Coco Martin: The Next Attraction

He kissed a guy and bared his skin in Masahista, Daybreak and Condo. Coco Martin, without much reservation, did those daring scenes for the sake of the cinema he calls independent — or indie for short.

In the last three years, we have seen Coco in more than 14 indies. That’s an average of four a year.

The ABS-CBN Star Magic talent has worked with indie filmmakers Raya Martin, Francis Pasion, Jeffrey Jeturian, Adolf Alix Jr. and Dante Mendoza, this year’s Cannes Best Director for Kinatay. He has met Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Quentin Tarantino in film festivals abroad. For two consecutive years, he walked the red carpet in French Riviera. 

With his body of work, Coco, as his Martin starrer puts it, is local tinseltown’s Next Attraction.

Below, Coco answers questions of Open Line readers and shares his indie life and experience abroad.

What was your most challenging project? (Angeliene Roque of Manila)

I’m proud of what I did in Daybreak. There were only two characters in the story. The movie had less words or dialogues. I had apprehensions because people might not like it or tend to get bored.

Acting wise, I think I did well in Kinatay. It wasn’t talkie and the acting was intense. My character was a criminology student who witnessed a crime and I had to show the emotions (that come with it) to the viewers.

How was it like kissing a man (Paolo Rivero in Daybreak)? (Sandy Rose David, Ermita)

It was awkward, especially for a man like me. My love scene with Paolo took six hours to finish. Every time we felt our goatee, we would break into laughter. It was really awkward. Due to exasperation, you just have to do it.

What’s the good and bad side of doing indie movies? (Yoradyl Fernandez, Biñan)

It has resuscitated the (ailing) local movie industry. Now, we can watch more local movies than foreign ones. The downside, however, is some abuse the indie cinema or use it for the wrong reason.

Do you get star struck whenever you see and meet Hollywood stars in filmfests abroad? (Wally Loberiza, Parañaque)

Yes, I do. But I’m not the type who would take photos with them or ask for an autograph. I’m just happy seeing them.

As an actor, do you still have inhibitions? (Vicky Lontoc, Rizal)

I don’t want to have limitations. I will do what is asked of me for as long as I can.

What’s going on your mind when you walk the red carpet? (Bebing Pununcianan, Davao City)

I’m flattered and proud because I represent my country. I feel like Manny Pacquiao.

Why do people consider you the Indie King? (Rommel Manuel, Mandaluyong City)

I hope because of my credentials and body of work. — Jerry Donato

(Note: Fans are welcome to send in questions for their favorite stars. Open Line will get the answers for you. E-mail at [email protected] and [email protected])