Joseph Marco
Joseph Cecil Marco (born October 4, 1988), known professionally as Joseph Marco, is a Filipino actor, model, and singer recognized for his versatile roles in Philippine television dramas and his contributions to music as a member of the boy band Harana.[1][2][3] Born in Binangonan, Rizal, Marco began his career in the entertainment industry as a commercial model, appearing in advertisements for brands such as Head & Shoulders, Downy, and Coca-Cola before transitioning to acting.[4][5] In 2007, he signed with GMA Artist Center and made his television debut the following year in the fantasy series Dyesebel, portraying the supporting role of Joseph, an assistant character, as well as in the suspense drama La Vendetta (2007–2008) as Santi Domingo.[3][6] He continued with GMA until 2009, appearing in various projects, before transferring to ABS-CBN's Star Magic in 2010, where he debuted as Raymond Sandoval in the drama Sabel opposite Jessy Mendiola.[7][6] Marco's career spans multiple networks and genres, including leading parts in ABS-CBN series such as Pure Love (2014) as Dave Martinez, Wildflower (2017–2018) as Diego Torillo, Pira-Pirasong Paraiso (2023–2024) as Vladimir "Vlad" Sebastian-Lamadrid, Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin (2020–2021) as Avel Mansueto, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2021–2022) as Lucas Catapang, and FPJ's Batang Quiapo (2025) as Young Alfredo.[3][7] In 2019, he expanded internationally with his debut in HBO Asia's The Bridge, marking a significant milestone as one of the few Filipino actors in the series.[8] Additionally, Marco ventured into music with Star Music, forming the Filipino boy group Harana alongside Marlo Mortel, Bryan Santos, and Michael Pangilinan in 2015 and releasing the self-titled album Harana that year to bridge Filipino and Filipino-American audiences.) As of 2025, after over 18 years in the industry, he signed with Viva Artists Agency to further his career in film, television, and music.[3]Biography
Early life
Joseph Cecil Marco was born on October 4, 1988, in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines.[9] He grew up in a supportive household as one of eight children from a family with Spanish, Italian, and German heritage.[4] Public information about his parents remains limited to respect their privacy. Raised in Rizal, Marco attended Faith Christian School in Cainta, where he graduated high school in 2005 at the age of 17.[10] During his formative years, he showed interest in sports, particularly basketball, playing as a guard and aspiring to join a college team before shifting focus to other pursuits.[10] Before turning 18, Marco began non-professional experiences in modeling after being discovered at age 17 while in Eastwood City; his first gig was a shampoo commercial alongside Angel Locsin.[10] This early exposure led to additional modeling opportunities, including magazine spreads and fashion shows for top clothing brands, sparking his path toward the entertainment industry.[10] Although he briefly considered pursuing culinary arts in college, these initial modeling endeavors took precedence.[10]Personal life
Marco has had several notable romantic relationships throughout his adult life. He dated actress Kazel Kinouchi in the early 2010s,[11] followed by a relationship with beauty queen Celeste Cortesi from 2019 to 2020.[12] In August 2020, he publicly introduced Russian model Dasha Romanova as his girlfriend, marking the start of a long-distance partnership that continued into the early 2020s; the couple reunited after 16 months apart in March 2022 and appeared together at events as late as May 2023.[13][14][15] As of November 2025, he has not publicly confirmed his current relationship status, maintaining privacy in his personal affairs. Marco is actively involved in animal welfare efforts, particularly supporting the adoption of stray animals. In July 2025, he adopted a stray kitten, emphasizing his commitment to the "Adopt, don't shop" initiative, which encourages rescuing pets over purchasing them from breeders. He has shared that he cares for multiple rescued cats at home, using his platform to promote compassion toward animals in need.[16] Outside of his professional commitments, Marco leads an active lifestyle centered on fitness and leisure. He maintains his physique through regular workouts, basketball games, and a disciplined diet, crediting these habits for his physical well-being. Travel serves as a key hobby for him, providing an escape and recharge during breaks from work; he has described short trips as essential to returning refreshed. Marco resides in Metro Manila, where he balances his routine with these personal pursuits.[17][18]Career
