Pokwang

Pokwang
Born Marietta Subong
(1970-08-27) August 27, 1970
Iloilo City, Philippines
Occupation Comedian, actress, television host, recording artist
Years active 1998–present
Agent Star Magic (2004–present)
Partner(s) Lee O’Brian (2015–)

Marietta Subong (born August 27, 1970), better known by her stage name Pokwang,[1] is a Filipina comedian, actress, TV host, singer,[2] impersonator and salon co-owner.

She started in a reality show in ABS-CBN and subsequently appeared in dramas and sitcoms of the network. She also received the Best Comedy Actress award from the Philippine Movie Press Club for her portrayal in the sitcom Aalog-Alog and the Best Female Comedian award from People’s Choice Awards. She became a host of the variety shows Wowowee, Pilipinas Win na Win and Happy Yipee Yehey.[3]

Early life

Pokwang whose real name is Marietta Subong was born in August 27, 1970[4] in Iloilo City.[5] Her family hails from Antipolo, Rizal. Her father was a drunkard and her mother had difficulties in raising Pokwang and her 11 other sibling.[6] Pokwang was the seventh born among her siblings[7]

Career

As a migrant worker

In 1990, Pokwang went to Japan as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and worked as a group dancer, going home to the Philippines four times within the two years time she worked in Japan. Her contracts in Japan were for six-months each. She saved money to renovate her family's fragile house to one made with sturdier materials. Pokwang also learned how to speak Japanese due to her work. She stopped working in Japan after she got pregnant which was also the time when Japan started to impose stricter regulations after following an issue with OFWs in Japan.[7]

Pokwang went to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to work as domestic worker[6] in 1998 after the gulf country started to accept OFWs. She worked in the country for six months. She wanted to go home immediately after she learned that her son who was then five years old was diagnosed with a brain tumor but her employer did not allow her and Pokwang was forced to finish her contract. Her son died while she was still in Abu Dhabi.[7]

Return to the Philippines

Following the loss of her son, Pokwang decided to stay in the Philippines and tend to her daughter.[7] Pokwang made her first appearance as a backup dancer in Eezy Dancing of ABC 5.[8]

While performing as a guest in a comedy bar in Cubao, she met Eric Nicolas who was looking for a talent to work with ABS-CBN.[5] She was worked in a comedy bar named Funline[9] and in 2002 moved to the Music Box.[7] In 2004, Pokwang joined "Clown in a Million" a reality talent show segment of Yes Yes Show of ABS-CBN after she was convinced by Nicolas to participate and became the grand champion.[5][5] After winning the contest she secured an exclusive artist contract with ABS-CBN.[6][8]

Pokwang appeared in various dramas and sitcoms following her win at the reality talent show segment.[5] She also had concerts both outside and within the Philippines and also had appeared in noon-time shows. She starred with other actors and actresses in various projects such as Dolphy which she considers her idol, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Willie Rivellame, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Claudine Barretto, Judy Ann Santos, Sharon Cuneta, and Kris Aquino.[6]

She was named Best Comedy Actress award by the Philippine Movie Press Club for her portrayal in Aalog-Alog and the she garnered the Best Female Comedian award of the People's Choice Award. As a film actress she won the Bert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award twice.[5]

Pokwang appeared in various films portraying supporting characters. Her first film where she portrayed a lead role was the 2011 film A Mother's Story, where she took up a role of an overseas Filipino worker named Medy.[8]

Comedic style

Pokwang prefers to use herself as a subject of her jokes rather than other people. She also does not do "green jokes" or humor of sexual nature which is unsuitable for a young audience as she enjoys being a comedian also patronized by children.[6]

