Joel Torre

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is de León and the surname or paternal family name is Torre.

José Rizalino "Joel" de León Torre^[1] (born June 19, 1961) is a Filipino actor and producer who is best known for his numerous films such as the biographical film José Rizal (1998), crime thriller film On the Job (2013) and the historical drama Amigo (2010), with the latter winning him the Best Actor Award at the 17th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.^[2][3][4][5]

Joel Torre
Born	José Rizalino de León Torre (1961-06-19) June 19, 1961 (age 63) Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1978–present
Spouse	Christy Azcona ​ (m. 1990)​
Children	2

Early life and education

Torre originated from Bacolod^[6] and studied at the University of St. La Salle.^{[citation needed]}

Early career

At age seven, Torre was a member of the Bacolod-based Masskara theater group ran by director Peque Gallaga, where his passion for acting started. He was the youngest member in the group which composed of 13 people. He then played a small role in Lino Brocka's Gumising ka, Maruja which was shot in Bacolod in 1978. A few years later, Gallaga tasked Torre to play a role for his 1982 film Oro, Plata, Mata.^[7][8]

Personal life

Torre's middle name, Rizalino, comes from the fact that he was born exactly 100 years after the Filipino national hero José Rizal.^[9] His parents were Alfonso Obregon Torre and Luz de Leon Diaz. He is the grandson of former Iloilo City municipal president (now City Mayor) Juan de Leon who served from 1904–1905. His uncle is Dr. Pablo O. Torre. He is married to Christy Azcona in 1990. They have two daughters, Maria "Aila" Ariela and Maria "Marela" Raphaela.^[10]

In 2003, Torres and his wife founded JT's Manukan Grille in Quezon City. It offers Bacolod-style chicken inasal, a native dish of his. Currently, it has 35 branches in the country.^[11]

In 2024, Philippines AirAsia partnered with Torre's JT’s Manukan Grille to offer Bacolod chicken inasal in-flight. It also opened its first overseas restaurant in Lucky Plaza.^[12]

Filmography

Television

Year	Title	Role	Network
1989	Balintataw[13]		PTV
1991	Cebu		RPN
1993	Noli Me Tángere	Crisostomo Ibarra	ABC
1995	Villa Quintana	Robert Quintana	GMA Network
1997–1999	Esperanza	Raul Estrera	ABS-CBN
1998	Wansapanataym: Chemistry
1999	Saan Ka Man Naroroon	Juanito Ocampo
2001	Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka	Franco Dequiros Montecillo
2002–2004	Kapalaran	Cesar Arman
2003	A LEGACY OF HEROES: The Story of Bataan and Corregidor	Himself	IBC-13
2003	Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas	Anton Garcia	ABS-CBN
2004	Marina	Elias Sto. Domingo
2005	Now And Forever: Mukha	Guido	GMA Network
2006	Gulong ng Palad	Tomas Santos	ABS-CBN
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Poon	Jun
2007	Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang: Ang Prinsipeng Unggoy	Tinong	GMA Network
	Pangarap na Bituin	Cocoy Mendoza	ABS-CBN
2008	Iisa Pa Lamang	Rolando Ramirez
	Sine Novela: Saan Darating ang Umaga?	Ruben Rodrigo	GMA Network
2009	Zorro	Don Roberto Pelaez
2010	Elena M. Patron's Momay	Donato "Donnie" Buenavidez	ABS-CBN
	Pilyang Kerubin	Dante Garcia	GMA Network
	Grazilda	Fernando
	Wansapanataym: Buhawi Jack	Manuel Miranda	ABS-CBN
2011	100 Days to Heaven	Andres Delgado
2012	Walang Hanggan	William Alcantara
	Dahil sa Pag-Ibig	Benjamin Osorio
	Lorenzo's Time	Badong Gamboa
2013	Juan Dela Cruz	Jose "Mang Pepe" Guerrero
2013–2014	Honesto	Hugo Layer
2014	Ikaw Lamang	Samuel Hidalgo
2015	Wansapanataym: Remote ni Eric	Romy Gutierrez
2015–2016	On the Wings of Love	Soliman 'Sol' Olivar
2016–2021	FPJ's Ang Probinsyano	Teodoro "Teddy" Arevalo
2019–2020	Starla	Gregorio "Greggy" Dichaves
2021	It's Showtime	Magpasikat 2021 Judge	Kapamilya Channel
2023	Dirty Linen	Rolando Sinag / Abe Matias
2024	Pamilya Sagrado	Ernesto "Estong" Malonzo
2025	Incognito	Samuel

