“Children Are Not Investments, They Are Lives”: Joey Marquez Opens Up About Fatherhood, Regret, and Raising 16 Kids with Real Talk and Responsibility

In an era where celebrity fathers are often measured by their net worth and Instagram posts, veteran actor, comedian, and former politician Joey Marquez has chosen a different path—one that is raw, reflective, and rooted in reality. In a recent televised interview that sparked widespread discussion, Marquez spoke candidly about his experience as a father to sixteen children and made a bold, unapologetic statement:

“Hindi investment ang mga anak.”

(“Children are not investments.”)

The declaration struck a chord. It wasn’t just the words—it was the weight behind them. Spoken by a man who has lived through the full spectrum of parenthood—fame, failure, fatherhood, and all its challenges—Marquez’s statement wasn’t philosophical fluff. It was lived truth.

This article explores the many layers behind his powerful remark: the cultural mindset of parenting in the Philippines, the societal expectations on fathers, the emotional toll of raising multiple children, and how Joey Marquez’s perspective challenges conventional views in a nation where “utang na loob” and “investment parenting” are often seen as the norm.

From Laughs to Leadership: The Evolution of Joey Marquez

Known for his iconic comedic roles in films and TV shows like Palibhasa Lalake, Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita, and Walang Tulugan, Joey Marquez has always been more than just a funny man. Behind the on-screen antics is a man of depth and duality—a former Mayor of Parañaque, a host, a businessman, and most importantly, a father.

His charisma made him a household name, but his personal life—especially his role as a father to 16 children from different partners—has also made headlines for decades. Yet, unlike many public figures who gloss over family complexities, Marquez embraces his story with honesty.

“I’m Not the Best Father, But I’m Not the Worst Either”

During the interview, Marquez reflected on his past with sincerity and vulnerability. He admitted to many mistakes—prioritizing work, sometimes falling short in his parental duties, and not always being there emotionally for every child.

“I don’t want to pretend. I was working. I had children I couldn’t spend time with. But I did what I could,” he said.

This level of honesty is rare in showbiz, where perfection is often projected. For Joey, there was no attempt to portray himself as an ideal dad—just a man doing his best, sometimes failing, always learning.

“Hindi Investment ang mga Anak”: A Cultural Wake-Up Call

Joey’s most talked-about statement in the interview was his firm belief that children should never be seen as financial investments. In the Philippines, and many other Asian societies, it’s not uncommon to hear parents justify their sacrifices with hopes that their children will someday “give back.”

From OFW parents sending children to private schools to families investing in medical degrees with the expectation of future financial returns, the concept of raising children as “retirement plans” is deeply embedded in cultural consciousness.

Marquez challenged this head-on.

“Kung magpapaaral ka, gawin mo ‘yun dahil gusto mong guminhawa ang buhay ng anak mo. Hindi dahil gusto mong guminhawa dahil sa anak mo.”
(“If you educate your children, do it because you want them to have a better life—not so you can have a better life through them.”)

This mindset shift is not only radical—it’s necessary. His words encourage parents to examine their intentions and to raise children not out of obligation or ego, but out of love and responsibility.

16 Children, 1 Father, Countless Lessons

Joey Marquez revealed that he is father to 16 children, each with their own personalities, needs, and journeys. Some are now professionals; others are still growing. Managing that many lives is no small task.

He admitted that he wasn’t always present in the way he wished he could be. There were missed birthdays, emotional distances, and times when his role as a celebrity clashed with his role as a father. But he never denied any of his children, nor did he walk away from the duty of being their father.

“I always told them: I may not be perfect, but I will always be your dad.”

Being a Father in the Public Eye

The life of a public figure complicates parenthood. For Joey Marquez, the spotlight often magnified his shortcomings. Rumors, media scrutiny, and public judgment followed him through multiple relationships and career transitions. But while the public was watching, Joey was evolving—privately.

Over the years, he transitioned from comedic icon to a statesman, then back to an actor. But one title remained constant: Tatay.

And with that title came expectations—not just from his children, but from society. In many Filipino households, the father is still expected to be the “provider,” “disciplinarian,” and the “pillar of the family.” Joey doesn’t fit neatly into those boxes. But maybe that’s why his story resonates.

On Regret, Redemption, and Growth

In the interview, Marquez didn’t just offer wisdom—he also shared regrets. He regrets some decisions he made when he was younger. He regrets the time he can’t take back. But he doesn’t live in regret.

Instead, he focuses on the redemption found in continuing to try. In being there now. In listening to his children, acknowledging their hurt, and becoming a more intentional father—even if it’s later in life.

This redemption arc isn’t about erasing mistakes—it’s about owning them, learning from them, and transforming because of them.

What His Children Say

While Joey has often been the one to speak publicly, several of his children have also opened up in past interviews. Many of them describe him as “flawed but loving,” a father who made mistakes but never abandoned them.

Some noted that while he wasn’t always emotionally expressive, he showed his love in practical ways—checking in on them, giving advice, or just watching them from a distance to make sure they were okay.

In a world that demands perfection from parents, Joey’s children seem to understand that effort and consistency, even imperfect, are more valuable than empty promises or financial support alone.

The Responsibility of Having Many Children

Joey Marquez’s story also opens up broader conversations about responsible parenting. In a time where family planning remains a pressing issue, especially in lower-income and highly religious communities, Joey’s journey reveals both the beauty and the burden of having a large family.

He has been fortunate to have the financial means to support his children, but he has also warned others not to follow in his footsteps unless they are truly ready to support emotionally, financially, and morally.

“Anak ‘yan. Hindi ‘yan trophy. Hindi ‘yan insurance.”

(“That’s a child. Not a trophy. Not insurance.”)

Real Fatherhood vs. Idealized Fatherhood

What Joey offers is not a model of idealized fatherhood—but something more valuable: real fatherhood. One that includes mistakes, absence, reconnection, personal growth, and humility. It’s the kind of parenting that doesn’t pretend to be flawless, but tries harder every year to be better.

His story gives permission to other fathers—especially those who started out rough—to redeem themselves, to show up, and to speak truthfully to their children, no matter their age.

A Wake-Up Call for Parents Everywhere

The idea that children should owe their parents success has long been normalized. Joey Marquez dares to say that this mindset is not only flawed but harmful. Children are not debtors. They are individuals, deserving of unconditional support and love.

His message is clear: You don’t raise children so they can repay you. You raise them because that is your role.

The Legacy He Hopes to Leave

Joey Marquez knows he won’t be remembered for being a perfect man. But he hopes to be remembered for trying to do better, for telling the truth even when it’s not flattering, and for encouraging other parents—especially fathers—to stop hiding behind pride and start embracing accountability.

“Kung may pagkukulang ka, aminin mo. Ayusin mo. Mas masarap magmahal kapag totoo ka.”

(“If you’ve fallen short, admit it. Fix it. It feels better to love when you’re being real.”)

Final Thoughts

In a world where celebrity fatherhood is often romanticized, Joey Marquez’s truth-telling is a refreshing gust of reality. His insights may not fit in a viral TikTok, but they hit where it matters: in the heart, in the home, in the minds of parents still figuring it out.

By reminding us that children are not trophies, not financial lifelines, and certainly not insurance policies, Joey Marquez brings the conversation of parenthood back to where it belongs: service, sacrifice, and sincerity.