Early career (2007–2009)
Joseph Marco entered the entertainment industry as a commercial model prior to his acting debut, appearing in advertisements for brands such as Head & Shoulders, Downy, and E-Aji Dip Snax.[19] In September 2007, he was signed by GMA Artist Center as one of 15 new discoveries, marking his formal entry into structured talent management and training under the network. This opportunity quickly led to his television debut in the suspense drama La Vendetta, where he portrayed the supporting role of Santi Domingo, a geeky character entangled in the series' family vendetta plot; the show premiered on October 29, 2007, and aired for 60 episodes.[19][3] His early visibility was further boosted by modeling campaigns, including his inclusion in Cosmopolitan Philippines' 2007 edition of the "69 Bachelors," which highlighted emerging male talents and helped establish his image as a promising newcomer without requiring participation in the associated fashion event.[20] As a novice actor, Marco faced significant challenges during his GMA tenure, including rigorous on-the-job training and typecasting in minor supporting roles that demanded quick adaptation to dramatic pacing. In one notable incident during La Vendetta or the 2008 fantasy series Dyesebel—where he guest-starred as Joseph—he was publicly scolded by a director for inadequate script preparation, an experience that left him embarrassed and briefly considering quitting acting altogether in favor of modeling.[21][3] Despite these hurdles, the foundational exposure through these projects built his resilience and honed his skills in ensemble casts.Breakthrough (2010–2014)
In 2010, Joseph Marco transitioned from GMA Artist Center to ABS-CBN, signing with Star Magic in a pivotal career move that expanded his opportunities in Philippine television.[7] This shift marked his entry into more prominent roles, beginning with the primetime drama Sabel, where he portrayed Raymond Sandoval, a privileged heir drawn into a tumultuous romance with the lead character amid family conflicts and social class divides.[7] The series, which aired from December 2010 to May 2011, showcased Marco's onscreen chemistry with co-stars Jessy Mendiola and the late AJ Perez, earning praise for its emotional depth and helping to position Marco as an emerging talent in romantic dramas.[7] Marco continued building his profile with supporting appearances in subsequent series, including a guest role as Dasho Kim Methra, a Bhutanese prince, in the 2012–2013 fantasy drama Princess and I, adding a layer of international flair to his repertoire. In 2013, he took on the recurring role of Elijah "Elai" Galang in the family-oriented series Honesto, playing a loyal friend to the young protagonist and navigating themes of honesty and redemption, which highlighted his ability to convey supportive, grounded characters in uplifting narratives.[7] By 2014, Marco secured a leading role as Dave Martinez in the romantic drama Pure Love, an adaptation of the Korean series Pure Love, where he depicted a devoted partner entangled in a love quadrangle, contributing to the show's focus on second chances and emotional resilience.[22] Marco's entry into film during this period further amplified his breakthrough, with his debut in the 2013 crime thriller On the Job as Ruel, a young recruit in a corrupt system of hired killers, which received acclaim for its gritty portrayal of institutional failures and elevated the ensemble's visibility at international festivals. He followed with the independent action drama Saka Saka as Abner Abueg, one of two brothers ensnared in political violence and land disputes, a role that underscored his intensity in socially relevant stories.[23] That same year, Marco starred in the horror anthology Saturday Night Chills as part of a trio of friends confronting supernatural terror, earning him a shared Best Actor award at the 9th Cinema One Originals Film Festival alongside Rayver Cruz and Matteo Guidicelli, a recognition that affirmed his growing critical regard in genre cinema.[24] In 2014, Marco appeared in the action-romance Talk Back and You're Dead as Jared "Red" Dela Cruz, a tough gang member in a tale of revenge and redemption, where his performance was noted for blending charisma with vulnerability, further signaling his versatility and appeal in mainstream films. These projects, combined with his television work, garnered initial nominations and buzz, establishing Marco's breakout status by the end of the period through a mix of dramatic depth and commercial draw.Established roles (2015–2020)