Web

Year	Title	Role	Platform
2022	One Good Day	Eddie Rodrigo	Amazon Prime Video

Films

Year	Title	Role	Producer
2024	And the Breadwinner Is...	Popshie Salvador (Bambi's father)	Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company
	Outside	Arturo	Netflix
	Lolo and the Kid	Lolo	Netflix
	Under a Piaya Moon	Lolo Poldo	Bakunawa Films
2021	Barumbadings	Mother Joy	Viva Films
2019	Miracle in Cell No. 7	Soliman / Boss Sol	Viva Films
2018	Jacqueline Comes Home	Dionisio	Viva Films
2017	Northern Lights: A Journey to Love	Kado	Spring Films, Regal Entertainment, Star Cinema
2016	Just the 3 of Us	Arturo Manalo	Star Cinema
2015	Felix Manalo	Teofilo Ramos	Viva Films
2013	On the Job	Mario 'Tatang' Maghari	Reality Entertainment, Star Cinema
2012	A Secret Affair	Jimmy	Viva Films
	Pridyider	Mr. Benitez	Regal Entertainment
	Just One Summer	Daniel Cuaresma Sr.	GMA Films
	The Bourne Legacy	Citrus Samaritan / Extra	Universal Studios
	The Healing	Melchor	Star Cinema
2011	Subject: I Love You	Marlon	Radiant Films
2011	Le Marquis	Le Commandant Du SWAT	Pathé
2010	In Your Eyes	Ronnie Delos Santos	GMA Films, Viva Films
2010	Amigo	Rafael Dacanay	Variance Films, Star Cinema, Origin8Media
2008	Baler	Commandante Teodorico Luna Novicio	Viva Films
2008	Namets!	Caveman	Videoflick Productions
2008	Ploning	Old Siloy	Panoramanila Pictures
2007	The Promise	Gustin	Regal Entertainment, GMA Films
2004	Panaghoy sa Suba	Damian	CM Films
2004	Lastikman: Unang Banat	Pablo	Viva Films
2004	Evolution of a Filipino Family	Mayor	Ebolusyon Productions, Sine Olivia, Paul Tañedo Inc.
2003	My First Romance	Dante	Star Cinema
2002	Singsing ni Lola	Fidel	Regal Entertainment
2000	Spirit Warriors	Roman	Roadrunner Network, Inc., MAQ Productions
2000	Tanging Yaman	Francis	Star Cinema
1999	Esperanza: The Movie	Raul Estrera	Star Cinema
1999	Bayaning 3rd World	José Rizal	Cinema Artists Philippines
1998	José Rizal	Crisostomo Ibarra / Simoun	GMA Films
1997	Milagros	Junie	Merdeka Film Productions
1997	DNA	Taka	Interlight Films
1996	Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar	Emilio Aguinaldo	Golden Lion Films
1995	Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us!) – A Massacre in Singapore[14][15]	Conrado Maga	Regal Films and Golden Lions Films
1995	The Lilian Velez Story Till Death Us Part	Joe Climaco	Viva Films and Golden Lions Films
1995	Eskapo	Jorge Cabardo	Star Cinema
1994	Lipa Arandia Massacre Lord Deliver Us From Evil	Ronald Arandia	Viva Films and Golden Lions Films
1988	Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?	Larry	Seiko Films
1985	Bituing Walang Ningning	Garry Diaz	Viva Films
1983	Karnal	Goryo	Cine Suerte
1982	Oro, Plata, Mata	Miguel Lorenzo	Experimental Cinema of the Philippines

