Pokwang, or Marietta Subong in real life, has been known for tickling the hearts of every Filipino audience with her funny antics and her ever-surprising costumes and hairstyles. Her knack for jokes and well-delivered punch lines has made her one of the most successful local comediennes today.

As a performer, however, Pokwang wanted more.

I WAS a smoker for more than 15 years. At times, I would try to quit for a few months but then would give way to the craving and urge to light up again. Finally, realizing that I wasn’t getting any younger and feeling that my body cannot take any more of the abuse, I just went cold turkey.

To date, I have been smoke-free for over three years. My sister, who has a heart condition, and had multiple strokes in the past, doesn’t realize that smoking plays a big part of her health. She is just 43 years old and she can hardly walk a mile without catching her breath. She still smokes today.