Pokwang has also impersonated other people for as part of her job as a comedian. Among the people she has impersonated were Dionisia Pacquiao such as for an episode in Banana Split[10] and Anabelle Rama.[8] Pacquiao said that she was fine with the impersonation and actually finds it funny.[10]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Network
2016 Till I Met You Agnes De Guia-Nicolas ABS-CBN
We Will Survive Wilmalyn "Wilma" Bonanza-San Juan
2015-present Banana Sundae Herself/Various Characters
2015 Wansapanataym: Raprap's Wrapper Sioneng
Nathaniel Elizabeth "Beth" Salvacion-Bartolome
2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Alak Lui
Ipaglaban Mo: Umasa Ako Sa Hula Lovinia Ignacio
Mirabella Mimosa "Osang" Balete
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Arroz Caldo Mely
2013 Wansapanataym: Give Glove On Christmas Day Queenie Batumbakal
My Little Juan Sarah de Guzman
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Gown Linda
2012-2013 Aryana Ofelia Capuyao-Mendez
2011-2016 Kris TV Recurring co-host
2011–2013 Toda Max Beverly "Lady G" Gil
2011 100 Days to Heaven Digna Amparo
2011–2012 Happy Yipee Yehey! Host
2011 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Birth Certificate Carol Araos
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Singsing Tita B. Canoy
2010 Your Song Presents: Kim Belma Jolie
Pilipinas Win Na Win Host
Your Song Presents: Love Me, Love You Lovely
Melason In Love Herself
2009–2011 Banana Split Herself/Various Characters
2008 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Laruan Rita
2007–present ASAP Herself/Performer
2007–2010 Wowowee Host
2007 Ysabella Phuket
Your Song: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Anna
Love Spell: Shoes Ko Po, Shoes ko Day Lisa
2006 Crazy For You Bessie
Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko Principal Nendita
Aalog-Alog Etang Sukimura
2005 Pinoy Big Brother Buzz Host
M.R.S Most Requested Show Host
2004–2005 Krystala Fantasia
2004 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Teddy Bear Herself (as Marietta "Pokwang" Subong)
Maid In Heaven Harlene
Yes Yes Show Herself
1998 Eezy Dancing Herself
ABC

Films

Year Title Role Producer
2015 All You Need Is Pag-Ibig Corina Star Cinema
Wang Fam Malou Wang Viva Films
Edsa Woolworth Edsa WoolworthStar Cinema
TFC
2014 My Illegal Wife Clarise Skylight Films
Star Cinema
2013 Call Center Girl Teresa "Terry" Manlapat
Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? Cora Veloso Star Cinema
2012 D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! Kitty Kilabot APT Entertainment
M-Zet Productions
24/7 in Love Virgie Cruz Star Cinema
The Healing Alma
The Mommy Returns Ruby Regal Entertainment
A Mother's Story Medy TFC
ABS-CBN International
Star Cinema
2011 Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! Pining Star Cinema
APT Entertainment
M-Zet Productions
OctoArts Films
The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles Sr. Purisima Star Cinema
Sine Screen
2010 Super Inday and the Golden Bibe Miss Kokay[11] Regal Entertainment
I Do Myka Punongbayan Star Cinema
Cinco Emily
2009 Nobody, Nobody But... Juan Lolay RVQ Productions
2008 Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia Vicky Cutting-Edge Production
Supahpapalicious Nympha Star Cinema
2007 Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat Gay / Maria Ligaya Kalungkutan Viva Films
Agent X44 Col. Cynthia Abordo Star Cinema
2006 D' Lucky Ones Lea
2005 Dubai Cookie
D' Anothers Aruray "Balat" Paclayon
2004 Bcuz of U Tiya Pards

Discography

Albums

Title Album information
Pokwang... Ang Album Na May Puso[2]
  • Released: 2009
  • Format: mp3
  • Label: Star Records
  • Writer: Christian Martinez and Lito Camo
  • Chart position: N/A
  • Tracks: "GayaGaya Puto Maya," "Bratatat," "Bahoo," "Sana Kunin Ka Na Ni Lord"
  • Bonus tracks: "Hai"
  • Singles: "Sana Kunin Ka Na Ni Lord"

Singles

Compilation album
Release date Album Title Record Company Song Title Certification Ref
November 12, 2011 Happy Yipee Yehey! Nananana! Star Records "No Boypren, No Problem" [12]

Awards and nominations

Awards and Nomination
Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
2007 21st PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actress[13] Aalog-Alog Won
2008 22nd PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Female TV Host[5] Wowowee Nominated
Best Comedy Actress[5] That's My Doc Nominated
2010 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Bert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award[14] N/A Won
23rd Awit Awards Best Novelty Recording Bratatat Nominated
2011 25th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actress Banana Split Nominated
2012 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actress Toda Max Won
60th FAMAS Awards Best Actress[5] A Mother's Story Nominated
25th Awit Awards Best Novelty Recording No Boypren, No Problem Nominated
2013 27th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actress Toda Max Nominated
2014 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Bert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award[15] N/A Won
2015 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Program[5] Mirabella Nominated