During the period from 2015 to 2020, Joseph Marco solidified his position as a prominent leading man in Philippine television and film, taking on complex roles that showcased his versatility across genres such as romance, drama, and thriller.[8] His performances in high-profile ABS-CBN series highlighted his ability to portray multifaceted characters, contributing to the network's top-rated primetime offerings.[25] In 2016, Marco starred as River Cruz in the romantic drama Dolce Amore, a collaboration with director Jerry Sineneng and co-stars Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, where he played a supportive yet pivotal role in the narrative of love and family intrigue, earning praise for his emotional depth. This role marked his transition to more mature romantic leads, building on his earlier supporting parts. Following this, from 2017 to 2018, he portrayed Diego Torillo in the action-drama Wildflower, opposite Maja Salvador, under the direction of Dado Lumibao and Richard S. Arellano; his character, a resilient figure entangled in themes of revenge and redemption, helped the series achieve high viewership and multiple award nominations. The show's success underscored Marco's growing appeal in intense, character-driven stories. Marco's prominence peaked with his lead role as Lorenzo "Enzo" Bastardo in the 2018–2019 family saga Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Los Bastardos, directed by Jerry Sineneng, where he shared the screen with Bea Alonzo, Joshua Garcia, and Judy Ann Santos.[26] As the ambitious scion of a powerful clan, his performance explored themes of legacy and betrayal, contributing to the series' status as one of ABS-CBN's most-watched programs that year. This project not only expanded his fanbase but also demonstrated his chemistry with ensemble casts, solidifying industry collaborations. Venturing into international territory, Marco made his debut in the 2019 second season of HBO Asia's The Bridge (also known as The Bridge: Malam Gelap), playing Filipino detective Christian Salvador in a multinational production co-starring Bront Palarae, Ario Bayu, and Rebecca Choo.[25] Directed by Gavin Tan and airing on Viu, the crime thriller addressed cross-border issues like human trafficking, with Marco's portrayal of a determined investigator earning acclaim from regional critics for bridging cultural narratives.[27] On the film front, Marco expanded into cinema with lead and supporting roles in notable releases. In 2017's Dear Other Self, directed by Joyce Bernal, he starred alongside Jennylyn Mercado and Carmina Villarroel as part of a trio navigating life choices and friendship, with the comedy-drama grossing over PHP 100 million at the box office and highlighting his comedic timing. That same year, he appeared in the horror film Pwera Usog under Jun Robles Lana, playing a key role in a story of superstition and family curses, further diversifying his portfolio. These projects, alongside guest spots in anthology series like Maalaala Mo Kaya, reinforced his adaptability and led to increased endorsements with brands in fashion and lifestyle sectors during this era.Hiatus and return (2021–present)
Joseph Marco continued his momentum into the early 2020s with roles in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin (2020–2021), where he played Avel Mansueto Jr., a complex character in a suspenseful family drama, and FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2021–2022), portraying Lucas Catapang in the long-running action series' final season. In 2023–2024, he starred as Vladimir "Vlad" Sebastian-Lamadrid in Pira-Pirasong Paraiso, a romantic drama that explored themes of identity and family secrets.[7] Following the conclusion of Pira-Pirasong Paraiso in January 2024, Marco entered a self-described hiatus of nearly two years, marked by professional burnout and a sense of stagnation after nearly two decades in the industry. During this time, he largely stepped back to reassess his career, admitting he felt he had "already done everything" and nearly quit showbiz entirely. He made a brief return with a guest stint in the series FPJ's Batang Quiapo in June 2025 as young Alfredo, which reignited his passion for acting.