Kapamilya Primetime King Coco Martin believes in paying it forward
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has become an avenue for renowned and semi-retired actors such as Lito Lapid, John Regala, Jess Lapid, Victor Neri and Efren Reyes, Jr. to once again try the limelight and showcase their acting prowess.
The show has also become an instrument for young kids (Coco’s own discoveries) like Awra, Ligaya, Dang and Paquito to realize their dreams of becoming stars in their own rights and thus thus improve their families’ living conditions.
It is also successful in its bid to revive the action genre in Pinoy entertainment that provides livelihood to industry workers including stuntmen and bit players.
Unwittingly, this in a way, has become an advocacy for Primetime King Coco Martin.
“Honestly, may ganoon. Kasi isang factor iyon, dahil noong bata ako talaga, tagahanga na ako ng mga pelikula. And then, iyong mga hinahangaan ko, pangarap ko ring makatrabaho balang araw.
“Bilang part ng creative (team), nakakapag-suggest ako at iyong sina-suggest ko naaaprubahan naman ng management.
“Iyong para sa mga baguhang artista naman po, nandoon siguro rin po ako sa lagi kung binabalikan noong nagsisimula pa ako at iyong mga taong nagbigay sa akin ng oportunidad.
“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, siguro ito naman iyong timing o opportunity para ako naman ang magbukas ng pinto at oportunidad sa kanila. Lahat naman ng tao, nangangailangan lang ng oportunidad,” he pointed out.
The toprating teleserye is also laudable for its efforts to incorporate a component of public service and charity in their show.
Aside from the action-packed scenes on television, the series also continues to bring joy and inspiration through its endeavours.
Recently, the cast led ABS-CBN’s “Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino” where they brought happiness and offered unconditional help to wounded soldiers who fought in the armed conflict in Marawi in V. Luna hospital according to Dreamscape executive Deo Endrinal.
“Actually, bilang mga artista naman po, siyempre, sa blessings na tinatanggap namin sa trabaho ngayon, lahat naman po ay naghahanap ng outlet kung paano ibabalik sa mga tao.
“But then, wala namang pinilit, wala pong pahirapan. Noong sinabi ng boss namin na magkakaroon kami ng charity para sa mga sundalo, walang nagdalawang isip o nagdalawang salita. Lahat, nag-oo at willing talagang tumulong sa mga sundalo dahil likas naman po sa ating mga Pinoy na matulungin sa kapuwa,” he said.
Adding another milestone to its growing list of achievements, the show is more committed to deliver inspired storytelling and powerful performances from its cast as it celebrates its 100th week on television.
The latest addition to the cast is none other than his brother, Ronwaldo Martin, an acclaimed actor and Gawad Urian nominee.
In one of my previous interviews, Coco said that he’s not ready to work with his younger brother yet because he wanted him to concentrate on doing indie movies first.
However, the multi-awarded winning actor explained to PSR his change of heart.
“Honestly, nahihiya ako siyempre. Ayoko iyong parang pilit na for the sake na may show ako, ipapasok ko ang kapatid ko.
“Sabi ko nga, ayokong maglagay ng kahit na sinong artista na sapilitan lang o pakiusapan lang. Gusto ko talagang lahat ng parte ng cast, talagang nababagay sila kung nasaan sila. Noong nakita ko na okey na, nakakaarte na at nakaka-deliver na at bagay sa role, iyon, ipinasok ko na.
“Nakita ko rin na gusto nga niya akong makatrabaho pero nahihiya lamang siyang sabihin. And then, noong pumasok na, minsan napapagalitan ko sa set pag nagkakamali. Pero ginagawa ko lang iyon para i-guide siya sa set. Ganoon kasi ako, eh. Ayokong maglagay ng exception dahil kapatid ko siya, kahit nagkamali siya o hindi.
“Nanibago kasi siya sa TV. Iba kasi sa TV at iba rin sa indie. Sa TV kasi, kailangang iangat nang konti ang acting, lalo na kung mababa iyong acting mo,” he quipped.
Aside from being the most-awarded and longest running teleserye, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano continues to reap numerous praises for its lessons about love for family and for the country.
Its informercial turned international book “Ligtas Tips” also educates viewers about several modus and crimes such as budol-budol, child trafficking and carnapping.
The action series is also commended for promoting crime awareness and crime prevention among audiences.
Coco is also doing “Panday,” his first directorial job for the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.
