Marco Halal

Marco was born in Manila, Philippines to Colin and Lucy Halal. He was the nephew of the late famous movie writer Toto Belano who was well know for creating movies such as "Banaue" that starred Nora Aunor, "Bagets", "Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko" that starred Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon, and Tirso Cruz III ( and incidentally also included Marco's young brother Mark Jaime "Jimboy" Halal who played the part of Nora's little brother) just to name a few. Marco is also the grandson of the late famous radio singer and radio drama actress Chabeng Martin. He resided and grew up in Taft Avenue, Pasay City and went to school at San Isidro Catholic School. He now resides and has been in the United States since 1984 after graduating High School from Apolinario Mabini High School. He was Discovered by the renowned director the infamous late Lino Broca. Marco was with his grandmother Chabeng Martin and was eating his snack at the canteen (cafeteria) of Lea Productions Studios while visiting his uncle Toto Belano. At only four years old, Broca casted Marco on the movie "Lumuha Pati Mga Anghel" to play the part of "Botong" the brother of then also newly discovered young actress Lorna Tolentino. Marco's second movie was "Stardoom" where he played the part of the young "Emong". His performance in the movie had earned him a nomination at the "FAMAS Awards" (the equivalent of OSCARS Awards) as the "Best Child Actor". He unfortunately lost the award to Roderick Paulate for the movie "Kurikit ". Rumor was that Paulate's father who was a member of the FAMAS board had a strong influence in giving the award to his own son. Marco also played parts in various television shows like "The Germ Show"" that was hosted by Herman Moreno and Padre De Pamilia" that starred the very young actress Snooky just to name a few. He also did Voice Overs on TV and radio commercials for products such as "Star Margerine", Team Lomonlime Soda", "Darigold Milk" and many more. At the age of nine, Marco starred on his third featured film, "Mrs. Teresa Abad, Ako Po Si Bing" where he played the young brother of Christopher De Leon and as the son of Anita Linda. The movie's story and screen play was written and created by his late uncle Toto Belano who was Regal Films' top movie writer at the time. Teresa Abad's cast also included Belano's aunt Aurea "Nene" Imutan (who played as a teacher) and Aurea's son Johnny as extras in the movie. Marco continued to play parts in TV and Radio Commercials throughout his teenage years and eventually migrated to US in the spring of 1984 where he has been enjoying his life with wife (former model) Connie and his son (Cosplay Model) Bronson.