Coco is happy where he is

Coco Martin is one who never forgets his roots. He has come a long way since his indie film days. In every project he does, he always recognizes the efforts of everyone — from the crew and utility people to the creative staff and actors — and spends a lot of time bonding with them.

On the set of the teleserye, Juan dela Cruz, which is about to end its nine-month run, Coco says the bonding with cast and crew was one of the things that made the show memorable despite all the hard work. It was probably the hardest soap he ever did because it blended several elements: Fantasy, drama, action, comedy and romance. “This is one of the most difficult soaps that I’ve done,” he admits. “To be honest, sobrang pagod na inaabot namin. We would get sick, we would last until five to six a.m. taping, at times even until 12 noon, but because of the strong bonding of the cast, we became like a family here. Even we would get so tired, it would still be fun on the set, it’s like you’re in school. When I used to go to school, I report not because I wanted to study but because I wanted to see my friends. Same thing here. It’s sad yet happy. Sad because it’s ending, happy because of our bonding on the set.”

Another thing he will take away from this, is the experience of working with actors like Eddie Garcia and Albert Martinez. Watching them at work was something that both humbled and inspired him. Eddie would arrive on the set at 7 a.m., and the set would be packed up at 7 a.m. the next day (sometimes even later), and despite the long working hours, he did his job without any fuss. Albert, he describes, as a very intelligent person and an actor who has so much to share and one who gives so generously. The senior actors earned his respect and gave Coco a new perspective on his work as an actor and provided him with the drive to keep moving forward. “There’s a lot to draw inspiration from, especially from the veteran actors whom I’ve worked with. I’m so lucky to have worked with them. I’ve learned so much. They are my inspiration,” says Coco. “Napakasarap isipin na sana, umabot din ako sa ganoong edad. I hope to adopt their good attitude as actors and as co-workers.”

After all that is said and done, Coco — who is called the “idolo ng masa” — is grateful for all the opportunities given to him, not just the Juan dela Cruz, but all the projects he has done. He welcomes the chance to be an inspiration to other people and to be able to reach out to them. Like his character in Juan dela Cruz, he has become some sort of modern-day hero for people like him, who came from humble beginnings. “It’s nice feeling to become an inspiration to televiewers. I have a big responsibility not just as a person but also as an artist. Para lalo kong pagbutihin ang buhay ko at maging careful sa ginagagawa ko.”

As far as reaching out to people is concerned, Coco says he’s content to do it where and how he is able, and doesn’t see the need to throw his hat into the political ring. “Honestly, it’s a very nice feeling to be of help. It’s already okay with me that I’m able to support my family and become an example,” he says. “I want the simple life more. I don’t want to complicate things by entering politics.”

He is happy that he is where he is, and for now, he says, that’s all that matters.