[3][28][29] In July 2025, Marco revitalized his career by signing an exclusive contract with Viva Artists Agency after 15 years under Star Magic, a move he described as a bold step toward fresh opportunities. The contract signing, attended by Viva executives including Vic del Rosario, signaled his commitment to exploring new creative avenues, including television and stage work.[30][3] Marco's return has been highlighted by announcements of upcoming projects, including his theater debut in an undisclosed production and lead roles in Viva One series. In I Love You, Since 1892, he portrays Leandro Flores, a character returning from abroad to reclaim lost love, with the series already streaming and receiving attention for its romantic narrative. He is also set to star in the highly anticipated Project Loki, a Wattpad adaptation directed by Xian Lim, focusing on a supernatural investigation ensemble that has generated industry excitement as a potential 2025 standout.[31][3][32] The resurgence has been positively received within the Philippine entertainment scene, with Marco expressing renewed enthusiasm and fans expressing support through media coverage of his transition and projects.[31]Filmography
Films
Joseph Marco entered the Philippine cinema scene in 2013, appearing in multiple feature films that showcased his versatility in supporting roles within action, drama, and romance genres. His debut year featured him as Morie, a minor character in the romantic drama A Moment in Time, directed by Emmanuel Quizon, where he contributed to the ensemble cast exploring themes of young love and fleeting connections.[33] That same year, he portrayed Abner in the action-drama Saka Saka, an entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival's New Wave category, playing a key figure in a story of brotherhood and political intrigue amid violence.[34] Also in 2013, Marco took on the role of Ruel, a young recruit in the criminal underworld, in the critically acclaimed crime thriller On the Job, directed by Erik Matti, which highlighted corruption and assassinations and earned international recognition at festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival.[35] In 2014, Marco played Jared "Red" Dela Cruz, a gang member and romantic interest, in the action-romance Talk Back and You're Dead, an adaptation of a young adult novel that grossed over PHP 50 million at the box office and emphasized themes of rivalry and redemption.[36] His 2016 film My Rebound Girl, a romantic comedy directed by Emmanuel Dela Cruz, saw him as Rich, the dependable love interest to the protagonist's rebound journey, contributing to the film's lighthearted exploration of post-breakup healing and earning praise for its relatable humor.[37] Marco's 2017 output was prolific, beginning with Pwera Usog, a horror anthology where he starred as Sherwin, an ex-boyfriend entangled in supernatural curses, helping the film blend folklore with modern scares during its theatrical run.[38] In the romantic comedy Dear Other Self, directed by Veronica Velasco, he portrayed Chris, a supportive colleague who becomes a romantic option, aiding the narrative on work-life balance that resonated with urban audiences. That year, he also appeared in Triptiko, an anthology film, as Jason in the segment "Hinog," depicting a male model's struggle with a disfiguring illness, which added a layer of body horror to the collection's examination of personal crises. By 2020, amid the pandemic, Marco starred as Peter Anthony Sanchez, the prodigal son seeking family reconciliation, in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Isa Pang Bahaghari, a drama about forgiveness that featured veteran actors and focused on intergenerational healing. In the horror film The Missing, directed by Olivia Lamasan, he played Job, an architect and ex-lover aiding a haunted house investigation in Japan, contributing to the thriller's cross-cultural supernatural elements.[39] In 2022, Marco took a supporting role as Marco in Feast (also known as Apag), a black comedy-drama directed by Brillante Mendoza, portraying a family member in a hit-and-run aftermath that critiques class divides and garnered critical attention for its raw social commentary.[40] His most recent film to date, the 2023 romantic drama Kunwari Mahal Kita, directed by Roderick Lindayag, cast him as Greg, a husband navigating annulment and infidelity, in a story that delved into marital strife and earned positive reviews for its emotional depth.[41]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | A Moment in Time | Morie | Guest role in romantic drama exploring youthful romance.[33] |