Personal life

Pokwang had a relationship to a Japanese husband with whom she had a son but died due to illness. She met the Japanese when she was working in Japan. However she was estranged from her former partner for 16 years until they established contact in 2009. Her former partner informed her that he has cancer and that he wishes to see the grave of their son.[16] She also had a separate relationship with another Japanese with whom she had a daughter named Rie Mae but also left Pokwang when their daughter was still at a young age. She hasn't establish contact with the Japanese as of October 2014, but at this time she expressed willingness to enter in a new relationship preferably with a Filipino.[17]

Earlier in May 2014, Pokwang disclosed that she has been establishing contact with Rie Mae's father so that her daughter and former partner could meet personally following the debut or 18th birthday of her daughter, as well as rumors that Japan will relax its visa laws. Pokwang said that she has information that her former partner the father of Rie Mae is now married to a Korean and now has another child.[18]

Pokwang had a British suitor but in June 2013 it was reported that he decided not pursue. Pokwang speculates that the reason for this was that she was "playing hard to get" but insists that she remains friends with the British.[19]

In January 20, 2015, Pokwang entered in a new relationship with American actor Lee O’Brien whom she worked with in the film Edsa Woolworth which was released in theaters in the same month ago.[20] Pokwang became pregnant but three weeks from August 20, 2015, Pokwang had a miscarriage. The two are back to focusing on having baby before getting married.[21] By September 2016, Pokwang was introduced to O'Brien's relatives and the two have discussions on getting married but Pokwang's priority at the moment is her project with Till I Met You.[22]

References

  1. Pokwang Star Magic Profile
  2. 1 2 Buan-Devesa, Reyma (22 January 2009). "Pokwang unleashes the singer in her". ABS-CBN News Online. Retrieved 31 May 2009.
  3. "Poohkwang concert, tons of surprises at the Music Museum". ABS-CBN News Online. ABS-CBN Interactive. 3 June 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  4. "Pokwang turns 40". ABS-CBN News. 27 August 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lu, Monet (3 September 2016). "Behind Pokwang's fun and endearing personality". Asian Journal. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Pablo, Rhia De (15 March 2008). "Comedienne Pokwang on living, laughing, and loving". The Freeman. Philippine Star. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Manimtim-Floresca, Ruth (7 February 2013). "Pokwang Laughs Her Way to the Bank". Money Sense. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Pokwang to make audience laugh in wild abandon at Piolo show". Filipino Star News - Michigan Edition. Filipino Star News. 26 February 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  9. Tariman, Pablo (9 June 2014). "Pokwang: Life is not a comedy". Philippine Star. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  10. 1 2 Apoyon, Satur (21 July 2009). "After ABC TV5 guesting, Pacman's mother has been making waves these days". Balita (in English and Filipino). Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  11. http://www.pep.ph/guide/7210/Marian-Rivera-studies-mixed-martial-arts-for-the-action-sequences-of- Super-Inday
  12. "'Happy Yipee Yehey!' Launches Its first Album". November 12, 2011.
  13. "Tiya Pusit, Pokwang share best-actress trophy". GMA News (in Taglish). 22 November 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  14. "ABS-CBN big winner at GMMSF Entertainment Awards". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  15. "Complete List of Winners: 45th Guillermo Mendoza Box-Office Entertainment Awards 2014". The Summit Express. Retrieved 2014-05-019.
  16. "Pokwang's ex-husband has cancer". ABS-CBN News (in English and Filipino). 14 December 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  17. Ramos, Ethel (9 June 2014). "Pokwang attracts foreigners, but she prefers a Pinoy husband". Malaya Business Insight (in English and Filipino). Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  18. Pumaloy, Rey (24 May 2014). "Japanese dad: "Iba pa rin na malaman mo kung saan ka nagmula para buo ka."" [Japanese dad: "It's still different to know where you came from for you to become whole"]. Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  19. "Pokwang's British suitor gives up". Balita Filipino New. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  20. Smith, Chuck (9 February 2015). "Pokwang confirms relationship with American actor Lee O'Brien" (in English and Filipino). Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  21. Smith, Chuck (20 August 2015). "Pokwang 'back in the process of having kids' after miscarriage, says bf". Philippine Star. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  22. "Pokwang at Lee, sa kasalan na ang tuloy" [Pokwang and Lee, are heading to a marriage"]. Balita.net (in Filipino). 5 September 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.

External links

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