Coco happy to be Angeline's first leading man

MANILA, Philippines - After helping launch Julia Montes as a mature leading lady in Walang Hanggan on TV, Coco Martin is now helping singer Angeline Quinto in her very first attempt at acting in a movie, Born To Love You.

“I’m really happy na makatulong sa mga baguhan,” says Coco. “Kung anuman ang mararating ni Angeline in her career, I’m glad I am her first leading man.”

So how’s Angeline as an actress? “Since she had no acting background at all, at first, she was like a robot. She didn’t know anything like zero, not even blocking. She really needed our support on the set, and patience on our part, being her co-stars, and from our director, Jerome Pobocan,” says Coco. “I personally helped motivate her and explain to her before each take what kind of attack is best for the scene. It was really exhausting on my part, but it paid off because when we watched the movie, she doesn’t look like a newcomer, magaling siya, lalo sa drama. I play a photographer here and she is a tourist guide. We both have our own problems in life. Then we meet and we discover we are born to love each other, that’s why the movie’s title is Born To Love You. I’m happy with this movie as this is my first romantic drama na matagal ko ng pangarap gawin.”

Coco is not aware that he’s seen as a role model by today’s aspiring actors. When auditions for sexy indie films are held, so many young men are willing to disrobe and they say they want to follow in Coco’s footsteps.

Coco was introduced playing the title role in Masahista, where he not only disrobed but even got himself sodomized by Allan Paule in one scene. In Daybreak, he did unabashed kissing and bed scenes with Paulo Rivero. In Serbis, he did frontal nudity.

In spite of all these daring scenes, look at him now. He’s the hottest primetime actor on ABS-CBN now with his Walang Hanggan, a top-rater that even eclipses Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales’ Dahil Sa Pag-ibig in the ratings. He now does mainstream films like Born To Love You where he helps introduce Angeline to stardom. He’s also so busy as an endorser. No wonder new actors idolize him and are willing to take the same route that he has taken.

As for Angeline, she’s thankful that Coco is her first leading man. “Even before I joined Star Power on ABS, I’ve watched him on TV and he’s really my idol, my crush. I never thought we’d get to work together and now he’s my leading man in my first movie. I want to thank him for all his help. Direk Jerome says we have very good chemistry. He’s also my first kiss.”

She says she has had two boyfriends before she joined showbiz but not one of them got to kiss her. “They’re not as handsome naman as Coco, kaya virgin pa ang lips ko at si Coco ang nakauna sa kanila.”

So how was it? “Yummy, (his kiss) smells Listerine. But it was a difficult scene for me. Since I had no experience in kissing, I was so nervous. At first, I opened my mouth and just waited for Coco’s kiss. But direk Jerome said isara ko na lang daw and just let Coco handle the scene. It’s good that he handled it well. I was thrilled! Sana nga, kumita ang movie namin para may part two. Tuloy ang kissing scenes.”

How did she feel when told she’d do a movie with Coco? “I was so surprised. Sabi ko, hindi muna ako sinubukan sa TV, sa teleserye, heto’t movie agad! I feel so much pressure. But I’m also very thankful to ABS-CBN for giving me this break. In return, I did my best to play my role well. My character was tailor-made me for me kasi may pagka-jologs din. With the Lord’s help and all the people working with me, I think naitawid ko naman nang maayos.”

Would she like Coco to be her third boyfriend? “Why not? But I don’t want to rush things. One step at a time so he won’t get shocked,” she laughs.

How come she’s also rumored to be a tomboy? “Naku, naririnig ko rin po yan. I admit I can be boyish. I’m so makulit kasi, I joke a lot, pero ganun lang po talaga ako as I grew up in a very populated area in Sampaloc that’s why I’m street-smart. I hope they won’t turn it into an issue as I really prefer boys.”