| 2013 | Saka Saka | Abner | Supporting role in action-drama on family and politics; MMFF New Wave entry.[34] |
| 2013 | On the Job | Ruel | Supporting role in crime thriller on corruption; international festival acclaim.[35] |
| 2014 | Talk Back and You're Dead | Jared "Red" Dela Cruz | Key antagonist-turned-ally in action-romance; box office success (PHP 50M+).[36] |
| 2016 | My Rebound Girl | Rich | Lead romantic interest in comedy on rebounds and growth.[37] |
| 2017 | Pwera Usog | Sherwin | Ex-boyfriend in horror anthology on curses.[38] |
| 2017 | Dear Other Self | Chris | Colleague/romantic lead in work-life balance rom-com. |
| 2017 | Triptiko | Jason ("Hinog" segment) | Model with illness in anthology on personal struggles. |
| 2020 | Isa Pang Bahaghari | Peter Anthony Sanchez | Prodigal son in family drama; MMFF entry on forgiveness. |
| 2020 | The Missing | Job | Ex-lover/architect in Japan-set horror.[39] |
| 2022 | Feast (Apag) | Marco | Family member in class-conflict black comedy.[40] |
| 2023 | Kunwari Mahal Kita | Greg | Husband in marital drama on annulment.[41] |
Television series
Joseph Marco's television career features prominent roles in Philippine teleseryes across major networks, where he has portrayed complex characters in narratives centered on family dynamics, romance, and redemption. His breakthrough came with supporting parts in early GMA productions, evolving into leading roles at ABS-CBN during the 2010s, and recent projects with Viva One. In La Vendetta (2007), Marco debuted as Santi Domingo, a loyal ally entangled in a web of vengeance and family secrets on GMA Network, appearing across the series' 60 episodes.[19] The following year, he appeared in the fantasy series Dyesebel (2008) as Joseph, an assistant character, marking his early supporting role in GMA's underwater adventure drama.[42] He transitioned to ABS-CBN with Sabel (2010), playing Raymond Sandoval, the male lead opposite the titular character's journey from hardship to empowerment, in 70 episodes.[3] Marco's role in Honesto (2013) as Elijah "Elai" Galang, a supportive figure aiding the young protagonist's quest for honesty amid deception, spanned 100 episodes on ABS-CBN. In the adaptation Pasión de Amor (2015), he portrayed Franco Samonte, the passionate youngest brother in a feuding family, navigating intense romances and conflicts over 194 episodes on ABS-CBN.[22][43] His performance as River Cruz in Dolce Amore (2016), a charming suitor in a tale of love and inheritance, contributed to 137 episodes on ABS-CBN. Marco took on the antagonistic yet redeemable Diego Torillo in Wildflower (2017–2018), whose arc shifts from vengeance-driven heir to a conflicted ally, across ABS-CBN's 257-episode run.[44] In 2014, he led as Dave Martinez Jr. in the family drama Pure Love, an adaptation of the Korean series 49 Days, exploring themes of second chances and romance over 93 episodes on ABS-CBN.[7] After a brief hiatus, he returned as Lorenzo "Enzo" Cuevas in Los Bastardos (2018–2020), one of five brothers uncovering their heritage and seeking justice, evolving into Lorenzo D. Cardinal in a pivotal arc over 280 episodes on ABS-CBN.[7] In 2020, Marco expanded internationally in HBO Asia's The Bridge (season 2), portraying Christian Salvador, a Filipino-Singaporean environmentalist drawn into a cross-border investigation, across 10 episodes.[8] In Ang sa Iyo Ay Akin (2020–2021), Marco played Avelino Mansueto Jr., a determined son protecting his mother's legacy in a property dispute, appearing in 93 episodes of the second season on ABS-CBN.[45] He joined the long-running action series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2021–2022) as Lucas Catapang, a member of an elite task force fighting corruption, contributing to its final arc on ABS-CBN.[7] More recently, in Pira-Pirasong Paraiso (2023–2024), he depicted Vladimir "Vlad" S. Lamadrid, a stepson grappling with family betrayals and romantic entanglements, across 163 episodes on ABS-CBN. Marco is set to appear in the Viva One series Project Loki (2025), a mystery-thriller adaptation, with his role yet to be detailed.[46] He also stars as Leandro Flores in the ongoing Viva One drama I Love You Since 1892 (2025–), portraying a timeless romantic lead in a story spanning eras, in its initial 18 episodes.Variety shows