• Kabisera (2013)
• The Diplomat Hotel (2013)
• Juana C. the Movie (2013)
• Mariposa: Sa Hawla ng Gabi (2012)
• Huling Biyahe (2012)
• Captive(2012)
• Flight of an Angel (2011)
• Deep Gold 3D (2011)
• Sabungero (2009)
• Surviving Evil (2009)
• Affliction (2008)
• Green Paradise (2007)
• Casket for Hire (2007)
• Possessed (2007)
• Baliw (2007)
• Ina, Anak, Pamilya (2006)
• Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
• Hari ng Sablay: Isang tama, sampung mali (2005)
• Beneath the Cogon (2005)
• Rigodon (2005)
• Ang Anak ni Brocka (2005)
• Say That You Love Me (2005)
• Camiling Story (2005)
• Lasponggols (2005)
• Pinoy/Blonde (2005)
• Boso (2005)
• Kuya (2004)
• Ang Kapitbahay (2003)
• Chavit (2003)
• Abong: Small Home (2003)
• First Time (2003)
• Sanib (2003)
• Utang ni Tatang (2002)
• Taxi ni Pilo (2001)
• Batang West Side (2001)
• Anak (2000)
• Bayaning 3rd World (1999)
• Still Lives (1999)
• Kiss Mo 'Ko (1999)
• Hubad sa Ilalim ng Buwan
• Seventeen (1999)
• Berdugo (1998)
• Ilaban Mo, Bayan Ko: The Obet Pagdanganan Story (1997)
• Maalaala Mo Kaya (1997)
• Puerto Princesa (1997)
• Tirad Pass: The Story of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar (1997)
• Nakaw Na Sandali (1997)
• Ilaban Mo Bayan Ko (1997)
• Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig? (1997)
• Milagros (1997)
• DNA (1997)
• Nasaan Ka nang Kailangan Kita (1996)
• Mumbaki (1996)
• Sana Naman (1996)
• Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us!) (1995)
• Redeem Her Honor (1995)
• Rollerboys (1995)
• Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy (1995)
• The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part (1995)
• Eskapo (1995)
• Asian Cop: High Voltage (1995)
• Tunay na magkaibigan, walang iwanan... peksman (1994)
• Lipa 'Arandia' Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us from Evil (1994)
• Comfort Women: A Cry for Justice (1994)
• The Myrna Diones Story (Lord, Have Mercy!) (1993)
• Maricris Sioson: Japayuki (1993)
• Leonardo Delos Reyes: Alyas Waway (1993)
• Pandoy: Alalay ng Panday (1993)
• Noli Me Tángere (1992)
• Matud Nila (1991)
• Shake, Rattle & Roll III (1991)
• McBain
• Kasalanan ang Buhayin Ka (1990)
• Machete: Istatwang buhay (1990)
• Mana sa ina
• Kunin mo ang ulo ni Ismael (1990)
• First Lesson (1989)
• Mahirap ang magmahal (1989)
• Anak ng demonyo (1989)
• Magkano ang iyong dangal? (1988)
• Arturo Lualhati (1988)
• Isusumbong kita sa Diyos (1988)
• Hiwaga sa Balete Drive (1988)
• Olongapo... The Great American Dream (1987)
• Susuko ba ako, inay? (1987)
• Once Upon a Time (1987)
• Saan Nagkamali Ang Pag-ibig (1987)
• Evelio (1986)
• Bilanggo sa Dilim (1986)
• I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa (1986)
• The Graduates
• Unfaithful Wife (1986)
• Bagong Hari (1986)
• Bed Sins (1985)
• Beware: Bed Sins (1985)
• Isla (1985)
• Shake, Rattle & Roll (1984)
• Batgts 2
• Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan (1984)
• Of the Flesh (1983)
• Init sa Magdamag (1983)
• Oro, Plata, Mata (1982)
• Wake Up, Maruja (1978)

Music video appearances

Year	Title	Performer	Director	Ref.
2021	Magpahinga	Ben&Ben	Jorel Lising	[16]

Awards

• Celebrity Inductee, 2013 Eastwood City Walk Of Fame
• Nominated, Best Drama Actor "Boracay" PMPC Star Awards For TV 1991
• Winner, Best Supporting Actor "Under a Piaya Moon" Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2024

References

1. Evangelista, Patricia (September 2, 2013). "Piolo, Gerald and Joel on the job". Rappler. Esquire Philippines. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
2. "Joel Torre wins Best Actor as OTJ (On the Job) wins Jury Prize in South Korea". GMA News. Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
3. "Unexpected, emotional win for Joel Torre in Korea". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on August 30, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
4. "Joel Torre wins Best Actor, OTJ (On the Job) wins Jury prize in South Korea | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
5. "'On the Job,' Joel Torre win in Korea". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 30, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
6. "Joel Torre, inabot ng 42 taon bago nakagawa muli ng Ilonggo film". PEP.ph. March 20, 2024.
7. Mangubat, Noel (April 9, 2005). "Joel Torre: The actor as student of life". Retrieved January 20, 2016.
8. Tariman, Pablo (December 5, 2004). "'Idealism' is not an ugly word". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
9. Lo, Ricky. "Joel Torre: Being". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
10. Bardinas, Mary (April 19, 2023). "Joel Torre & daughters Aila & Marela". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
11. Aspiras, Regie (February 9, 2024). "Joel Torre's ode to his hometown comfort food". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
12. Ching, Anthony (July 31, 2024). "AirAsia brings actor Joel Torre's JT's Manukan on board". Daily Tribune (Philippines). Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
13. "'Iskolar' in Balintataw". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. January 24, 1989. p. 16. Retrieved July 3, 2023. Written by Lav Diaz.
14. "The Much-Awaited Movie Will Shock You Today!". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. May 17, 1995. p. A4. Retrieved December 29, 2021. This movie will unmask the real killer!!!
15. Daza, Jullie Y. (May 18, 1995). "Women as losers". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 9. Retrieved December 29, 2021. Carlo J. Caparas is out to prove that he can leave his signature on the longest subtitles in movie history.
16. Cruz, Dana (May 24, 2021). "WATCH: Ben&Ben releases 'Magpahinga' video starring Joel Torre, Bela Padilla". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.

External links

• Joel Torre at IMDb