Actor reflects on success of Juan dela Cruz as the show wraps up

Coco Martin says Juan dela Cruz, an action-fantasy series which has lorded over the ratings in the past nine months, will finally end this month. Here’s what he had to say about the end of his project.

Juan dela Cruz is one of your most successful TV projects. How do you feel about its coming end?

I feel sad of course, but that is how things are in Philippine television now. Even other successful TV series’ last only one or two seasons, so we are lucky. It’s sad because we have become like a family on the set, but the story cannot be extended any longer, without comprising the quality. At some point the audience will get bored and will look for something new. We are happy that we were able to sustain their interest for an extended period of time.

How was it like working on this project?

It was challenging, we had to tape five or six times a week. But even though it was physically exhausting, it was also a lot of fun. I come to the set knowing I will be working with close friends, not just co-actors.

What will you remember most about this project?

Besides the good working environment, I am very happy that the programme became an instrument for social good. We teach good values to children, Juan [his character] was a good role model. And we were also able to distribute schools supplies to need school children.

What’s next for you?

I think I will be going on a vacation with my family. I hardly saw them while I was doing Juan dela Cruz, so I need to spend some time with them. No plans for any out-of-town or out-of-the-country trip, just bonding time at home. The house is almost finished so we will probably just have some get-togethers at home. I have also been thinking about building a school for poor children. It’s a plan, a dream which I hope I can start during my break.

How about movies?

During the break, I will be meeting with my handlers to talk about a few indie and mainstream projects being offered to me. I hope to be able to do one film at least.

So it will be a working vacation after all?

[Laughs] Yes, yes; but not on a daily basis. I want to send some time with my family; they are the reason I am working so hard, so I have to enjoy it with them.