Joseph Marco has frequently appeared on Philippine variety and talk shows, leveraging these platforms to display his musical abilities and engaging persona outside of scripted roles. His involvement in such programs began notably with his transfer to ABS-CBN in 2010, where he became a staple on the network's flagship Sunday variety show ASAP.[47] In March 2015, Marco debuted as a member of the boy band Harana on ASAP, alongside Marlo Mortel, Bryan Santos, and Michael Pangilinan. The group performed carrier single "Basta't Kasama Kita" and subsequent hits like "Kung Ako Na Lang Sana," blending pop and OPM styles in live musical numbers that highlighted Marco's vocal range and stage presence. Harana's segments on the show ran through 2018, fostering fan engagement through interactive performances and contributing to Marco's image as a multifaceted artist capable of transitioning between acting and music.[47][48] Beyond ASAP, Marco has made guest appearances on It's Showtime, ABS-CBN's noontime variety program, where he participated in comedic games and challenges to promote his teleserye roles. For instance, in 2018, he joined the "Petmalu Lodi" segment, enduring playful "FUNishments" that showcased his good humor during the final weeks of Wildflower. Earlier spots in 2015 and 2017 included segments like "Ansabe," where he tested his knowledge in lighthearted quizzes, endearing him to audiences through his approachable demeanor. Marco also featured on Gandang Gabi Vice, a Sunday talk-variety show hosted by Vice Ganda, engaging in candid interviews and games that emphasized his personal anecdotes and charm. In a 2015 episode, Vice Ganda playfully teased Marco about his career transitions, while a 2016 appearance with co-star Alex Gonzaga involved the "Nagmahal, Nasaktan..." challenge, revealing relatable insights into his experiences with love and heartbreak. These interactions in 2022 and beyond further solidified his reputation for authenticity and wit in non-scripted settings.[49] Through these variety show outings, Marco has cultivated a broader fanbase, demonstrating versatility that complements his dramatic work and enhances his appeal as an all-around entertainer in the Philippine entertainment landscape up to 2025.[7]Discography
Singles
Joseph Marco's solo music output has been modest, primarily consisting of a single standalone release during his time with Star Magic in the mid-2010s, aligning with his growing prominence in acting roles that often featured romantic themes. His debut solo single, "Sa Aking Pagbabalik", was released on February 17, 2016, by Star Music, a division of ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc..[50] The pop track, produced without notable collaborations, explores themes of return and enduring love, resonating with Marco's on-screen persona in teleseryes. No significant chart performance data is available for the single.| Title | Release Date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Sa Aking Pagbabalik | February 17, 2016 | Star Music |
Albums
As a member of the boy band Harana, Marco contributed to their self-titled debut album Harana, released in 2015 by Star Music. The album featured original tracks and covers blending pop and OPM, marking the group's entry into the music scene and showcasing Marco's vocals in ensemble performances.[51][52] It included songs such as "Kung Akin Ang Mundo" and "LDR," which received attention in Philippine music circles.Soundtrack contributions
Joseph Marco's soundtrack contributions primarily occurred during his tenure with the vocal group Harana, formed in 2015 under ABS-CBN's Star Music, alongside members Bryan Santos, Michael Pangilinan, and Marlo Mortel. The group's harmonious style, blending pop and original Pilipino music (OPM), lent itself to romantic themes in film projects, marking Marco's entry into music tied to media. These efforts highlighted his vocal range in ensemble performances, contributing to the emotional depth of the soundtracks. In 2015, Harana recorded "Baby I Need Your Loving," a cover of the Four Tops' classic, as the official theme song for the comedy film You're My Boss, starring Coco Martin and Toni Gonzaga. Released in March, the track's upbeat arrangement and group vocals complemented the film's lighthearted boss-employee romance, receiving positive fan feedback for its nostalgic appeal during promotional events.[53] Later that year, in June, they released "Smile in Your Heart," an original composition by Rene Novelles, for the romantic comedy Just the Way You Are, featuring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. The song's tender lyrics and melodic harmony underscored the film's themes of self-acceptance and love, becoming a staple in the movie's soundtrack album and earning acclaim from audiences for enhancing key emotional scenes.