance of finishing their education.
He said, "'One day, you'll be a parent. You'll understand why I'm like this and why I'm always on guard in terms of your education.'
"'That's the only thing that I can promise you for a better life,' sabi ko sa kanila.
"I'm very proud kasi meron na akong psychologist, may abogado ako, may entrepreneur ako, may business management ako. So far, nag-graduate lahat halos sila."
Another life lesson Joey wishes his kids—and even other people—would learn from him is how to be resilient.
He said, "Be resilient. Huwag susuko and minsan, kailangan mo talagang dumaan sa dilim para maintindihan mo kung bakit may liwanag."
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