Mark Andaya

Mark Anthony Gozar Andaya (born March 22, 1981), also known as "Big Mac" or "Big Mak", is a Filipino former professional basketball player. He was drafted eighth overall by Talk 'N Text in the 2006 PBA draft. After playing for the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League, he was acquired by the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. He also had a brief stint with the Misamis Oriental Meteors in the Liga Pilipinas and then played for several MPBL teams.

Andaya's first acting role was in the film On the Job. He has had other roles in films and teleseryes such as FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, Fantastica, and Hello Universe!

Early life Andaya is the youngest son of Primitvo Andaya, a businessman from Calapan, Mindoro, and Ma. Corona Gozar, a Spanish professor at Adamson University. He grew up in Manila, with four brothers and four sisters. When he was two years old, their father died. Although they grew up poor, their mother worked hard to provide for them and keep them out of trouble.

Andaya studied at Rafael Palma Elementary School. There he became the editor of his school's newspaper, played the bandurria in his school's rondalla, and won awards in painting and drawing contests. He also learned how to play basketball on the streets. In his NCAA debut he scored 11 points in a win over the PCU Dolphins. He then scored 14 points in a win over the San Beda Red Lions. In the first game of the Final Four against the Dolphins, he scored 14 points before Jonathan Aldave nailed a three-pointer with 3.2 seconds left to seize the win. The Dolphins however bounced back in the do-or-die Game 2 to defeat the Knights as they went on to win the title.

The following season, Letran went 13–1 in its title bid. Andaya led the league in blocks while averaging double digits in both points and rebounds. They faced the Dolphins once again, this time in the finals. In his last season with the Knights, they were able to give Letran their 16th NCAA basketball title.

Professional career

Talk 'N Text Phone Pals Andaya was drafted 8th overall in the 2006 PBA Draft by the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals.

Air21 Express Before the start of the 2006–07 Philippine Cup playoffs, Andaya and Abe Santos were traded to the Air21 Express for Leo Avenido and Yancy de Ocampo.

Red Bull Barako After his stay with Air21, Andaya joined the Red Bull Barako. He was inserted into the lineup after Junthy Valenzuela was traded from the team for draft picks. He then got to play in the Rookies vs Sophomore game during the 2008 PBA All-Star Weekend. Before the 2008 Fiesta Conference quarterfinals, he was released as Red Bull signed Reed Juntilla.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters During the 2008 PBA Draft, Andaya was acquired by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Philippine Patriots In 2009, Andaya joined the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). They finished 11–4 in the regular season and swept the playoffs, winning the Philippines its first ABL title.

Misamis Oriental Meteors Andaya then played for the Misamis Oriental Meteors in the Liga Pilipinas.

Barako Bull Energy Boosters Andaya was set to return for another tour in the ABL with the Philippine Patriots, but when the Barako Bull Energy Boosters offered him a slot on their roster, he left the Patriots before their opening game. In his first two games, he quickly totaled nine blocks. He was second in the league in blocks, with 1.6 per game. Andaya and the other players were put into a dispersal draft. He and Jason Misolas were not picked, making them free agents (although Barako held their rights until another team signed them).

Barako Bull Energy Andaya tried out for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. He eventually found his way to the Barako Bull Energy (not to be confused with the Energy Boosters) and played just two games for them. He would play in only two games for them. However, he never got to play for KIA in an official PBA game for them and was a practice player for them instead. He also played in the semi-pro Marikina City Basketball League in 2017.

In 2018, Andaya got a call to play for the Valenzuela Classic of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). He tried out for them and made his return to professional basketball.

During his stint with Valenzuela, Andaya also played in the PBA D-League for the AMA Online Education Titans while still doing acting roles. In 2019, he returned the Valenzuela Classic, but for their 3x3 team in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3.

Mandaluyong El Tigre After playing for Valenzuela, Andaya stayed in the MPBL and joined the Mandaluyong El Tigre.

Pasig Pirates Andaya then played for the Pasig Pirates. He was selected as an All-Star reserve for the MPBL All-Star Game that season.

Other ventures

Acting In 2013, Andaya played a prison inmate named Simeon who fights hitman Daniel Benitez (Gerald Anderson) in the critically-acclaimed film On the Job. His performance led to him getting a 10-year acting contract.

In 2019, Andaya appeared on It's Showtime! on the segment "KapareWho Surprise".

In 2023, Andaya was seen in the basketball film Hello Universe! He also played "Tanos", one of Tanggol's (Coco Martin) childhood friends in the action series FPJ's Batang Quiapo.

Politics In October 2013, Andaya ran for barangay captain but lost.

Personal life Andaya was born with a cleft palate.

Filmography

Television Year !! Title !! Role !! Ref. 2017–2018 Super Ma'am Pido

The General's Daughter Jack It's Showtime! Himself 2023 Hello Universe! Jer Season-by-season averages