EMPOY'S FRUIT OF LABOR; A SIMPLE, CLEAN AND ORGANIZED HOUSE HE ESTABLISHED ON HIS EARNINGS AT KITAKITA MOVIE

Julius Erman “Empoy” Ramos Marquez is a Filipino actor and comedian. His first appearance in a feature film was in Mr. Suave(2003), after winning the Mr. Suave look-alike contest on Magandang Tanghali Bayan.

From 2003 to 2008, he had small roles in several films and television shows, where he was typecast as the comical sidekick. He also appeared in some independent films.

He is the eldest among seven siblings, and his parents separated when he was in sixth grade. He earned his college degree in mass communication with the intention of becoming a DJ.

After the success of the movie Kita Kita, actor Empoy Marquez has quite a busy schedule to manage these days. While he stays in his Quezon City condo unit most of the time, it’s safe to say that this two-storey property in Bulacan equates to home sweet home.

As if mirroring the modest and easygoing personality of the actor, the house looks calming and inviting, with a spacious layout and basic pieces taking center stage. From the living and dining areas, to the kitchen and bedroom—one can instantly appreciate its uncomplicated aesthetic reminiscent of typical Filipino homes.

Guests can feel at home the moment they step inside, the living area is roomy enough to accommodate visitors, and there’s an undeniable cozy vibe. Empoy acquired the property in 2009 but he dreams of building a dream home in the future.

“Simple lang na up and down. Basta gusto ko, ‘yong pamilya ko kasama ko. ‘Tapos, kunwari may laruan sa loob, basketbolan sa loob, gano’n. ‘Tapos, may pool. Gusto ko, may bukid, ‘tapos overlooking. Makikita ‘yong bukid mula sa bahay. Bukid, pero may swimming pool, hehe,” he muses.

With his perseverance and dedication, we’re a hundred percent sure that it won’t take long before his dream comes true.

Even from the outside, the house looks simple—with the balcony giving a peek into Empoy’s room. A couple of plants and a wrought iron gate provide enough privacy from passersby.

Living Area

With white walls as backdrop, the living area is furnished with a brown L-shaped couch from a furniture store in Bulacan, a low center table, and a yellow storage ottoman from Dimensione that looks like a mini drum. Adding a masculine appeal to the space are the navy blue curtains paired with white drapes. An accent chair in green adds a pop of color under the stairs.

A few steps from the kitchen is an altar with statues of the Sto. Nino and Mama Mary with a framed picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

A small wooden shelf holds the TV and tons of speakers in the living area. Beside it is another upholstered ottoman that functions as a table where a video player is placed. From this angle, we can best appreciate the openness of the space.

Kitchen

To accommodate guests and friends, another seating piece can be seen across the green accent chair. The space leading to the kitchen also features a wooden freestanding mirror. Arched walls define the different areas and create passages that connect them to each other.

The L-shaped cooking area evokes warmth—thanks to the cabinets coated in varnish and light brown tiles used as backsplash. Small appliances and daily essentials complete the space as cooking is done in the dirty kitchen found at the back of the garage.

Dining Area

From this angle in the dining area, we can see the arched walls that connect the areas on the first floor. Since there are no doors, air can circulate freely, maintaining the relaxed and spacious feel of the house. The dining area is furnished with a six-seater dining table and matching chairs. These seating pieces highlight a silk printed fabric used for the fabric and cushion—adding an elegant touch to the space.

Black wall decals spruce up the wall in the dining area to keep it from being dull. A small white cabinet was placed in a corner to hold décor and to serve as storage for essentials.

Empoy’s Bedroom

The actor’s sleeping space features only the basics—with a sofa bed, a flat-screen TV, an AC unit, and tons of seating pieces to accommodate friends who drop by. Completing the private space is his own small bathroom, framed posters of his movies, and a mountain bike.

Bathed in natural light, the room also houses Empoy’s toy collection. He also has action figures and comic books neatly kept in the cabinet. The console that holds the TV also serves as storage for his CDs, other knickknacks, and a vintage battery-operated Sony radio.

Balcony

The balcony can be accessed through the glass sliding doors in Empoy’s bedroom or through a stairway from the garage. It is open and spacious, with a fishpond as its main feature. “Ito ‘yong pinaka-favorite-place ko sa bahay,” he shares. Small coldwater fish like parrot fish and goldfish can be seen in the fishpond.

Given the huge open space, the balcony can also function as a reading nook and even as an extra dining area when needed. The view from the top is spectacular and soothing.