Joseph Marco is the very definition of a leading man. He is handsome, a master of his craft, and possesses that undeniable presence. But off camera, little is known about the Filipino actor—and that’s how he likes it.

For Joseph, privacy is power. It is not about not sharing, but about choosing the things that matter most to him and enjoying them in a more meaningful way. However, if there are things he isn’t keeping under wraps, it’s his passion for fitness and caring for animals, particularly cats.

In his recent campaign with local clothing label Hanford, Joseph looked bold as he presented the brand’s latest intimate apparel. It’s all about the bare essentials—coming home to comfort. It is also a way for him to showcase his confidence through his body, reflecting both self-assurance and ease in his own skin, while highlighting how simplicity in fashion can still make a strong and impactful statement.

“Hanford has been a solid brand,” Joseph tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “It has given me a chance to focus on my fitness. Every year, I go deep when it comes to my nutrition and lifestyle. I’ve learned a lot. When you are given challenges in life, you get to discover so much about yourself.”

It took years for Joseph to build his body. During the process, he picked up a lesson or two, which also influenced the way he navigates life. One is the importance of warming up in his fitness routine.

“When we were young, we didn’t care about warming up. We just went straight to our lifting routine,” he says. “But now, I have mastered a process. I make sure to use the treadmill for 25 minutes to set my heart rate.”

This idea of preparation is also echoed in how he approaches life beyond fitness. For Joseph, taking the time to slow down, reset, and build a strong foundation has become essential—not just for physical strength, but for mental clarity and resilience as well.

“It’s not always about going hard right away,” he adds. “Sometimes, it’s about pacing yourself and making sure you’re ready for what’s ahead.”

One element that has been part of Joseph’s social media feed is cats. Now and then, the actor shares glimpses of the felines in his home and those he encounters on the streets. Believe it or not, he used to hate cats. He once saw them as pests—the kind that steal food and rummage through trash.

“But if you think about it, they’re just hungry; no one feeds them,” Joseph muses. “When I got my first cat, it was accidental because I saw a kitten drowning. I saved it, looked after it, and fed it. That’s when I got to know cats. They are incredible animals. I fell in love.”

Eventually, his one rescue grew into a litter of 14, prompting him to build a “catio” to give them a proper place to stay. Even today, he continues to bring food so that whenever there’s a chance to help strays, he is ready.

“I guess, somehow, you find purpose in life,” the actor says. “When you reach the end of success—material things, relationships, and all—you ask yourself: What am I here for? I feel like cats are part of my purpose.”

Beyond the screen and the spotlight, it is in these quiet, intentional choices that Joseph finds the most meaning. Whether it’s committing to a disciplined lifestyle, embracing stillness, or caring for animals that many overlook, he continues to shape a life that feels authentic to him.