[54] In 2016, Harana collaborated with Morissette Amon on "Baby I Love Your Way," a cover of Peter Frampton's hit, serving as the theme for the romantic comedy The Third Party starring Angel Locsin, Sam Milby, and John Lloyd Cruz. Released in September, the duet's soulful rendition added emotional layers to the film's exploration of love triangles, praised for the harmonious blend of vocals.[55] By 2017, Harana recorded "Hinahanap Hanap Kita," a cover of Rivermaya's song, as the official theme for the romantic drama Unexpectedly Yours, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana and starring Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia. Released in November, the track's heartfelt lyrics captured the film's themes of rediscovering love, contributing to its popularity among OPM fans. Later that year, Harana collaborated with singer Yeng Constantino on "Alapaap," the theme song for the mystery drama Dear Other Self (also known as Ningning), where Marco also starred alongside Jodi Sta. Maria and Xian Lim. Performed as a duet ensemble, the track's ethereal pop arrangement captured the film's exploration of friendship and hidden secrets, with Constantino's lead vocals complemented by Harana's backing harmonies; it was praised in reviews for adding a layer of introspection to the narrative.[56] This contribution, released in May, showcased Marco's versatility in blending acting and singing within the same project.[57][58] These soundtrack works represented the peak of Marco's music involvement through Harana, which disbanded around 2018 amid members' shifting acting priorities. No further media-tied releases have been noted up to 2025, though the songs remain popular in OPM playlists and film retrospectives for their role in elevating Philippine cinema's romantic and dramatic elements.Accolades
Awards won
Joseph Marco has received several accolades throughout his career, recognizing his performances in film and television. In 2013, he won the Best Actor award in the Cinema One Currents category at the 9th Cinema One Originals Film Festival for his role in the horror anthology Saturday Night Chills, sharing the honor with co-stars Rayver Cruz and Matteo Guidicelli.[59] Marco earned the Most Promising TV Actor of the Year award at the 48th Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation (GMMSF) Box-Office Entertainment Awards in 2017 for his portrayal of Rafael "Rafaelito" Montenegro in the period drama Pasión de Amor.[60][61] In 2021, he was honored with the Favorite and Versatile Actor of the Year award at the 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards, acknowledging his diverse roles across multiple platforms.[62]Nominations
Throughout his career, Joseph Marco has received several nominations from prestigious Philippine award-giving bodies, recognizing his contributions to television, film, and music. These nominations highlight his versatility as an actor and performer, particularly in drama series and ensemble projects. In 2015, Marco was nominated as part of the group Harana Boys for Duo/Group of the Year at the 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music, for their self-titled album Harana released under Star Music. The group, consisting of Marco, Marlo Mortel, Bryan Santos, and Michael Pangilinan, was noted for their collaborative effort in producing harmonious tracks that blended traditional and contemporary Filipino sounds.[63] Marco earned a nomination for Best Drama Supporting Actor at the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television in 2017, for his portrayal of Diego in the ABS-CBN series Wildflower. His performance as a complex antagonist in the action-drama series, which explored themes of revenge and family, was praised for adding depth to the ensemble cast.[64] In 2018, he received a nomination for Movie Actor of the Year at the 34th PMPC Star Awards for Movies, for his leading role in the film Dear Other Self. Directed by Isabel Valle, the movie depicted Marco as one of three friends navigating life's challenges, earning acclaim for his nuanced depiction of personal growth and relationships.[65]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Duo/Group of the Year | Harana (with Harana Boys) | Group nomination for album |
| 2017 | 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Supporting Actor | Wildflower | For role of Diego |
| 2018 | 34th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Movie Actor of the Year | Dear Other Self | Leading role in drama film |